Inexpensive Smartphones Will Become the Smartest Choice in 2011, Pyramid Finds

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- After a disastrous 2009, and a noteworthy recovery in 2010, the global handset market will grow roughly 8 percent in total handset unit sell-through in 2011, resulting in more than 1.4 billion devices sold. Basic ultra-low cost handsets, inexpensive smartphones, and Android-based devices will see the most demand in 2011, according to a new report from Pyramid Research (www.pyr.com).

As Android Surges, Low-cost Handsets Shake, Rattle, and Roll the Device Market analyzes the prospects of the global handset market in 2011, provides our projection of the total volume sell-through globally and per region, a five-year smartphone forecast, vendors' market shares, and an analysis of operating systems in the context of the competitive global handsets market. Finally, the report provides profiles for several ultra-low cost handsets including: Nokia N1616, Samsung E1170, ZTE's S306, Spice M4250, Maxx MX170, and Samsung E2530.

Download an excerpt of this report here: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/downloads.htm?id=5&sc=PRN122010_INSGL2.6

Purchase this report online: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/ins_gl_101216.htm?sc=PRN122010_INSGL2.6

In 2011-2015, 70 percent of new handsets sales will be derived from emerging markets. "The demand in these markets will remain skewed toward very basic, ultra-low cost handsets in 2011 and, given the size of these markets, their preferences will dictate the global demand trends, too," says Stela Bokun, Senior Analyst at Pyramid Research. Pyramid expects that some demand for inexpensive basic models will come from the developed markets, too. "The underpenetrated market segments in these countries are children and seniors. On average these users seem to opt for the simplest cell phone models, which often offer only text messaging within its data functions," notes Bokun.

While smartphones have seen a skyrocketing demand in developed markets in 2010, Pyramid projects even stronger demand for these handsets in emerging markets going forward. "The demand for low-cost smartphones in these regions has been on the rise in the second half of 2010, and will culminate in 2011," indicates Bokun. The growing popularity of Android OS will be one of the drivers of this trend. "The expansion of Android, typically associated with more inexpensive smartphones, will be particularly pronounced in the Latin American and Asia/Pacific markets, which are characterized by high price elasticity due to their lower average income levels," according to Bokun.

As Android Surges, Low-cost Handsets Shake, Rattle, and Roll the Device Market is part of Pyramid Research's Global Telecom Insider report series. Download an excerpt of this report: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/downloads.htm?id=5&sc=PRN122010_INSGL2.6. This report is priced at $595 and can be purchased online here http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/ins_gl_101216.htm?sc=PRN122010_INSGL2.6 or by contacting [email protected].

SOURCE Pyramid Research