The number of global smartphone shipments will reach one billion per annum in
2016, up from 302 million in 2010, according to Juniper Research.

Smartphones traditionally high-end handsets will make-up the majority of
shipments in five years’ time, as this type of device becomes available at
lower price points. Competition amongst vendors offering premium smartphones is
intense, and so Juniper believes the best opportunity for new players is
through economy models (those with an unsubsidised retail value of $150 or
less).

In developed markets, many consumers will want to upgrade from a feature phone
to a smartphone, but still pay a feature phone price. In emerging markets
though, lower average consumer spending power and lack of operator subsidies
will make a low price point essential,” said Daniel Ashdown, author,
Smartphones report.

Juniper predicts that open-source operating systems
predominantly Android combined with the falling cost of key components will
make this possible.

However, the market for standard smartphones ($151-$399) and premium
smartphones ($400 and above) will remain robust, new technologies are arriving
on these devices including NFC, 3D and Biometrics, features of other devices
continue to be integrated into smartphones, including gamepads and Smartphones
are reaching the market which can morph into other devices notably tablets and
netbooks.

The report provides substantial primary research on smartphone hardware
specifications and analysis of recent trends and developments. Other primary
research examines smartphone plans and handset subsidies, and the impact on
subscriber retention costs for operators.

By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com