Apple’s iPhone 5 is more popular than the Samsung Galaxy S4, latest figures based on UK sales figures of the two smartphones have suggested.
According to the monthly uSwitch Mobile Tracker which monitors smartphone sales, pre-orders and live searches, the iPhone 5 has retained the crown as the UK’s most popular smartphone for a fourth consecutive month while the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4 could only achieve third. Bookended by the two high-end handsets is the aging iPhone 4S.
“Samsung really caught lightning in a bottle with the Galaxy S3, delivering an affordable and appealing iPhone alternative at the perfect moment,” Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert with uSwitch stated. “The Galaxy S4 has so far failed to grab the attention of smartphone fans in quite the same way.”
He added: “The fact the S4 is tracking below analysts’ expectations could explain why the South Korean giant has brought the launches of its Galaxy S4 Zoom, S4 Active and S4 Mini to the fore - a trio of smartphones targeting specific sectors of the market with a laser-like focus.
“Its strategy has always been to dominate the market with multiple devices, rather than focusing on a single effort and, thus far, it has proven a very successful approach.”
Earlier this week it was claimed that Samsung has shipped 20 million Samsung Galaxy S4 handsets to date, although global sales of the Android 4.2.2 device have been considerably lower than early analyst expectations. Concerns have remained around Samsung Galaxy S4 sales despite the Korean manufacturer recording record quarterly profits.
With Samsung and Apple dominating the UK’s top ten most popular smartphones, the 8GB iPhone 4 is reportedly the nation’s fourth most popular phone for June 2013, with the Samsung Galaxy S3 in fifth. With a further three Samsung handsets lining up in the top ten, the Samsung Galaxy Ace, Samsung Galaxy S2 and Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini sit in spots eight through ten respectively.
“The iPhone’s assured position of three spots in the top ten speaks volumes of the longevity and enduring appeal of Apple handsets,” Doku stated. “Three years is a lifetime in smartphone terms, and few devices can hold their own in terms of features today. However, the iPhone 4 – released back in June 2010 – is now available from as little as £15 per month, making it not only a fantastic device, but also incredible value for money.”
Completing the month’s top ten, the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z sit in positions six and seven respectively.
Read More: iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S4
