Our SpecTRAX Q1 2010 shelf share analysis of 140 mobile network operators revealed that Research in Motion’s BlackBerry Curve 8520 moved up one place to top the chart, appearing in the product portfolios of 58 of the 140 network operators tracked in 29 countries around the world, more than any other handset model at the time.

The BlackBerry BOLD 9000 was finally pushed off top spot in Q1 2010, having been the model appearing on most network operators’ shelves during 2009. Research in Motion’s Curve 8520 moved up from second place in Q4 2009 to take first place in Q1 2010, ahead of 3 variations of the iPhone and the RIM Onyx. Nokia's highest ranked phone in this shelf share anaylsis was the N97 taking sixth place.

Q1 2010 Shelf Share Analysis

 

The report also summarises the key features and trends of 61 new handsets that were announced during May 2010 for which detailed specifications were available. Highlights from May’s 61 new handset announcements include:

  • Penetration of Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS in new handsets are at their lowest levels for over a year, due to an increase in the number of low-end model announcements.
  • 25 touchscreen phones (41% of the 61 new models), 21 of which are using capacitive and only 4 of which are using resistive technology;
  • 55 new models (90%) were announced with a memory card slot, all of which are microSD-based. Six of these models can support 32GB memory card capacity (microSDHC) and a further 19 support cards up to 16GB.

The lower than average specs during recent months can be attributed in part to a higher than normal number of entry-level phones being introduced by several Tier 2 and Tier 3 handset vendors, mainly for China, India and other emerging markets.

The full 11 page SpecTRAX report can be accessed by clients here: BlackBerry Curve 8520 Takes Shelf Share Top Spot in Q1 2010
http://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=ReportAbstractViewer&a0=5626

Stuart Robinson

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