Samsung moving faster in smartphone market than Apple >25% market share

Samsung Electronics Co. had to compete head-on with Apple Inc.’s iPhone 5 during the fourth quarter, but the South Korean technology giant continued to distance itself from peers as its one size doesn’t fit all approach drives strong global demand.

The company launched more than 30 smartphones in 2012, putting it in a great position to capitalize on the impending shift in demand demographics.

“Samsung is growing faster than the market,” said Mark Sue, a New York-based analyst with RBC Capital Markets. “Smartphone penetration is now maturing to a replacement cycle in the developed markets, while growth in emerging markets is expected to be driven by demand for low-end/mid-tier smartphones.”

He expects global smartphone shipments will grow faster than 25% annually in 2013 to 793 million units, with Samsung’s share of the market rising 30% to 280 million units