Camera phones dominate Western European Sales in Q3 2004

Posted on 5 Jan 2005 at 10:00

Almost three quarters of new mobile phones sold in Western Europe in the third quarter of 2004 were equipped with digital cameras. The 72 per cent market share of camera phones represented a 600 per cent growth over the same quarter in 2003. Colour screens are also dominant with some 80 per cent of phones now fitted with a colour display.

The figures are part of the latest IDC survey of the European Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report. IDC found that the market - previously considered saturated - had a 24 per cent boost over the previous year as consumers upgraded their older models with new devices offering a wider range of functions. Consumers are being persuaded to part with their cash by new stylish models and heavy marketing campaigns pushing the new features

Andrew Brown, program manager for European Mobile Devices at IDC said, 'Colour screens and digital cameras characterised higher-end handsets just 12 months ago. However, with such features now incorporated in mid- and even low-range models, we are seeing a rise in consumer expectations as vendors seek to differentiate product offerings by appealing to consumers through attractive form factors and features.'

IDC says that in 2005, 1.3 megapixel cameras are set to become a standard feature in higher-end mobiles and smartphones. As phones grow to become all purpose media devices, IDC expects Bluetooth to also become standard. The wireless communications standard is already establishing itself. IDC reports that in the third quarter of 2004, Bluetooth enabled devices represented 36 per cent of the market - a 200 per cent growth rate.

Amongst the vendors, Nokia remained market leader with 34.3 per cent of the total market. However, this is well down on the 46.5 per cent market share of a year ago as it saw its share in low and medium priced phones nibbled away by competitors. Most of the rest of the market was share between Siemens, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

Author: Steve Malone