Android Dominates Smartphones Around the Globe

The sales were recorded during a 12-week period ending on June 10, during which Android's share ranged from 49.6 percent in Italy to an overwhelming 84.1 percent in Spain. Much of the Android sales growth is being driven by users who are upgrading from a feature phone to a smartphone, Dominic Sunnebo, consumer insight director at ComTech, said in a statement. The data shows that consumers who want to spend less than $80 on their smartphone usually choose an Android device.

In the U.S., the success of the iPhone 4S as well as the first-time availability of the iPhone on Sprint caused Android sales to fall 6.8 percent, though Android was still dominant overall. The latest data shows that Android captured 50.2 percent of U.S. sales, down from 57 percent a year earlier. The iPhone, meanwhile, accounted for 37.4 percent, up 8.7 percent from last year.

In the U.S., the success of the iPhone 4S as well as the first-time availability of the iPhone on Sprint caused Android sales to fall 6.8 percent, though Android was still dominant overall. The latest data shows that Android captured 50.2 percent of U.S. sales, down from 57 percent a year earlier. The iPhone, meanwhile, accounted for 37.4 percent, up 8.7 percent from last year.

In general, smartphone owners are "much more loyal" to their brand of handset and carrier of choice than feature phone users, Sunnebo said. For carriers, the demand for smartphones is driving added value as smartphone owners, naturally, spend "significantly more" on their device, as well as their monthly cell phone bill, compared to feature phone users.

Meanwhile, prepaid smartphone sales are also increasing in the U.K. and other markets, with Android handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Ace and Y selling well, according to ComTech. These models are attracting younger smartphone buyers, who have traditionally favored BlackBerry.