A press release published today by a high-tech market trends research consultancy group has revealed an impressive growth for Android smart phones in markets around the world. Smartphone shipment data for Q2 2010 has shown a remarkable growth of Android device shipments across a range of handset vendors such as HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG and others. Canalys reported that shipments of smartphones running Google-backed Android operating system grew an impressive 886% in Q2 2010.

The United States, being the largest smart phone market worldwide, had a 41% market growth from last year with 14.7 million units accounting for 23% of global shipments in Q2 2010. Android devices collectively represented a 34% share of the US market in the quarter, and with growth of 851% Android became the largest smartphone platform in the country.

Canalys VP and Principal Analyst, Chris Jones, commenting on the publication said:

“In the United States, for example, we have seen the largest carrier, Verizon Wireless, heavily promoting high-profile Android devices, such as the Droid by Motorola and the Droid Incredible by HTC. These products have been well received by the market, with consumers eager to download and engage with mobile applications and services, such as Internet browsing, social networking, games and navigation.”

Despite Android’s remarkable progress, Nokia retained a substantial lead in the worldwide smartphone market in Q2 2010, achieving a 38% market share. The vendor shipped a record 23.8 million smart phones during the quarter, representing growth of 41% on a year ago. Though a leader, Nokia’s competitors are closing the gap.

Shipments of RIM’s BlackBerry smart phones placed it at second place once again with an 18% market share and 41% growth. RIM also retained its leadership position in North and Latin America. Initial shipments of the iPhone 4 were predictably strong and contributed to Apple’s 61% growth and worldwide market share of 13% for the quarter.

Android smart phones are also gaining in China and South Korea. China was the world’s second largest smartphone market in Q2 2010 for the sixth consecutive quarter, with shipments of 6.9 million units representing 11% of the worldwide total. Android devices combined reached almost 475,000 units in Q2 2010 from no units just a year ago.

Though Nokia’s devices continue to dominate China’s market, Canalys expects Android to be among the platforms that will drive growth in the coming quarters. Android devices held a 7% share in China this quarter. HTC, the world’s leading Android device vendor, announced last week that it is entering the Chinese market with its own-branded smartphones.

The new Canalys smart phone market trends report is now available. More details can be found on the Canalys report website.

Source: Canalys