Korean Wave Hits the World: Smartphones Take Over 40%

According to a Yonhap News Agency report, the combined global smartphone market share of South Korea's two major tech giants, Samsung and LG Electronics, is set to climb to a record high of 42.1% in the first quarter of this year, widening the gap with competitors from the United States and China.

The report noted that data from market research firm Strategy Analytics shows that in the first quarter of this year, Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics will capture 36.2% and 5.9% market share respectively, which will be the first time the combined market share of Samsung and LG has exceeded 40%. The combined market share of Samsung and LG in the fourth quarter of last year reached 36.2%.

Strategy Analytics pointed out that Samsung, as the global leader in phone manufacturing, will continue to reign in the market on the strength of its Galaxy series phones and Note series phone-tablets.

In order to catch up with domestic and international competitors, LG launched a series of top-tier smartphones last year, including the LG G2 and others.

Later last year, Samsung and LG also coincidentally launched groundbreaking curved smartphones.

Apple, which captured 18.6% global market share in the fourth quarter of last year, is expected to see its market share in the first quarter of this year fall to 17%.

However, market observers say Apple's market share is expected to rebound in the fourth quarter of this year, when Apple will launch a new flagship phone.

Mainland smartphone makers, including Huawei, Lenovo Group and ZTE, are expected to have a market share of less than 5% in the first quarter.