Samsung Electronics announced its quarterly profit soared 76 percent year-over-year, largely thanks to the company's smartphone and tablet unit, which saw its business more than double to 5.44 trillion won in Q4 2012, from 2.56 trillion won a year earlier. Full details at SF Gate.
Most analysts believe the Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung shipped more than 60 million smartphones, including the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, during the three months ending in December, which would put the year's smartphone sales at more than 200 million. Apple said it sold 47.8 million iPhones in the quarter.
Hong Kong-based research firm Counterpoint Research said Samsung took 33 percent market share in the fourth quarter, compared with Apple's 21 percent. Another market researcher IDC put Samsung's share at 29 percent versus Apple's 22 percent.
