Windows Phone makes gains against Android and iOS at BlackBerry’s expense

Perhaps it is no surprise that just after we learn of a report showing that Windows captured 7.5% of the tablet market virtually overnight we also learn of another report showing the progress that Windows Phone is making in the US.

Now when a smaller piece of the pie is being discussed, any gains or losses represent a much more notable percentage versus the bigger players. We are offering that context because that is the reality of research provided by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

For the first calendar quarter of 2013, Windows Phone accounted for 5.6% of all smartphones. That is up from 3.7% a year ago, representing a 50% increase (see how those numbers can be played?). BlackBerry dipped from 2.6% to 0.9% in the same period.  Android gained from 47.9% to 49.3% while iOS dipped a bit from 44.6% to 43.7%.

Kantar explains Windows Phone success is due to first time smartphone buyers. 52% of those it surveyed had upgraded from a feature phone. 55% of iPhone users had switched from another smartphone, and 51% of Android users had done the same. Kantar analyst Mary-Ann Parlato says that with half of American mobile phone users still using feature phones, these numbers could work to Microsoft’s advantage, particularly over the next year.

source: Forbes