Mobile Device Sales Surge 22% in First Quarter

The worldwide mobile phone market grew 21.7 percent in the first quarter of 2010, compared to contraction during the first quarter of 2009, when sales plunged 17 percent.

Stronger smartphone demand is part of the reason, says International Data Corporation. Vendors shipped 294.9 million units in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 242.4 million units in the first quarter of 2009.

Growing demand for smartphones also helped Research In Motion (RIM) move into the top-five vendor rankings for the first time. RIM, which replaced Motorola in the top five, tied Sony Ericsson for the number four position.

Annual sales are expected to up 11 percent, globally. The top-five suppliers include Nokia, Samsung, LG Electronics, Research In Motion and Sony Ericsson.