Why is Market Share so important?

Why does Samsung have the largest market-share of Android devices sold worldwide?

• Few facts about Android phones: Android share of global market: 80% The first publicly available smartphone running Android, the HTC Dream, was released on October 22, 2008. Samsung Tops Android with 63% of Device Market Share.

• Answer:

  Samsung made early bets on Android, much like HTC. Samsung saw early success with its first flagship - Galaxy S. Galaxy S (in its time) was a pretty good device - right ergonomics, had most if not all the things that the competitor (iPhone) had and wasn't priced as high. With time Samsung built on to that success. Some of the factors that contributed to its continued growth:- 1. A host of devices - of varying screen sizes, internals and most importantly price points. 2. It's control over components, internals and supply chain - Samsung has a very healthy memory, processor and display division. 3. Competitive pricing, particularly in the lower segment of the market. 4. It's huge marketing muscle - really, the only OEM in Android space that can flex those muscles compared to Apple. 5. Its continued investment in its proprietary software features - it's skin TouchWiz. Personally I find some of the things gimmicky or not at par with their stock Android experience but it sure helps the marketing. 6. A growing and substantial retail presence - I am from India (Bangalore) and I can find a store practically in any part of the city I am in! With all said and done, where a company stands in market depends on 'it' as well where it's competitors are. For some reason, some of the lead Android OEMs lost their way (even if temporarily), boosting Samsung's market share. Personally though, I'd like others - HTC in particular to even the playing field.