Samsung phone knocks Apple off the top of the tree

Samsung has swept past HTC and Apple in the mobile manufacturer war for May, with its Galaxy S II taking the top spot from Apple's iPhone 4, according to the latest data from independent price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com.

The uSwitch.com Mobile Tracker, which ranks the most popular handsets based on live searches and sales, shows that despite Samsung taking the top spot, HTC still dominates. The Taiwanese manufacturer has the most handsets in the top ten, with five different models including the Desire S and the dual-core Sensation in the running.

Android continues to take market share in the UK as Google's operating system powers 80% of the Top 10 handsets.

Number one handset for April 2011 - Last month's biggest climber, the Samsung Galaxy S II, has climbed yet again to take the top spot from Apple's iPhone. Since becoming available on 1st May this handset has flown off shelves as consumers have flocked to the impressive Super AMOLED Plus display and speedy dual-core 1.2 GHz processor.

Biggest climber - HTC Desire S has been a consistent performer in the charts, and has climbed three places this month. An update on the popular Desire model, this smartphone packs a real punch with HTC Sense software, giving a unique feel to Google's Android OS.

Biggest faller - The affordable Blackberry Curve 8520 takes the biggest faller prize, highlighting a wane in interest for RIM devices amongst UK consumers. Blackberry had a promising start to the year by offering great functionality at good prices, but has fallen victim to new smartphone technology being launched by other manufacturers. Perhaps the rumoured refreshes to the BlackBerry range will be a shot in the arm for the Canadian phone maker later in the year.

Ernest Doku, technology expert at uSwitch.com, comments: "Samsung has leapfrogged Apple and HTC's best handsets this month with its Galaxy S II deservedly stealing a march. With a number of great deals being offered by networks and retailers, this powerful and slick Android smartphone could be around and dominating the chart for a while.

"HTC and Android are still big winners this month, with HTC claiming half of the Top 10 handsets and Android now powering 80% of the chart. This really stokes the fire in the manufacturer wars, which is set to intensify with an amazing selection of mobiles.  This could include iPhone's oft-rumoured follow up - due to launch in the coming months."

For more information, visit uswitch.com.