IDC: Worldwide smartphone sales pass 300 million units during Q2

During the second quarter of this year, the global smartphone market surpassed the 300 million units shipped, a major milestone as more entry-level devices are released. Google Android and Apple iOS market share accounted for 96.4 percent of the market, with Android capturing 84 percent of the market. A full 301.3 million smartphone units were shipped during the extremely busy second quarter.

The iOS market share dropped from 13 percent down to 11.7 percent year-over-year, as iPhones tend to be more expensive than Android phones. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Windows Phone still can't muster up a real challenge to its rivals, but is the No. 3 smartphone platform with 2.5 percent market share.

"With many of its OEM partners focusing on the sub-$200 segments, Android has been reaping huge gains within emerging markets," said Ramon Llamas, IDC Mobile Phone team Research Manager, in a press statement. "During the second quarter, 58.6 percent of all Android smartphone shipments worldwide cost less than $200 off contract, making them very attractive compared to other devices."