iPhone 4 and 3GS Continued to Lead U.S. Smartphone Sales in Q3

iphone 4 iphone 3gs store
While the sheer number of available Android devices has resulted in the platform surpassing Apple's iOS in popularity, Apple's limited portfolio of devices remained popular even as customers looked forward to updated hardware that arrived last month in the form of the iPhone 4S. According to NPD, the iPhone 4 and 3GS continued to hold the top two positions in U.S. smartphone sales during the third quarter, leading a series of Android phones in the rankings.

Led by continued steady sales for Apple’s iPhones, the top five best-selling mobile phone handsets in Q3 were as follows:

1. Apple iPhone 4
2. Apple iPhone 3GS
3. HTC EVO 4G
4. Motorola Droid 3
5. Samsung Intensity II

The ranking follows an identical showing for Apple during the second quarter, despite the iPhone 4 having been introduced in June 2010 and the iPhone 3GS launch dating all the way back to June 2009.

Even with the introduction of the iPhone 4S last month, Apple is continuing to sell the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS as low-end devices, with an 8 GB iPhone 4 being offered for $99 on contract at all three major U.S. iPhone carriers and AT&T offering the 8 GB iPhone 3GS for free on contract.

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Top Rated Comments

KnightWRX Avatar
170 months ago
I bought the 16gb 4 2 days before the 4S came out because it would've cost me £175 upfront for the 4S, the 4 was free. Not everyone has banks of money specifically for buying the latest and greatest, some people just want a decent phone, not the best.

Yet you have banks of money to pay the monthly fee... :rolleyes:
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Schtumple Avatar
170 months ago
Still couldn't understand people buying iphone 4 and iphone 3gs as opposed to iphone 4s to save $100 to $200 up front.

I bought the 16gb 4 2 days before the 4S came out because it would've cost me £175 upfront for the 4S, the 4 was free. Not everyone has banks of money specifically for buying the latest and greatest, some people just want a decent phone, not the best.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
169 months ago
Seeing what MacRumors has become I guess it's no surprise to see a moderator jumping on the doom and gloom bandwagon.:(
I am not sure how my being amazed is equal to doom and gloom. :confused:

I am happy for the achievements of Apple, in spite of the strong competition.

::EDIT::

I think I get the confusion, people use the word Non-Plussed incorrectly all the time. It means surprised, not disappointment like most people think. Just trying to be clear.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMVillain Avatar
170 months ago
Still couldn't understand people buying iphone 4 and iphone 3gs as opposed to iphone 4s to save $100 to $200 up front.
I am pretty sure that at this point the 4s wasn't out yet so those were their only (iPhone) options.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
angrynstupid Avatar
169 months ago
Android Smandroid

The 3GS coming in second says a lot about the Android phones.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleScruff1 Avatar
169 months ago
The 3GS coming in second says a lot about the Android phones.

I think is says more about Apple marketing and the lack of knowledge by most consumers. All they see is iPhone, I want one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)