A new study from Canaccord Genuity claims at Apple and Samsung accounted for a combined 95 percent of all handset profits in the fourth quarter. Cupertino alone was responsible for 80 of profits, leaving only 15 percent for Samsung and 5 percent for all other manufacturers.
Companies like Research in Motion, HTC and Nokia were all once dominate forces but have suffered various setbacks over the past several years. HTC was most recently regarded as a key player but many would argue that too much inventory and the inability to set themselves apart from the competition (a common complaint with Android device makers) led to the recent downturn. The company hopes to right things with the recent introduction of the HTC One series.
CNET points out that Apple's iPhone is outselling all other phones combined at AT&T and Sprint while holding even with all Android phones from Verizon Wireless. The iPhone is also starting to gain traction in Western Europe and emerging markets, which doesn't bode well for the competition.
Samsung has seen tremendous success with their Galaxy S line of phones, notably the Galaxy S2 which sold 20 million units in 2011. The Galaxy S3 is largely considered the most anticipated phone as of writing ahead of an official announcement. Samsung's Galaxy Note seems to be doing well in the US although several in the media criticized the hybrid for being too large and tablet-like.