40% of Smartphone Buyers Android, 45% of Mobile Phone Buyers Smartphones, Sa...

According to November data from The Nielsen Company, the popularity of the Android OS, among those who purchased a smartphone in the last six months (40%), makes it the leading OS. This data is similar to data released by NPD, which indicated that Android sales, up to November, were 46%. Nielsen did not mention that the average price increased to $157.

However, when it comes to overall consumer market share, Android OS (25.8%) is still behind Apple iOS (28.6%). RIM Blackberry's share (26.1%) puts it within the margin of error of both Apple iOS and Android. In other words, RIM remains statistically tied with both Apple for first and Android for third. "Apple's clear lead over Android notwithstanding, this race might still be too close to call, reported Nielsen."

All three smartphone OS leaders - Apple iOS, RIM Blackberry and Android - are benefitting from strong demand for smartphones. In November, 45 percent of recent acquirers chose a smartphone over a feature phone.