According to an estimation by ABI research Inc. New York, smart phones contributed about 14% of the total mobile devices shipped throughout the world during 2008. During the current year it should further show an increase upto 17% of the total sales throughout the world.

ABI analyst Kelvin Burden also revealed that though the total number of shipments would decline by 2.5% but the smart phone would show an increase.

Research data from ABI indicates that the sale rates of handsets has been declining globally but smart phones are becoming popular inspite of that.

The growth in the sale of handsets in 2008 was 16% compared to the previous year. In the first half, mobile handset shipments were around 14 percent year to year. In the second half, the third quarter the sales declined to 8% and finally declining to 10% in the fourth quarter.

The possible reason for the increase in the sale of smart phones in a bad economic situation could be that smart phones started selling only recently.

Their popularity could be "magnified" by the early-adopter effect of one group of users who wish to try something unique and latest available in the market.