Samsung overtakes Nokia to become 'top mobile phone brand for 2012'

Sydney: Korean mobile maker Samsung has overtaken Nokia as the top mobile phone brand for 2012, says a research firm.

According to IHS iSuppl, Samsung has also opened up a decisive lead over Apple in the smart phone market.

Samsung is expected to account for 29% of worldwide mobile phone shipments, up from 24% in 2011, according to the research firm, which said Nokia's share dropped to 24% from 30%.

The firm pointed out that this would mark the first time in 14 years that Finnish-based Nokia will not sit atop the global mobile phone business on an annual basis, News.com.au reports.

Samsung has also extended its lead over Apple as the top maker of smart phones worldwide, the survey released on Tuesday said.

Samsung will have 28% of the market, up from 20% in 2011, while Apple's share will rise in 2012 to 20% from 19%, the report added.