IDC reports that 174.2 million smartphones were shipped in 2009, an increase of 15.1% over 2008 shipments. The top five manufacturers were Nokia, RIM, Apple, HTC, and Samsung. Meanwhile, Google’s Nexus One sales have remained steady but disappointing at 80,000 for the month of January.

I have maintained that the Nexus One’s significance is not overall sales; rather, its importance is that it is a benchmark for future smartphones. Technically lesser phones can no longer sell for exorbitant amounts, and top-of-the-line models from other manufacturers must be close to the new $500 ceiling. Moreover, the Nexus One should force carriers and manufacturers to be timelier with their Android updates.

Worldwide, smartphone shipments (not to be confused with actual sales) went up noticeably in 2009 in spite of the recession:

1. Nokia: 38.9%
2. RIM: 19.8%
3. Apple: 14.4%
4. HTC: 4.6%
5. Samsung: 3.3%
6. Others: 19.0%

Nokia lost 1.1% share from 2008, while the other four made sizable gains. With Symbian going open source, the world’s largest phone maker is playing defense in an attempt to stave off the Android and iPhone surge.

Source: IDC