Android Outsells iPhone in Q1, But Please Keep Things in Perspective

For the first time since its unveiling last year, Android has outsold the iPhone during a fiscal quarter. Android handsets captured 28% of the market, while the iPhone was third with 21%. Both trail BlackBerry’s 36% lead. However, these numbers must be kept in perspective: the iPhone 3GS is an EOL (End of Life) product that has been severely affected by the Gizmodo leak; there are only two iPhone models available, and one network carries them, while several prominent Android smartphones have launched in Q1, including the Motorola Devour and Google Nexus One.

When Apple announces the 4G/HD iPhone at WWDC in June, the scales could once again tip in its favor. Stateside, Android is countering with the Sprint Evo 4G, T-Mobile MyTouch 3G Slide, Verizon Droid Incredible, US Cellular Desire, and LG Ally, so Google’s OS will maintain its strength for the rest of 2010. RIM’s BlackBerry OS 6 launch later this year, along with the coming of the Pearl 3G, Bold 9650, and the Bold 9800/9670 Slider phones should make this three-way cell phone battle heated. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 is a non-factor until Q4.