The year 2014 saw the evolution of smartphone gadgets with tangible emerging markets recorded due to high spread of 3G and 4G networks as well as low cost markets. According to International Data Corporation,(IDC) smartphone shipping went up by 29 per cent with 281.5 million devices shipped by vendors from  last year's 218.8 million units.

Companies recorded close annual revenues with a great breakthrough of device sales designed for specific markets therefore earning various market shares.

ZTE

  1. ZTE Grand X

The phone retailing at KES 14,000 rated average in the market giving the user basic smartphone needs with a touch of every spec the end user is looking for in a smartphone with the most important today being the screen.  The sales recorded by the Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment have however declined in terms of profit since its endorsement of fourth mobile manufacturer worldwide.

  1. Blackberry

The company known to entertain royal users launched blackberry 10 and curve which put the gadget company on the map with better sales recorded than last year's. Then the blackberry classic gadget a familiar design inclusive of the beloved classic navigation keys and physical keyboard with the speed and powerful performance of BlackBerry 10.  BlackBerry Classic is designed from the ground up to meet the needs of productive people who appreciate the speed and accuracy that can only be found with a physical QWERTY keyboard.  The company is looking to get back on its feet with the device that represents its originality.

  1. LG (5.0% market share)

F Series

The mobile manufacturer changed strategy in 2014 by rolling out low cost devices to counter competition with the F and L series which have taken the company's revenue records to a different unit mark for the first time in the company's history.  LG's low end gadgets paid enough dividends to push its total volume past the 15 million unit mark. However, the company has still maintained status with its flagship gadget LG G3 rolled out to maintain presence in the high-end market.

  1. Lenovo (5.1% market share)

The company's results improved on steady gains at home and abroad with the share of non-China shipments rising steadily to hit 20% in 3Q14, up from 9% a year ago. Sub-US$100 smartphones like the A369i and A316 drove volumes from emerging markets in Asia/Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. Domestically, it launched a number of 4G handsets, with some at lower price points. With the acquisition of Motorola finalized for the coming quarter, Lenovo is set for a higher rank for Q4.

  1. Apple (11.7% market share)

The mobile manufacturer took the market by storm with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus therefore recording a third-quarter volume with at least 10 million units sold during the weekend launch. The iPhone 5S and 5C models also contributed on high revenue sales recorded by the company in the quarter reviving the company's status in the market.

  1. Samsung (23.7% market share)

Leading in a row, Samsung recoded highest sales in 2014. However, the company still recorded decline of revenue compared to the previous years. This is because of marathon device launches which are believed to have confused buyers and the markets as well.  Samsung  has stuck to its galaxy series which has been its revenue pillar thus far.