Samsung's flagship handset, the Galaxy S3, continues to rank as the UK's most popular smartphone after six consecutive months at the top of the chart, according to the latest uSwitch.com Mobile Tracker which is based on live searches, pre-orders and pay monthly sales.
However, a number of new handset launches in November, as well as the ever-popular iPhone 5, could challenge the S3's reign in the run up to Christmas as mobile giants go head to head.
Having risen swiftly in the chart since its launch in late September, the iPhone 5 now ranks as the UK's second most popular smartphone. But with prices from £46 per month with a free phone, it still commands a much higher price than the S3, which is almost half the cost, with prices starting with a free device at £24 per month.
But it's up against some tough competition in the run up to Christmas -- in the shape of a quartet of new devices, all powered by Windows Phone 8. New handsets from HTC and Nokia will showcase Windows' newest operating system in sleek forms.
HTC's 8X and 8S are the 'signature' phones for Microsoft Windows 8, and with 8S deals starting at just £17 and a £15 upfront handset cost, offer a real alternative for cost-conscious consumers. While the impressive Lumia 820 and 920 could be Nokia's last throw of the dice as the Finnish manufacturer tries to secure its position in the smartphone market, delivering two beautifully designed handsets, packed with great standout features.
Number one handset -- the Samsung Galaxy S3 has retained its title as the UK's most popular pay monthly handset, despite September's launch of the Apple iPhone 5. October marks its 6th consecutive month in the top spot.
New entries -- James Bond's very own smartphone, the Sony Xperia T, has arrived this month and enters the chart at number eight. Also premiering is the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 -- an upgrade of one of 2011's breakout devices, the original Galaxy Note. Straight in at number six, this looks to prove the continued popularity of the 'phablet' form factor.
Biggest losers -- with so many new launches in the run up to Christmas, the affordable Samsung Galaxy Ace has slipped four places to number seven, while the BlackBerry Curve 9320 and the HTC Desire C, have both disappeared from the chart.
Top Ten Handsets for October
- Samsung Galaxy S 3 16GB Blue
- Apple iPhone 5 16GB Black
- Samsung Galaxy S 2
- Apple iPhone 4S 16GB Black
- Sony Xperia U
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Sony Xperia T
- HTC One X
- Nokia Lumia 610 Blue
