Windows Phone powered smartphones gained the third largest market share in Russia in the fourth quarter of 2012, a study by IDC Russia/CIS found, outshining Nokia’s Symbian after having surpassed Apple’s iOS in the previous quarter.
Windows enabled mobile devices accounted for 7% of the Russian market, trailing only Google’s Android, the undeniable leader with 69.6%, and Linux, with a 12.3% share of the market.
Smartphone operating systems in Russia in FY 2011 and 2012 – Source: IDC via Vedomosti
Comparing the Android and Windows OS with Apple’s iOS is particularly hazardous in Russia, however, due to their positioning at very different price segments. In the absence of any operator subsidies, iPhone 5 devices sell for up to 40,000 rubles (about $1,300) apiece, while many Android and Windows Phone powered devices sell at less than 20,000 rubles ($670).
The Windows Phone operating system is a relative newcomer in Russia, having been introduced to local mobile customers only in late 2011. Windows Phone is offered in the Nokia, HTC, Samsung and Alcatel mobile devices specifically tailored to the new Microsoft OS. The recent launch of Windows 8 has added substantially to the popularity of Windows-based smartphones.
The team up that started last November between Windows and MTS, a leading Russian mobile operator and retailer, over their joint Windows 8 “Ecosystem Demo Zone” project has translated into another major boost in Windows Phone promotions for Microsoft over the past few months.
Source: Vedomosti
