The worldwide mobile phone market grew 65.4 per cent year over year in the second quarter of 2011 (2Q11), marking the third consecutive quarter where total shipments exceeded 100 million units.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 106.5 million units in 2Q11 compared to 64.4 million units in the second quarter of 2010. The 65.4 per cent growth was on par with IDC's forecast of 67.3 per cent for the quarter and below the 84.0 per cent year-over-year growth in 1Q11.

For 2011, IDC maintains that the worldwide smartphone market will grow 55.0 per cent over 2010.

"The first half of the year has demonstrated strong growth for the smartphone market," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends team.

"The second half of the year will bring new flagship models and refreshed user experiences to market.

"These will keep smartphones well out in front of the market, and keep growth on an upward trajectory," he said.