Figures compiled by Gartner, a research firm have revealed that smartphone-sales have surged 27% during the second quarter of 2009.

Apple maintained third position among smartphone companies in global sales.

Apple enjoyed the largest gains in the smartphone market, selling in excess of 5.4 million iPhones in the second quarter.

Apple was benefited by its decision to lower the price of 8GB I phone 3G that showed its clear impact on its sales volumes. 

Nokia stood first by selling around 18.4 million smartphones, followed by Research in Motion, the BlackBerry-maker which sold 7.7 million units in the second quarter.
 
Gartner’s research director, Carolina Milanesi said, "Given the higher margins, smartphones offer the biggest opportunity for manufacturers. It is the fastest-growing market segment and the most resistant to declining average selling prices."

Many much-awaited smartphones such as Apple's iPhone 3G S, Palm's Pre and Nokia's N97 got launched during Q2.

Worldwide, mobile phone sales totaled about 268 million units For Q2, down by 6.1% as compared with the same quarter last year. However, the smartphone category soared 27% by selling about 41 million units.