While Nokia remained the top-selling vendor, grabbing headlines is the introduction of Apple's iPhone 3G. The launch helped propel the vendor over RIM and into second place.

"It was expected that Apple would figure among the smart phone leaders this quarter. With that huge initial new product shipment, it was just a question of how high up it would be, and this is impressive," commented Pete Cunningham, Canalys senior analyst.

Despite RIM being nudged into third place, its growth of more than 80 percent shouldn't be overlooked either. "This is also a tremendous performance, especially considering the delays it experienced in rolling out the Blackberry Bold," said Cunningham. However, together with upcoming devices Storm and Pearl 8220, Cunningham added that it is possible RIM will take back the second spot.

The threat of the touch screen

Canalys has noted that the success of Apple, RIM and fifth-placed HTC has eaten into Nokia's share of the smart phone market. Year-on-year, its smart phone shipments fell in the third quarter for the first time, while its broad portfolio of models, and the wider audience it attracts, does leave it more exposed to the trends affecting the overall handset market.