Leach said such growth in smartphone shipments is against the backdrop of a global decline in volumes of 9.1% compared to global shipments achieved in 2008.

"The decline has been a result of the global economic downturn which has impacted all geographic regions and even those in emerging markets," he said.

In Asia-Pacific (AP), smartphone shipments are forecast at 52 million in 2009, growing to 142 million in 2014. Ovum said AP's smartphone shipments will account for 30% of the world shipments in 2009.