The stark difference arises from the gross margin that each company makes from its mobile device sales. Samsung's gross margin is at just 12.9 percent overall, which is in some part due to its willingness to compete at the lower end of the market where margins are tight. Apple's gross margin remains the envy of the tech industry at a significantly higher 47.4 percent.

But other than that, Samsung is "winning."

So, congratulations, Samsung! By making 9000 different models, you've been able to fill every "Island of Misfit Toys" niche of the market! 3D phone? Projector phone? Ludicrously large phone with a stylus?

Samsung has something for every niche need. Well, except the niche for the best all-around smartphone with a terrific user experience. That was taken by another company.