The Top Consumer Mobile Hardware Companies

By Dani Magestro
Updated: September 06, 2012

When you think of top consumer mobile hardware companies, which vendors come to mind? With over 300 million people using some type of wireless device or service, it is no surprise that there are at least a few complaints about each vendor. However, even a few complaints can highlight issues that may matter more than you think.

Over the past few years several wireless hardware devices have emerged in addition to several new wireless services. The biggest name and most widely used in the industry is Apple. They have transitioned from a traditional PC hardware company to a consumer device company to the leading consumer wireless device vendor with the iPhone and then the iPad. With the passing of Steve Jobs, there has been some concern about how Apple will keep its position at the top of the market. The company has pledged to continuously bring new technology to the forefront and always be true to its calling: bringing consumers the best gadgets on the market. Apple's major role in creating the mobile device market as well as its award-winning industrial design has earned the company much respect in the hardware field. They have succeeded where others have failed in that they have built a network of loyal users who feel that Apple products are far superior to others.

It is well-known that tablets are a hot commodity these days, and mobile apps are also quite popular. What effect does this have on the top mobile hardware companies and how they fare in such a competitive industry? Simply put, it is a comptetitive tactic for keeping up with companies that are better established in the market. As consumers, this means we are going to see constant improvements, with better devices being more competitively priced around every corner. So what does that mean for the rest of the industry with regard to keeping up with Apple? It seems that the only feasible way of going about this is with plenty of hard work and research, both of which require a fair amount of financing. As a result, it is not too surprising that Apple's competitors are all large companies: Android/Google, Samsung, Microsoft, HTC, RIM and Nokia are among the few that keep Apple on its toes.

Android is quickly becoming one of the world's top wireless device operating systems with Google aggressively marketing and producing Android software and devices. As a result, Android is the leading mobile operating system, even surpassing Apple's iOS despite Apple's remaining status as the largest single vendor in the market. Samsung, one of the biggest vendors of Android devices, is now the second largest mobile device company having passed Nokia and RIM.

Another top mobile hardware company that deserves a mention is Research in Motion, or RIM. They have struggled over the years in the US market due largely to its seeming lack of appeal to non-business consumers. While there are consumers who choose RIM devices in the US, the company's market is strongest overseas where the technology has grown in popularity. Recently, there has been talk about RIM slowing down or even falling out of the market entirely. In spite of that, there are currently millions of their devices in use around the world which in turn makes RIM a top choice for businesses.

Samsung is a South Korean conglomerate that holds top billing in several markets. They have been around for over 70 years, and it shows in their products and business practices. They have been able to push competitors out of the way with their innovative phones and tablets in the Galaxy line of devices which run the Android operating system. According to Information Week, Samsung is currently the closest runner-up to Apple in the mobile market.

In order to be a top contender in the wireless market, a company needs to understand what technology will bring improvements to people's lives. Saving people time and providing them with an enjoyable technology experience is something that has proven to work in this regard, as well as focusing on providing secure and reliable service. These are among the top concerns for mobile device buyers, and thus a major concern for the top wireless companies. Luckily for consumers, there is intense competition and high demand in the market. As a result, new technology will be constantly emerging and becoming more affordable.