Google’s Android has beaten rivals to claim almost half of the UK smartphones market, but a new battle is now emerging between manufacturers that use Android, new statistics have revealed.

According to the latest report from analyst Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, after securing its position as the number one OS across Europe, in the 12 weeks ending 2 October 2011, Android handsets claimed a 49.9% share of the UK smartphone market, followed by BlackBerry (22.5%) and Apple (18.5%).

The analyst claims the new battle is between Android handset manufacturers rather than manufacturers running rival operating systems. The key players, including HTC, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, are all vying to be recognised as the top Android manufacturer.

HTC has managed to maintain its UK share of the Android market over the year by claiming 44.8% of Android sales in the past 12 weeks.

However, Samsung is slowly picking up its pace and increased its Android market share to 37.9% from 25.2% a year ago after successful sales of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S II, and its Ace handsets.

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