At the beginning of this week, market research firm Strategy Analytics (SA) revealed that Samsung had dethroned Nokia as the world’s top mobile phone vendor. Now, the International Data Corporation’s (IDC’s) latest research shows that the Korean tech giant also breezed past Apple to claim the smartphone crown.  

According to the IDC, the worldwide smartphone market grew by 42.5% year-on-year during Q1 2012, as Samsung overtook Apple once more to become the leading smartphone vendor worldwide. Smartphone makers shipped 144.9 million smartphones in Q1 compared to 101.7 million units for the same period last year.

“The race between Apple and Samsung remained tight during the quarter, even as both companies posted growth in key areas,” stated Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC’s Mobile Phone Technology and Trends program.

“Apple launched its popular iPhone 4S in additional key markets, most notably in China, and Samsung experienced continued success from its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet and other Galaxy smartphones. With other companies in the midst of major strategic transitions, the contest between Apple and Samsung will bear close observation as hotly-anticipated new models are launched.”