These healthy gains in net subscriber additions are stimulating replacement and upgrade sales . In developed markets handset purchases tended to be flat , but those consumers who did purchase dug deeper and paid out more for coveted higher - end handsets and smart - phones . " In terms of market share , Nokia has passed the 40 % threshold for the first time ( 40.3 % ) . Samsung secured second place with 15.2 % , while Motorola barely managed to keep ahead of LG with its 9.3 % versus LG 's 9.2 % , and both edged out Sony Ericsson ( 8.3 % ) . There is a distinct possibility that LG might overtake Motorola by the end of 3Q 2008 , putting Motorola into fourth place .

Answer the following question: Why are cell phone sales more predictable and substantial in developed markets ?
Because people in developed countries can afford to pay more for cell phones , and do consistently