ZTE, Apple, RIM crack mobile top ten

Industry analysts Gartner have released the latest set of data on the top ten most popular mobile makers in the world: while old faithful Nokia still tops the list and Samsung is still keeping Motorola from its old home of second-place manufacturer, there are three new entrants in the top ten.

The lucky threesome are Apple, RIM and ZTE – an interesting bunch, or as Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi puts it: “On one hand, we have aggressive pricing and a focus on emerging markets (ZTE), and on the other, RIM with targeted functions and Apple with brand and design.”

Gartner also gives a hint on where manufacturers should be directing their efforts: Nokia should work on improving its user interface and work on some interesting form factors (sounds good), Samsung needs a bit of colour and diversity in its line-up (definitely) and LG should be thinking about strengthening its high-end portfolio (absolutely: remember how gorgeous the Chocolate looked compared to the competition in its heyday? It would be good to see LG create that kind of buzz again.)