iPhone 4, 3GS Best-Selling Smartphones in Q3 2011

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Who would’ve known that the two top-selling smartphones in the U.S. are not exactly the newest of the bunch. Market research says the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS were the best-sellers in the third quarter of 2011.

Apple sure has a way of making sure that even its older products are still relevant in the market. Research firm NPD has released its smartphone sales figures for third quarter of 2011, during which it has determined the following smartphone handsets:

1. Apple iPhone 4
2. Apple iPhone 3GS
3. HTC EVO 4G
4. Motorola Droid 3
5. Samsung Intensity II

The same top ranking was the same in 2Q 2011, where Apple’s iPhones likewise dominated. It’s interesting to note that the iPhone 4 was introduced in June 2010, while the iPhone 3GS was launched in June 2009. Even more than two years after launch, the iPhone 3GS still remains a dominant smartphone model in the U.S. market.

Even after Q3 2011, it’s likely that older iPhone models will still be consumer favorites. With the launch of Apple’s latest iPhone 4S, the iPhone 4 and 3GS got price reductions. The iPhone 4 currently sells for $99 with plan, while the 3GS is being offered by AT&T for free with contract. NPD says that consumers are more likely to buy smartphones in the sub-$200 price. In particular, 64% of consumers who have originally considered purchasing devices in the $200 to $250 price range have ended up buying something less than $200.

NPD says that the average selling price for smartphones has been consistently falling, with the average for Q3 2011 being $135 each. Meanwhile, smartphones are increasing in popularity over feature-phones, with smartphones now comprising 59% of all mobile handsets sold in the U.S., which is an increase of 13 percentage points since Q3 2010.

Apple’s decision not to flood the market with too many model variants may have been a helpful factor in ensuring its smartphone offerings are able to focus on the low-, mid- and premium-priced markets.