Apple is China’s Tablet King

Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android is the smartphone platform of choice in China, but Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is the runaway leader when it comes to tablets, according to an Analysys International report. The iPad took 71.4 percent of tablet sales in the third quarter in the country.

How Does China’s Tablet Market Break Down?

China’s tablet market grew 62.5 percent in the third quarter from the previous year to reach 2.6 million units, Analysys said. Apple had 71.4 percent of the market, down a percentage point from the second quarter. Lenovo, in second place, was far behind at 10.5 percent, while Chinese firm Ereneben was third with 3.6 percent. Samsung (SSNLF.PK) which is often the Android device leader, held only a 3.5 percent share, while Acer completed the top-five list with a 3 percent split.

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While Apple’s share declined marginally, its gigantic lead means that there will be some time before Android can make a mark despite its attempts to bring in budget devices and launch a widespread marketing campaign.

Analysys included all devices between 5 and 11 inches tall in its research, which meant that smartphone-tablet hybrids like the Samsung Galaxy Note were part of the report.

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While Apple’s iOS is not the dominant smartphone platform of choice in China because of the vast number of low-cost Android alternatives, the fact that it beats out rivals so comfortably in the tablet arena will be welcome news for the company. In the fourth quarter, the company saw iPad sales grow 45 percent in China. For the fiscal year, the company had total revenues of $23.8 billion for China, which was more than double of the figure in 2011.

How Will the Report Affect Apple’s Stock?

China is an important market for Apple, with a total of 15 percent of its fourth-quarter revenue coming from sales in the region, which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. This news will be a good one for investors, who’re keen to identify growth opportunities for the company in relatively newer markets.

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