And according to Pyramid Research's quarterly smartphone forecast, smartphone sales will account for 27 percent of total handset sell-through.
The research firm added that this figure would almost double to 53 per cent in 2015.
"Much of the projected total market growth in 2011 will come from the Africa and Middle East region, which will see a strong demand for low-end smartphone models, ultra low-cost handsets and dual-SIM and full touch-screen feature phones," commented Stela Bokun, senior analyst and practice leader for Mobile Devices at Pyramid Research.
The expert added: "The main drivers of the demand in the developed markets will be the launches of a number of flagship high-end devices and new features and technologies."
By 2015, the research firm predicted Windows Phone will overtake Android and other major competitors and establish itself as the leader in the smartphone OS space.
