LG Electronics returns to 2nd place in US handset market beating Apple

South Korea's LG Electronics Inc. regained its spot as No. In the U.S. handset market last month for the first time in a year on Brisk sales of its latest smartphones, a research firm said Sunday.

According to Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research, mobile phones by LG Electronics recorded a share of 13 percent in December in the United States, beating Apple Inc. with 12 percent. The No. 1 player was retained by Samsung Electronics Co. with 33 percent.  Please note, it's "mobile" phones, not just smartphones.

LG Electronics had maintained the runner-up position until the third-quarter of 2011 but fell to third place after Apple's iPhone 4S hit the market.

Market Insiders attributed LG Electronics' sales growth to the popularity of its latest Optimus G handset , with over 1 million units sold across North America.

Source: Yonhap