The global smartphone market absolutely exploded over the
past few years, making Apple the most valuable company in the world and
propelling Samsung higher than ever before. But all good things come to an end
and growth in the most profitable segment of the smartphone market — high-end
handsets — is seen slowing substantially. Will this inevitable slow-down drag
the rest of the market down with it? According to a recent report from market
research firm ABI, shipments of low-cost smartphones priced below $200 are set
to take off over the next five years.