1 More Way Samsung Is Beating Apple Inc. (AAPL) — for Now

Still, traditional PCs remain part of the picture, as evidenced by HP’s ability to rank within the top five, despite lacking any meaningful mobile hardware offerings. HP may be about to step back into the tablet ring after its webOS debacle two years ago, as rumors continue to swirl that the PC giant is exploring an Android tablet. The shoe fits, since HP also recently launched its first Chromebook, so its relationship with Google is alive and well.

IDC doesn’t believe that PCs can keep up with mobile device growth, in part because devices are cheaper and more expendable. Tablet average selling price, or ASP, fell 15% in 2012 to $461, which is undoubtedly a consequence of the consumer shift toward smaller form factors. That trend should continue into this year, especially with the introduction of the iPad Mini, as the iPad remains the dominant tablet out there.

With Apple and Samsung still locked in a heated battle for device supremacy, what could potentially tip the scales in favor of Cupertino? A low-cost iPhone. That’s what.

The article 1 More Way Samsung Is Beating Apple — for Now originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Evan Niu, CFA.

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