MediaPost reports that shipments of mobile devices worldwide were up 13.7% in the first quarter compared to the year earlier period, but that the results are likely to be softer next quarter because of the credit crisis, according to ABI Research.

Some statistics quoted from the report:

- The research firm expects mobile device shipments to hit 1.28 billion, a 12% annual gain for 2008.

- In terms of market share, Nokia led the way with nearly 40% while Samsung and LG increased to 16% and 8.4%, respectively.

- Losing ground were Motorola and Sony Ericsson, falling to 9.5% and 7.7%, respectively.

The report also said that while the big five still dominate—Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson—Research in Motion, HTC, and Apple are all seeing increased sales of their own handsets.

(Image credit: Clipart.com)