New NPD DisplaySearch data has shown that Samsung and Apple have been in a mostly unstated rivalry for the desktop LCD market. Samsung has the worldwide lead for 24-inch and larger LED-lit displays at 34.7 percent, knocking Apple out of the top spot it held in 2010. In the US, while Apple was down from an absolute majority of 53.3 percent, it was still on top at 26.2 percent to Samsung’s 24.3.
Samsung’s strong point was in Latin America, where it had 78.1 percent, but was weaker than budget brand AOC in China, where it was behind at 20 percent to 21.5 percent.
The differences may have been dictated by price. Although 24-inch displays are expensive as a matter of course, Samsung has been more focused on price where Apple has been mostly concerned with holding to a premium price and adding features. The $999 27-inch LED Cinema Display, and later the similarly priced Thunderbolt Display, have both Apple’s only real display choice during their lifetimes and are intended as full notebook docking stations rather than displays by themselves.
Samsung only recently has been getting into displays that serve as device hubs through its HDTV Monitor and Smart Station.
