iPhone 5s becomes the world's bestselling smartphone

Apple’s iPhone 5s is the world’s bestselling phone, beating arch rival Samsung's Galaxy S4 two months in a row.

That's according to Counterpoint’s Monthly Market Pulse report this week, which claims Cupertino's flagship device topped the sales list during October this year.

"iPhone 5s sales saw an upward sales momentum as Apple continued expansive roll-out for its flagship model thus further widening the gap with its arch rival’s flagship model Samsung’s Galaxy S4," the report states.

"Apple’s iPhone 5s topped the best-seller’s list despite the component shortages causing long waiting periods in several channels.

"However, we expect supply constraints to ease resulting in supply to meet a relatively stronger demand in November and December."

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S4 sales saw a temporary uptick due to a price discount in some markets during October.

However, with Galaxy Note III capturing the limelight, it has pushed Galaxy S4 towards the end of its ‘flagship lifecycle’ according to the report.

"Galaxy S4 sales continued to lose its mojo after enjoying roughly 9 months of flagship lifecycle," the report claims.

"Whereas, Galaxy Note III sales rose fast during the month as the phablet became the fifth bestseller only after 40 days of launch which is exceptional performance for a device perceived to be niche.

"Samsung’s products took about half of the top 10 list and the top 20 list as it exercised its marketing and distribution muscle to sell its broad and deep Galaxy smartphone portfolio.

"Few of Nokia’s Asha phones also were in the top 20 list alongside the hit Lumia 520 which drove the Windows Phone momentum across prepaid markets of Europe, US and Asia during October."

Meanwhile, TCL-Alcatel and Huawei had one device each in the top 20 bestselling list.

Based on the October performance and channel trends, Counterpoint estimates TCL-Alcatel and Huawei will be the fastest growing brands in Q4 2013 surpassing the growth of domestic rivals Lenovo and ZTE.

"Both the vendors are doing well Asia and Latin America and will benefit from expanding channels across Europe and North America," the report concludes.

Top 10 smartphone list of October 2013:

1 Apple - iPhone 5S

2 Apple - iPhone 5

3 Samsung - Galaxy S4

4 Apple - iPhone 5C

5 Samsung - Note III

6 Samsung - Galaxy S III

7 Samsung - Galaxy S 4

8 Nokia - 105

9 Samsung - Galaxy S III mini

10 Nokia - Asha 501