Apple’s shrinking stock value and Analysts somber reports might have suggested fading popularity of Apple’s mobile devices, which is far from the facts. According to the latest research from Stratergy Analytics iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 S overtook Galaxy S3 to become the world’s best selling smartphones for the first time ever in the last quarter of 2012.

During that period, Apple sold 27.4 million iPhone 5 units and 17.4 million iPhone 4S units accounting for nearly 21 percent of all smartphones sold. Samsung Galaxy S 3 took the third spot with 15.4 million shipments and a 7.1% market share.

“This was an impressive performance, given the iPhone portfolio’s premium pricing,” said Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics. “A rich touchscreen, extensive distribution and generous operator subsidies have propelled the iPhone 5 to the top spot. ” he added.