Independant technology research company Gartner analyzed the numbers for overall smartphone sales and it looks like the iPhone 3G played a huge role in defining the market this quarter. And even though hard economic times make larger ticket purchases a real decision for many consumers, the devices are steadily rising in popularity, notably the iPhone.

32.2 million smartphones were sold in the second quarter this year, which is up 15.7% from the previous year. However, the 3rd quarter has showed great promise as well. This has been primarily attributed to the introduction of the new iPhone 3G in July. It boosted sales of smartphones so that over 11% of overall mobile phone sales could be attributed to smartphones.

This is statistically significant, especially when you factor in the smartphone market growth in America alone. According to the statisical analysis, smartphone sales grew 78.7% this year, which adds up to about 25% of smartphone sales in the world! And it seems like the iPhone 3G was the primary impetus for that jump. Truly good news for consumers and technophiles around the globe.