Overall the mobile phone market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 23% on year in the third quarter of 2015, with the smartphone segment growing 31%, almost three times faster than global smartphone growth, according to Counterpoint Research.

Apple saw its share in the region climb 3.9% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 2.2% a year earlier as its smartphone shipments grew 133% on year to enter the top-five smartphone brand rankings in the quarter.

Samsung's smartphone share stood at 41% in the region, down from 50% a year earlier. Its stronger pan-MEA distribution network continues to help the Korea-based vendor maintain significant volumes in the region, said the market research firm.

Local brand Tecno continued to grow to become the third largest smartphone brand in the third quarter with a 8.2% share as its shipments surged 125% on year during the July-September period.

MEA is becoming a key market for China-based players. Huawei is the number two smartphone brand in the region with a 74% on year growth rate. Meanwhile, Meizu saw its shipments grow 300%, Gionee 250% and Lenovo 33% during the period, Counter Research noted.