Phablets, 2-in-1 devices to show most growth over five years

Phablets — smartphones and tablet hybrids like the Galaxy Note — are expected to show the most compounded annual growth over the next five years followed by 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrids, according to IDC.

Through 2018, phablets, which have screens between 5.5 and 7 inches, are supposed to have a 60 percent compound annual growth rate followed by tablet/PC hybrids with a 6.8 percent rate.

In terms of market share, phablets will have 24.4 percent of connected devices followed by smartphones at 51.2 percent, tablet/PC hybrids at 12.5 percent.

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Overall, IDC is projecting phablet units will hit 175 million units in 2014 compared to 170 million laptops. In 2015, phablet volumes will be 318 million, compared to 233 million tablets.

IDC said Apple's entry into the phablet market with its upsized iPhone will drive growth. Phablets are expected to cost between $397 in 2014.

More:

• Samsung aims to pre-empt Apple, claim innovation mantle
• Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge; Gear S wearable

CNET:

• Samsung Galaxy Note 4: The features, launch date, price, and specs we expect from Samsung's next stylus-ized 'phablet'
• Wacky, shapely Samsung Galaxy Note Edge sports curved, fallaway 5.6-inch screen (hands-on)
• Samsung Gear S: Massive curved screen, 3G and Wi-Fi, too (hands-on)
• Samsung Gear VR is real: Samsung plus Oculus turns a Note 4 into virtual reality (hands-on)