Sony is on something of a high in the Japanese smartphone market, widening its lead over Apple, according to figures from research firm BCN.

According to Bloomberg, the Japanese consumer electronics company has benefitted from the launch of new models (such as its flagship Xperia Z) and heavy discounting by NTT DoCoMo, the country’s largest operator.

BCN said that Sony has market share of 36 per cent across the last month, compared with 25 per cent for Apple. And with DoCoMo being both the largest operator and the only one not to carry the iPhone, it is focussing its efforts on marketing other flagship devices – benefitting Sony.

The report also said that BCN had noted a share slip for global number one Samsung, and for Sharp which, while weak internationally, generally performs well in its home mobile market. However, DoCoMo is also backing Sharp’s Aquos Phone Zeta, which could help boost its share.