Samsung doubled its share of the tablet PC market in the last three months of 2012, research firm IDC has said. Samsung, which makes the Galaxy range of tablets, sold 7.9 million units, up from 2.2 million a year ago, taking its market share to 15.1%.

Market-leader and iPad-maker Apple saw its share slide to 43.6% from 51.7%, despite also seeing a jump in sales. The two have been competing to get a greater share of the tablet PC market, seen as key to their overall growth.

Global shipments of tablet PCs surged 75% in the final quarter of 2012 to a record 52.5 million units. The numbers are in sharp contrast with the traditional personal computer market, which saw shipments decline during the quarter for the first time in more than five years. The tablet PC market is expected to grow further in the coming years. A number of firms have launched tablets in an attempt to cash in on the booming sector.