Canalys has released a report which identifies the Google Android smartphone as “the world’s leading smartphone platform.” HTC and Samsung made up nearly 45% of Google OS-based handset shipments.

The shipments of the Android reached 32.9 million in the last quarter of 2010, while Nokia’s Symbian platform tailed closely behind at 31 million worldwide. However, Nokia has held onto their position as leading smart phone vender with a share of 28%.

The report also shows smartphone sales continuing to rise with shipments of 101.2 million units representing year-on-year growth of 89%.

‘2010 has been a fantastic year for the smart phone market. After a difficult 2009, the speed with which the market has recovered has required real commitment and innovation from vendors and they have risen to the challenge,’ said Canalys VP and Principal Analyst Chris Jones. ‘But vendors cannot afford to be complacent. 2011 is set to be a highly competitive year with vendors looking to use new technology, such as dual-core processors, NFC and 3D displays, to differentiate their products and maintain value.’

The United States continues to have the largest country market in terms of shipments, more than double the size of the Chinese smartphone market. However the Chinese smartphone sales grew 134% year-on-year, while the US market grew by 64% in the last quarter.