Welcome to the Android era, where the top 2 spots in the U.S. handset market are held by proponents of Google’s mobile OS, Samsung and LG. Validating LG’s surge in North America is the latest report from Counterpoint Research, which highlights LG’s takeover of the spot that once belonged to Apple – though the race was pretty close.

According to the Hong Kong-based research firm, Samsung was number one in December of last year by grabbing 33% of the market share. Coming in at second and third place – as mentioned – were LG and Apple with 13% and 12%, respectively. Completing the top 5 list were Motorola, 9%, and HTC, 8%.

It’s worth to note that Counterpoint’s report lumped both smartphones and feature phones together. LG may have a lead in the overall handset market in the U.S., but Apple is likely to have sold more smartphones.

Nevertheless, LG has stepped up its game big time against Samsung and the rest of the competition. The Korean recently announced that it’s sold 1 million units of the flagship Optimus G across North America, while the L-series smartphones have sold to the tune of 10 million units worldwide.