RIM (NSDQ: RIMM) has benefited greatly from the growth in smartphone uptake, and remains the market leader in overall sales in the US. According to the NDP Group, its sales accounted for half of all smartphone sales in the first three months of 2009 in the US, where it sells the bulk of its devices. But that doesn’t mean its not feeling the pressure from the spate of releases from its rivals. RIM reports first quarter results Thursday for the three months ended May 30, and analysts will again be looking out for any sign that the competition is putting a squeeze on profit margins, the WSJ.com reports.

Though Blackberry sales have been buoyed by the iPhone’s buzz, the market is only getting tougher, especially with the recent launch of the Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre and the price cut of the iPhone 3G to $99. RIM, too has been reducing prices, especially on older device models, as well as rolling out less costlier ones. Its sales saw a real spike when Verizon (NYSE: VZ) extended its “buy one, get one free” offer, but that offer obviously came at a price to margins. Last quarter, RIM managed to beat expectations with sales increasing 84 percent to $3.46 billion compared to the same period a year ago. But gross margin was down to 40 percent from 51.4 percent a year ago, and 45.6 percent sequentially.

As the WSJ.com points out, none of RIM’s various Blackberry models have ever captured the same attention as the iPhone, but that its phones with their tactile keyboards and faster typing capability have sold well. RIM has said already that it plans to roll out an update to its touchscreen model, the Storm. Analysts expect the new model could include a slide-out keyboard, much like Palm’s Pre and the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N97.

• Earnings: RIM Beats Expectations, Revenue Up 84 Percent Year-On-Year
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