Smart-phone sales growth continued in the first quarter, proving a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy picture as overall global handset sales fell at a record pace, research firm Gartner Inc. said Wednesday.

Smart phones such as Apple Inc.'s iPhone and a growing number of touch-screen devices from other companies have defied the downturn, aided by growth in applications as device manufacturers broaden their reach into both the midtier and high-end segments.

Still, the rapid downturn in consumer spending has hammered the wider market as customers delay upgrades and hold off buying new phones.