According to the Economic Times of India, an executive of South Korean smartphone giant Samsung said that with its newly launched high-end devices, Samsung hopes to replace Apple before the end of the first half of this year, occupying the top spot in the high-end mobile phone field.
Raju Pullan, head of sales and retail for Samsung's mobile business in India, said the company is focused on expanding the high-end device space and investing in creating ecosystems to attract new customers outside of big cities.
"India is Samsung's strategic market globally. We will continue to invest in and drive the ecosystem around our devices. He said, adding that Samsung is working with businesses to make their devices easily accessible.
The company's flagship S22 smartphone line will go on sale on March 11. Raju Pullan said Samsung now has the broadest line of high-end smartphones.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple maintained its lead in the high-end market with a 44 per cent share (Rs 30,000, about $400) at the end of December last year, followed by OnePlus and Samsung.
The executive said Samsung is also bullish on 5G and will help drive the ecosystem forward with new releases. The company already has 14 smartphones that support 5G technology.
"We're seeing an organic shift to 5G phones. The pandemic has actually sparked demand for high-speed products. Pullan added.
According to Counterpoint, Samsung Electronics occupied the first place in 5G smartphones in the quarter from October to December 2021.
Counterpoint data shows that Samsung still ranks second among smartphone brands in 2021, with shipments down 8% year-on-year. Compared to last year, the agency said, supply chain disruptions, the absence of the new Note series, less focus on entry-level segments and fewer launches in mid-tier segments have led to an overall decline.
However, Samsung leads the market at 28 per cent in the 20,000-45,000 rupees (about $267 to $600). Counterpoint data shows that shipments of Samsung's foldable devices (Fold and Flip series) will increase by 388% year-on-year in 2021.
"We want consumers to see 5G as an area they're willing to upgrade." He added.
Pullan added that the average selling price (ASP) of Samsung smartphones has seen strong growth thanks to various financing options and buyback programs, especially in the mid- to high-end market.
Pullan said the folding series contributes about 34 percent to overall high-end sales.
"Our key approach is to make the Fold series mainstream and more accessible in India. We are working on the same project through our partners. Raju Pullan said. C114 communication network Yuyu