Even in its weakened state, Samsung’s strong foothold in the mobile market enabled the company to stave off competition during the busy holiday period. That’s according to NPD hardware analyst Stephen Baker, who said Samsung’s loyal fanbase helped the Korean company remain competitive, even as companies such as Apple were releasing new devices.
“Most of those who bought or wanted to buy a Note 7 opted for a different high-end Galaxy phone,” Baker told The Wall Street Journal. He added, “Samsung was able to fend off other Android competition, and Apple, too, thanks to Apple’s own lack of a wowing product this year.”
We echoed a similar sentiment earlier this year, even before the iPhone 7 was introduced. Although the device sports an improved home button, new colors and faster guts, Apple’s latest smartphones don’t feel as technologically advanced as the competition. At least the Cupertino company ditched the option for 16GB of storage.
Baker’s comments come on the heels of a report from Flurry Analytics, which said Apple products accounted for 44 percent of activated smartphones and tablets over the holiday period. In contrast, Flurry says Samsung’s smartphones accounted for less than half that at 21 percent.
Samsung is too strong
The Galaxy Note 7 would have been our smartphone of the year had it not been for the device recall. It features a killer design, excellent camera, and all the functionality you’d ever need. Unfortunately, it had a propensity to catch fire, which is why it was recalled.
We’re expecting Apple to step it up next year by upgrading to an OLED display and all-new design. The year 2017 will mark the iPhone’s tenth anniversary, so we’re expecting big things. Whether Apple’s next smartphone will be good enough to compete against devices like the Galaxy S8 or Note 8 remains to be seen.
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