Analyst Predicts Weak Market for Samsung S8 Due to iPhone 8

by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 03/14/2017 08:46 AM | source: | 23 comment(s)

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has chimed in on the imminent Galaxy S8 release, and is predicting a significant drop in sales when compared to the Galaxy S7 to date because of a lack of selling points, and an attractive possible "iPhone 8" release.

A KGI securities note seen by AppleInsider predicts the Galaxy S8 to have 5.8- and 6.2-inch OLED screens, with the smaller size featuring 2960x1440 WQHD+ resolution. The Qualcomm 8998 SoC is expected for the US and Japan markets, with the remainder of the world getting the phone equipped with the Exynos 9985.

Korean and Chinese units will boast 6GB of RAM, versus 4GB elsewhere. All models are expected to have a full-screen display with no physical home button, and 3D-curved cover glass.

The rear cameras are expected to remain at 12MP, and not have a dual-lens setup. The front-facing camera is suspected to be a 8MP unit, an improvement over the 5MP in the Galaxy S7.

Ming-Chi expects shipments between 40 and 45 million units in fiscal year 2017, notably less than the 52 million Galaxy S7 shipped in a comparable timeframe, given the later launch of the Galaxy S8 versus the S7 and the S7 being used as a the sole flagship for the line after the Galaxy Note 7 debacle.

"We are conservative on demand for Galaxy S8, and believe its contribution to the supply chain will be limited," writes Ming-Chi. "Instead we recommend focusing on the sales outlook and supply chain momentum of Apple's (US) OLED iPhone model."

Samsung has announced a March 29 press event, to be held at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The invitation includes a silhouette matching recent leaks.

Saturday's predictions for the Samsung Galaxy S8 release echo rumors about the upcoming "iPhone 8," which is expected to use a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge OLED panel —likely made by Samsung —with a 5.1-inch practical area, the rest being dedicated to virtual buttons. Recent reports suggest that Apple may be abandoning the idea of a curved screen, owing to yield problems and poor drop-test results.

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HawaiianBrian
Senior Member

Posts: 277
Joined: 2014-10-22

#5407061 Posted on: 03/15/2017 02:26 PM

I bet the Anal-yst is wrong.

sykozis
Senior Member

Posts: 22086
Joined: 2008-07-14

#5407506 Posted on: 03/16/2017 02:30 AM

Until about a year ago, I was happy with my trusty old S3. 720p felt good enough @4.8", which also felt big enough. Speed still felt fine (not a gamer). Camera was OK for a portable (I prefer a real camera anyways).

I say we hit the smartphone sweet spot years ago. Carwise, the Galaxy S3 is the original '64 Porsche 911, it improving on the iconic Porsche 356 (iPhone 1). The new iPhone/S8 would be the 2017 911, with the '64 original still showing it's influence, even now.

These days, I really like Motorola phones. Bought 4 in the last year. (G (2nd), X Pure, Z Play) Feel solid, they run pure android like Nexus and have fantastic battery life. The Z Play has Epic battery life (beats all those charted above) and lightning fast charging. Don't look past Motorola, especially in the $300-450 range.

The only downside to Motorola, is that they're owned by Lenovo.... Considering their piss-poor support in the consumer PC market, I have little faith in their support for smartphones.

Netherwind
Senior Member

Posts: 7992
Joined: 2009-11-13

#5407665 Posted on: 03/16/2017 11:51 AM

I would say iPhone vs Samsung (iOS vs Android) are two completely separate markets other than a small handful of people who think the grass is greener and switch for a test

I can't see Android users all suddenly moving to iOS because of a new iPhone, not to the point it would make any noticeable impact on S8 sales

Nor can I see the opposite happening

This!

It's not like Android users are unaware that Apple exists (though it may be so the other way around). As you said, users have chosen their sides. What could happen is that some Apple users are in a spot where they feel they cannot afford another Apple and therefore move to the mid Android segment. On the other hand it could work the opposite way too.

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