[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Shim Ji-hye = It was found that only Apple and Samsung Electronics grew in the US smartphone market in the fourth quarter of last year. With the release of the new iPhone 12 series, Apple increased sales significantly, and Samsung Electronics was able to grow thanks to the introduction of the Galaxy S20 FE.
According to a market research firm Counterpoint Research on the 3rd, the US smartphone market in the fourth quarter of last year declined 6% compared to the same period last year as the effect of shrinking consumer sentiment from Corona 19 continued.
However, it increased by 24% compared to the previous quarter. Apple recorded the highest sales volume with the iPhone 12 and Samsung Electronics launched a new smartphone, driving demand. Thanks to the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple’s sales in the fourth quarter of last year increased 14% compared to the same period last year, and Samsung Electronics increased 5%.
On the contrary, LG Electronics, the third largest smartphone market in the US, declined 12% over the same period, while Nokia fell 44%.
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| [서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Shim Ji-hye = Growth rate by company in the US smartphone market in the fourth quarter of last year. [자료=카운터포인트리서치] 2021.02.02 [email protected] |
Counterpoint Research explained, “The fourth quarter of last year was a particularly difficult time for mid- to low-end smartphone makers as the Corona 19 continued.” .
“On the other hand, premium smartphones were good, and they used some of the money that consumers saved over the holidays on new devices.”
In the case of Apple, despite the delay in the release of the iPhone 12, it showed very large growth. As mobile carriers carried out promotions, demand for new iPhones outpaced supply.
According to Counterpoint Research, AT&T’s upgrade promotion allowed consumers to purchase older devices at a discount of up to $799. That’s enough to buy the lowest model iPhone for free. The iPhone 12 Pro Max had to wait three weeks at the beginning of its release.
Counterpoint Research predicts that the popularity of the iPhone 12 will continue through the first quarter of this year.
In the case of Samsung Electronics, it is analyzed that growth was possible with the popular premium model Galaxy S20 FE. It played an important role in meeting the demand for purchasing premium products while saving costs.
At the beginning of this year, the Galaxy S21, which was released at about $200 cheaper than the previous Galaxy S20, is expected to drive Samsung Electronics’ earnings. However, it is expected that it will not be easy for Samsung Electronics to get an opportunity as Apple’s growth is showing strong.