WSJ: Galaxy S5 sold 4 million units less than the Galaxy S4
There have been sings that the Galaxy S5 was not living up to expectations since July analysts reported that the 2014 flagship sold 2 million units less in May compared to the Galaxy S4 for the same period after its launch. Weak quarterly results confirmed that there's trouble brewing.
A Wall Street Journal article claims to know the reason Galaxy S5 sales never picked up. In fact, 2013 model reportedly sold 4 million units more than its replacement for the same period. This caused the company to miss sales estimates as Samsung was predicting a 20% jump for the new model. Now all the extra production is laying in warehouses.
Samsung did well in the US, but that's the only country where sales increased. In China Samsung reportedly experienced a sharp 50% drop compared to last year's flagship.
Recovery plans are already in motion. The company revealed it will put out fewer new models next year (25% to 30%). There may be a shake-up in leadership too, the mobile chief position may be transferred from JK Shin to BK Yoon, who currently runs the TV and Home appliances.