SEOUL, KOREA - The global mobile phone market is expected to continue to grow in the second half of this year. The growth of the mobile phone market will likely to be driven by the growth in overall demand for semi-premium models rather than those for premium models.
Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S4 sales are estimated to be lower than expected. Apple is expected to release mass-market models, igniting concerns that the growth of the premium smartphone market reached its peak.
Samsung Electronics plans to release Galaxy S4 Mini within this month. Global smartphone makers are building a diverse range of model portfolio, aimed at sustaining growth in next year.
Along with the growth in demand for mass-market smartphones in the global market, Samsung Electronics' dominant presence is likely to remain unchanged in the latter half of this year. Samsung Electronics' annual smartphone sales are estimated to stand at around 340 million units, up 59 percent from a year ago. Samsung Electronics is expected to maintain its No. 1 spot, widening its lead over No. 2 player Apple.
*Market forecast by researchers at Daishin Securities Co.
