Samsung Galaxy 4: the coup de grace for Apple? - RTL.fr

Samsung, the giant South Korean electronics launches its new smartphone, at a time when its U.S. rival Apple announces a downturn in profits.

Samsung reigns supreme in the global phone market. Since 2010 and the launch of the first smartphone in the Galaxy series, the South Korean giant has eroded the market share of Apple and its iPhone to become the undisputed industry leader. With the launch of the fourth model in the series this Friday, April 26, Samsung should first consolidate its position in the smartphone market .

In the first quarter of 2013, Samsung totaled 51.6% of total mobile phone sales , according to figures released by research firm IDC. The market leader has passed 70.7 million smartphones from January to March, more units sold alone as all four of its main competitors: Apple, Huawei, ZTE and Sony

Behind Samsung, Apple remains attached to its second position. But the group founded by Steve Jobs recorded a lower growth of 10% for the first time in three years. At the same time, Samsung recorded a staggering 60.7% jump in sales.

hit but not sunk

Apple’s Apple’s net profit has declined by 18% between January and March 2013. But they are still substantial:. $ 9.5 billion (approximately EUR 7.2 Billion) in the first quarter

The U.S. giant will soon present the successor of the iPhone 5 in the coming weeks. The opportunity for Apple to pick up its South Korean competitor.