Rumors are spreading that major smartphone OEMs like Samsung and LG will be releasing their next flagship devices in the second half of the year, and the circumstances that are taking place industry-wide these days, make the rumors even more possible.
During the MWC this March, president of LG, Cho Joon-ho, stated that LG will release a premium model that is more advanced than the existing G-series in both design and functionality. This suggests that LG is planning to release its next flagship later this year. And in the case of Samsung, some industry resource commented that “Samsung is gearing up to unveil the Galaxy Note 5 in the latter half of this year. So, I think that if the Galaxy S7 is introduced as well, it will not create much synergy.” This statement strengthens the rumor that has been prevailing among industry people. So, there is a possibility that Samsung may release a Galaxy S7 or a Note 5 or both by the end of the year.
It is also said that the Samsung’s move to release the new flagship will be proclaimed if it feels that the sales of the present S6 are not at the par to counter the iPhone 6s that is ready to be launched soon. Not only Samsung, but major Android vendors will be opting the same strategy to compete with their iOS counterpart. The statement of LG’s president above also suggests the same and adds up to this rumor.
If the rumor becomes true, this will change the release cycle of both Samsung and LG. Usually, smartphone makers announce their flagships at the beginning of the year at MWC and launch them in the first half of the year. Following this strategy, the two Korean giant’s released their flagships this year, the Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and LG G4. The latter half of the year is scheduled for releasing entry-level, mid-range smartphones, accessories and other electronic gadgets that will be exclusive to their products.
Will these Android makers be able to compete with the Apple with their present flagships, or will they make this rumor become true? We will find out soon, stay tuned.