Apple Vs Samsung: By now, you have probably heard that Samsung has released information on its new Galaxy S4 smartphone. If you haven’t yet taken the time to learn more, you can check out this article: Samsung Galaxy S4 Released – Should Apple Inc. (AAPL) be Worried?
Additionally, we recently posted some images of the new smartphone here.
Rather than simply compare the features and specs, which we did in this article, it is time to see what “those in the know” have to say.
Several Apple analysts have weighed in, as noted by CNN Money. They include: Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster, Jefferies’ Peter Misek, Nomura’s Stuart Jeffrey, Barclays’ Ben Reitzes, Credit Suisse’s Kulbinder Garcha, and Stifel’s Aaron Rakers.
Now, let’s see what each analyst had to say.
Munster
“The Galaxy S4 appears to be largely an incremental update to the S3 including a slightly larger screen (4% larger on diagonal), better camera and processor, and updated software, but largely the same body style and casing. Despite the launch and fanfare around the Galaxy S4, we continue to believe that Apple will maintain a low 40% market share in the high-end smartphone market in CY13.”
Misek
“What does this mean for Apple? We believe the S4 will certainly sell well and it is incrementally negative for Apple; however, the device is not revolutionary, in our view.”
Jeffrey
“While clearly a step forward relative to the S3, there is much that is evolutionary about the S4, rather than revolutionary. Nevertheless, we see the S4 potentially helping Samsung to overtake Apple in high-end smartphone shipments during 2013.”
Reitzes
“In terms of competition vs. Apple, the GS4 seems largely as expected – and there could be some relief for Apple (certain versions of LTE won’t be available until later this year). However, as we stated recently in a recent report – we believe that Samsung’s momentum is a major issue for Apple. As a result, we need to see Apple expand its iPhone market this year in a big way – and improve its platform.”
Garcha
“We believe the S4 device will continue to drive growth for Samsung in the high-end of the smartphone market from ~115mn devices in 2012 to ~180mn devices in 2013 with build plans as high as 200mn units. Combining this with Apple’s growth, we continue to highlight that the high-end of the smartphone market should grow to unprecedented levels, and will likely grow 34% yoy to nearly 400mn units in 2013… The addition of Galaxy S4 to Samsung’s high-end portfolio certainly presents risks to Apple in the near term owing to increasing competition and product transition.”
Rakers
“We believe that the display, the camera, the software and several unique features ups the ante in the smartphone market.”
As you can see, there is no consensus on what the Samsung Galaxy S4 means to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone business. It will be interesting to see which analysts are right and which ones are off point, as 2013 wears on.
Now that we know what the analysts have to say, it is your turn. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Check back here for more updates on Apple Vs Samsung.
DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
For more news stories, visit these pages:
Apple Inc. (AAPL) can’t be Trusted in the Courtroom?
A Political Bill for Increased Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPad Usage on Airplanes
