Ahead of Galaxy S23, A14 Launches... Dual Drive of Budget and Premium

Polarization of Low- and High-End Smartphone Markets
Summary of Mid-Range Models...Focus on Popular Devices

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] Samsung Electronics unveiled the budget smartphone Galaxy A14 ahead of the release of its most anticipated flagship of the first half of the year, the Galaxy S23. This move is seen as an effort to reorganize its product lineup to meet the demand in the smartphone market, which is divided into low-end and premium segments.

On the 6th, Samsung Electronics revealed the Galaxy A14 at CES 2023, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition.

The Galaxy A14 features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 5000mAh battery. The mobile application processor (AP), considered the brain of the smartphone, is the Exynos 1330. It comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage capacity. It is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main camera.

In the United States, it will be sold from the 13th at $200 (approximately 255,200 KRW). It is expected to launch in Latin America in February and in Europe between March and April.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics has released the ultra-budget model Galaxy F04 in the Indian market. The retail price is 9,499 rupees (about 150,000 KRW), but through promotions, it can be purchased for as low as 7,499 rupees (about 120,000 KRW). Sales will begin on the 12th via Flipkart, an Indian online shopping mall.

Following the Galaxy A14 and F04, the flagship model Galaxy S23 is scheduled to be unveiled on the 1st of next month.

As Samsung reveals three new models consecutively from the beginning of the year, overseas IT media such as GSM Arena and SamMobile have reported that Samsung will not release the Galaxy A74 this year. The release of the Galaxy S22 FE (Fan Edition) is also uncertain. Samsung is reorganizing its lineup focusing on models with high demand.

Recently, the smartphone market has seen a decline in popularity for mid-range models, with polarization occurring between low-end and high-end segments. Since the prolonged economic downturn following COVID-19, smartphone purchases have also polarized. Consumers with purchasing power buy expensive premium smartphones, while others opt for low-cost devices.

If the Galaxy S series represents Samsung's premium smartphone lineup, the budget models such as the A1, A3, and A5 series are popular. The mid-range A7 series and FE models have underperformed so far.

According to Counterpoint Research's "Top 10 Global Smartphone Sales Models in 2021," the only Samsung product in the top 10 was the Galaxy A12 (6th place). Other Samsung models like the Galaxy S21, S21 Ultra, and A32 ranked between 10th and 20th. A similar survey in April last year showed the iPhone 13 series occupying the top three spots, with the Galaxy S22 Ultra ranking 5th globally, Galaxy A13 6th, Galaxy A03 8th, and Galaxy A53 9th.

SamMobile explained, "A significant portion of Samsung smartphone sales comes from devices like the Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A53."