Even though it makes some of the best cheap Android phones, Samsung continues to be the only Android OEM that gives Apple a tough time. No other manufacturer has the kind of depth in its premium lineup as Samsung does. This enables the company to effectively compete against Apple's iPhone.
For years, Apple only launched one new iPhone model every year. Android OEMs like Samsung launched multiple flagships and countless other devices in the low-end to mid-range segments. Apple has consciously targeted only the high-end segment which has worked out very well for the company.
Apple has switched things up a bit in recent years. It now launches multiple new iPhone models in a year. It has even been selling a 5.4-inch iPhone mini to cater to customers that don't want large phones. This has enabled the company to extract more value out of its smartphone lineup without having to dilute it.
For the most part, Samsung has competed against the iPhones with its flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series devices. Ever since the first Galaxy Fold was introduced in 2019, the company has had another weapon up its sleeve, since foldables are a segment where Apple seems to have given up on innovating.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and particularly the Galaxy Z Flip 3 have both been an incredible hit. Samsung's decision to absorb the discontinued Galaxy Note series into the Galaxy S22 Ultra has also proven to be a great discussion.
Yet this year, Samsung still stands to face what will perhaps be the most dangerous iPhone threat so far. The new iPhones that have come out over the past few years haven't really brought any revolutionary changes. That's expected to change with the iPhone 14 that's due later this year.
Rumor has it that four new iPhone 14 models will be on offer. The 2022 iPhone 14 Pro models are reportedly going to ditch the infamous Face ID notch in favor of a hole-punch cutout, not unlike Samsung's Infinity-O display.
It may also opt for a thicker body to make the rear camera bump sit flush with the back glass. Other rumored changes include a titanium frame, vapor chamber thermal system and camera upgrades. Precisely how much of this ends up being true remains to be seen, but this is what the Apple faithful are expecting for 2022.
If true, these will be some of the most significant changes made to the iPhone in years, and that's likely to result in a surge in demand. The challenge for Samsung is two-fold: Potentially winning over existing iPhone users before they upgrade and preventing smartphone users from buying their first iPhone.
Samsung has managed that to an extent with some of its existing devices. The unique form factor, style and capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have won over iPhone users who were not that committed to the entire Apple ecosystem. Samsung's robust Galaxy S lineup continues to attract smartphone buyers who may otherwise consider buying an iPhone.
This will become more challenging once the new iPhone 14 models hit the market this year. Samsung will have limited weapons in its arsenal to fight against them. The Galaxy S22 series is already out and there's no other flagship lineup due in the second part of the year. Evidently, the entire responsibility falls on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Samsung needs to deliver remarkable improvements for both devices in order to make them more appealing to customers. The steps may include everything from improving the cameras to making the devices more powerful, stylish and capable. The four years of Android OS upgrades that it already promises for future devices further elevates its appeal.
The company's decision to reduce the prices of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 made a big contribution to their stellar sales performance. A further price reduction, particularly for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, might just help the company win over customers who want to spend top dollar on a new smartphone and may be willing to try out a completely unique form factor.
Samsung can also try to revive the sales momentum for the Galaxy S22 series in the second half of this year through lucrative promotions and offers. We've seen the company take this route in the past as well. This will enable it to squeeze the most value possible out of its 2022 flagship lineup.
There's no denying that the Apple iPhone threat in 2022 is serious. Samsung needs to play its cards right to ensure that it remains within touching distance of the fruit company. Since it's already mulling an iPhone subscription program that Samsung may not be able to replicate, it's vital for Samsung to show that it won't back down without a fight.
