Galaxy S5 helps Samsung sell more LTE phones than Apple in Q2 2014

Released around the world in April, the Galaxy S5 reportedly helped Samsung grab a 32.2% share of the global LTE smartphone market in Q2 2014 (April - June). According to Strategy Analytics, Samsung sold 28.6 million LTE-capable smartphones in the quarter, overtaking Apple as the world’s largest LTE smartphone vendor.

Apple was the leader in Q1, controlling 40.5% of the market, but its share fell to 31.9% this quarter - probably not just because Samsung released the Galaxy S5, but also because many customers are holding off from buying new iPhones as they’re waiting for the iPhone 6 to be launched (this should happen next month).

Unlike Apple, which doesn’t have cheap iPhones, Samsung is selling lots off different LTE handsets. While devices like the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3 are expensive, smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Core Lite offer LTE for less than $300. Affordable LTE devices could help Samsung lure customers in emerging LTE markets - though competition from local manufacturers is now tougher than ever.

Far behind Samsung and Apple, LG grabbed a 5.2% share of the global LTE smartphone market in Q2. Combined, the three companies sold almost 70% of all the LTE-capable phones during the quarter.

source: Strategy Analytics via The Chosun Ilbo