Ming-Chi Kuo: Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+ Pre-Release Demand ‘Much Better than Expected’

Samsung might have a hit on their hands with the recently-announced Galaxy S10 and S10+ flagship devices, says one analyst.

According to a new research note from famed (Apple) analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities (via MacRumors), pre-release demand for the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e has been “much better than expected,” and his souped-up up estimates suggest Samsung’s latest flagships have seen a 30 to 40 percent increase in shipments as compared to last year’s Galaxy S9 series.

Kuo’s original estimate for the Galaxy S10 shipment was around 30-35 million units for 2019 — he has now increased that by 30 percent to 40-45 million units:

Pre-order demand for the S10 series is better than expected. Worldwide pre-order demand for the S10 series grows by 30-40% YoY compared to that for the S9 series based on our survey. Therefore, we will increase shipment estimates of the S10 series in 2019 by 30% from 30-35mn to 40-45 units. S10+ and S10 account for 85% or more of total shipments.

We believe that the better-than-expected shipment momentum of S10 series is due to (1) the market’s bearish view on high-end smartphone growth, (2) spec differentiation from iPhone models, including an ultrasonic fingerprint on display (FOD), rear triple-camera, and bilateral wireless charging, (3) much better-than-expected demand in China market, and (4) trade-in programs.

Kuo says this increase is due to Samsung‘s generous trade-in programs, strong demand in China, and spec differentiation from iPhone models. Specifically, Kuo says buyers are being wooed by the S10’s in-screen fingerprint scanner, triple-camera setup, and bilateral wireless charging support — none of which can be found on Apple’s iPhone XS or XS Max.

Differences between the Samsung and Apple flagship devices could narrow in the fall, as Apple is expected to debut a similar camera setup on its 2019 iPhone lineup. However, Apple is expected to stick with its Face ID facial recognition in place of fingerprint recognition.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ are currently available for pre-order and will hit shelves later this week.

In related news, a new report reveals that Samsung is working on two new foldable smartphones in addition to the Galaxy Fold, as the South Korean manufacturer hopes an expanded lineup would help it secure the foldable phone market.