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Galaxy S23 saved Samsung in Q1, eyes on Z Flip/Fold 5 for H2 2023
Despite Samsung reported sluggish Q1 performance, the MX (mobile experience) division announced improved performance thanks to strong sales of the Galaxy S23 series in 2023. It seems that the overall deficit was avoided as the MX division filled up the deficit in the semiconductor division.
According to Samsung Q1 2023 Results, the MX and network divisions recorded 31.82 trillion won in sales and 3.94 trillion won in operating profit in the first quarter, thanks to Galaxy S23. Sales decreased by 1.7% compared to the same period last year, but operating profit increased by 3.1%.
The poor sales performance is believed to be attributable to a decrease in sales in the network division, mainly in major overseas markets such as North America and Southwest Asia, but the increase in operating profit is evaluated as an effect of improved performance in the MX division.
Rocking S23 sales saved Samsung MX
In the market, it is estimated that the sales profit of the MX division has exceeded 3 trillion won due to the sales of the Galaxy S23 series. The S23 series, which was released in February 2023, has already surpassed 1 million sales in South Korea, and it is said that 11 million units have been sold globally.
In addition, it sold 1.7 times more than its predecessor in major Latin American countries such as Brazil, 1.5 times more than the Galaxy S22 series in Europe, and 1.5 times and 1.4 times more sales in the Middle East and India, respectively.
The Galaxy S23 series is estimated to have sold about 11 million units in the first quarter, which is an increase of about 50% compared to the previous S22 series. As a result, Average Selling Price is estimated to have improved by more than 25% compared to the previous quarter.
Prep for H2
Regarding the MX division, Samsung said, “Operating profit has improved significantly for flagships, A series, and tablets due to streamlining process operation.” Furthermore, in the second half of this year, Samsung plans to expand its market share by unveiling new foldable phones – Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5.
For the second quarter, the company said, “We plan to expand sales centering on the flagship and Galaxy A series through regional model operation efficiency, up-selling (top-tier model sales) strategies, and various consumer sales programs.”
Samsung revealed its Project Infinity, which aims to make your Galaxy devices safer against cyber threats. Android is vulnerable due to its open-source nature, making regular security updates necessary for your Galaxy phone’s security.
Project Infinity of Samsung is a classified operation, working on safeguarding Galaxy devices and users around the clock for safer operations. Samsung Newsroom has recently published a blog post, revealing insights from specialist meetings.
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Samsung’s Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) taskforce is a reconnaissance unit within Project Infinity along with the Red (RED), Blue (BLUE), and Purple (PURPLE) Teams, which go beyond lab conditions to identify real-world dangers.
- RED and BLUE perform proactive attack and defense functions, seeking out vulnerabilities and taking measures against them.
- PURPLE is a special operations unit that acts as both a sword and shield for specific critical areas.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has deployed RED, BLUE, and PURPLE teams in various countries including Vietnam, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil. CTI is dedicated to identifying potential threats and stopping hackers from taking control of your device.
“Once we spot these kinds of threats, we collaborate with developers and operators to lock everything down for preventing attacks,” said Ranger, a CTI member.
Samsung Security Updates
Earlier this year, Samsung announced it to support flagship Galaxy devices for seven years. The new policy applies to all flagship Galaxy devices launched after the Galaxy S24 series. It’s the longest software support offered by any mobile brand.
These updates mean customers can safely use their phones for longer. As cyber threats become more common than you think, security updates are much more crucial to safeguard your Galaxy from any potential threat of vulnerability.
Owners of select Samsung Smart TVs, monitors, The Premiere 7 & 9 projectors, or The Freestyle 2nd Gen can stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Flight Simulator 2024 and hundreds of other games with Gaming Hub Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Flight Simulator 2024 are two of the most popular games of 2024. Thanks to Samsung Gaming Hub, you don’t need to download any of the Xbox Game Pass titles, no meaning no storage required – just jump in and play.
The company has also built an engaging gameplay experience designed by fans, for fans through The Six, challenging players’ knowledge and providing another way to interact with the world of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Notably, Samsung’s Gaming Hub is available on a variety of Samsung screens. It includes the AI-powered 2024 TV lineup, monitors, projectors, The Premiere, and The Freestyle 2nd Gen projector, offering instant access to console-free gaming.
Anyone with a Samsung Smart TV will be able to use their remote to jump in and play. This way, Gaming Hub provides a co-branded experience, giving Call of Duty fans another way to engage with the franchise they love.
For starters: The Six offers daily trivia where players can answer a series of six questions in competition with other players around the world. Correct answers with the fastest response time will achieve higher scores.
Samsung could launch the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone next year. The company has collaborated with LG Uplus to develop a custom smartphone. The device is said to feature Galaxy AI and LG Uplus’s AI call assistant ixi-O.
Sources citing KEDGlobal revealed that Samsung and LG Uplus working together to develop the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone. It’s a big development in the smartphone industry, while the handset is highly likely to be Korea-limited.
Samsung fans are well aware of the Galaxy AI feature suite. ixi-O is an AI-powered digital assistant developed by Korean carrier LG Uplus. The company plans to enter the smartphone market, featuring its own-developed AI assistant.
The report indicates that Samsung and LG Uplus’ ixi-O AI Phone will launch as early as next year. The development project focuses on crafting a “real AI phone” that goes beyond simply integrating AI assistant services into a smartphone.
ixi-O comes with useful features such as AI call answering, detecting voice phishing in real-time, recording and summarizing phone calls and converting voice conversation into text – all within an on-device environment.
Image: ixi-O AI | LG Uplus Newsroom
Based on specifications, the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone will be based on a Galaxy phone available globally. The design will match with a global Galaxy smartphone, but the software may be tweaked as per the carrier’s requirements.
A custom Galaxy phone isn’t shocking or impossible in South Korea. Samsung releases Quantum, Buddy, and Jump-branded phones in the market. The company collaborates with Korean carriers to bring these devices to mainland Korea.
The carrier introduced an on-device AI-powered ixi-O assistant earlier this month. LG Uplus will initially target its consumer base for the new AI Phone. However, the AI Assistant may be expanded to a broader audience across Korea.