It’s a bit peculiar how easy it is for industry watchers to accept Apple and Samsung’s explanations for why smartphone sales slowed down so much last year. Sure, issues with China might have played a role. But it’s a pretty big coincidence that both companies saw big slowdowns in the same year that they also released their most boring flagship phone upgrades ever. In Apple’s case, the iPhone XS series marks the first time Apple has ever released an “S” upgrade without adding a single new marquee feature. Every other “S” phone since the iPhone 3GS has been used to introduce exciting new tech like Touch ID, Siri, and 3D Touch. The iPhone XS, meanwhile, got a minor specs bump and a larger phablet version that tops out at around $1,500.
In Samsung’s case, the issue might have been even worse. Apple at least introduced the iPhone XR with a new design and cheaper pricing to help prop up its boring flagship phones. Samsung’s Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 all used the same designs as their predecessors and, like the iPhone XS, brought no new marquee features to the table… only minor specs updates and higher price tags. Both of these smartphone behemoths will look to get their smartphone businesses back on track this year, and so far it looks like Samsung will do the better job of it. The company is planning two completely redesigned flagship series in 2019, as well as a third brand new series with an exciting foldable design. Unfortunately, it looks like we might have to wait a bit longer than expected to see that design in action.
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Uh oh: Insider says Samsung’s foldable Galaxy F phone won’t launch next week originally appeared on BGR.com on Mon, 11 Feb 2019 at 08:17:21 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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