Though Samsung has recalled its Note 7 model smartphones; affecting both its business and brand, it still lead the market, shipping just over 76 million units (excluding all Note 7s), down 9% on the same quarter a year ago.
Apple came in second with just over 45 million units place according to a report by Canalys.
The report adds that Apple’s iPhone shipments suffered an annual decline, falling 5% while the Chinese vendors grew the market with Huawei, Oppo and Vivo among the the top five respectively, with their shipments growing 60% collectively.
‘Halting sales of the Note 7 had an impact on Samsung’s shipments in Q3, but even a smooth launch would not have delivered year-on-year growth. With the recall commencing midway through September, it was too late in the quarter to have a positive effect on the competition,’ said Tim Coulling, Canalys Senior Analyst.
Tim added that the standout performer was Oppo, with the best quarter among them all. Its smart phone shipments grew around 40% sequentially and 140% year on year.
. ‘The Note is a relatively niche product in Samsung’s portfolio, and the lack of competing products with a stylus means it’s too early to identify potential winners,” added the analyst.
The danger for Samsung is that the Note 7 recall affects sales of other models in its portfolio and its competition might sale more pieces than Samsung in Q4.
Samsung’s Board of Directors has proposed the appointment of Jay Y. Lee, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, to the Board, subject to shareholders’ confirmation in what the firm says a response to “to the rapidly changing business conditions.”
Mr. Lee, who is a seen as heir apparent has extensive experience as a business leader over many years at Samsung Electronics. The Company expects to see improvements in the performance of its key business with his appointment. the stakeholders expect he will provide the leadership to take Samsung Electronics to the next level of success.
Regarding the Galaxy Note7, the firm said throughout its 47-year history it has faced and overcome numerous challenges, and this will be solved too. Mr. Kwon said, “Samsung Electronics is strongly committed to increasing value for shareholders and enhancing the Company’s global leadership, learning from and adapting to this challenging business environment.”
