Samsung’s second quarter performance may have disappointed analysts, but it may have been enough to become the world’s most profitable smartphone vendor during the quarter.
Analysts with Strategy Analytics claim Samsung took the honors from Apple in 2Q, with an estimated profit of $5.2 billion at its handset business, compared to $4.6 billion operating profit for Apple’s iPhone.
The US vendor was hit by lower than expected sales of the iPhone 5, and a ramp in competition in China, says Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics
“Samsung is performing well in the US market, while Huawei, ZTE and other local brands are growing vigorously in China.”
Senior analyst Neil Shah says Samsung’s success lies in “strong volumes, high wholesale prices and tight cost controls.”
But Strategy Analytics' figures are merely estimates, and have been disputed.