REPORT: Samsung S4 sales to top 80m in 2013

Reports are suggesting that Samsung are heading towards an incredible sales total for 2013. On the Galaxy S4 alone reports are indicating that sales could top the 80m mark - an absolutely extraordinary figure. This has been proposed by RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Sue.

“Galaxy S4 demand in the first month of availability has been incrementally better than our estimate of 10M units,” Sue wrote. “In comparison, the S-III took nearly 2 months (50 days) to achieve the 10M units mark. Our broad-based channel checks at U.S. stores indicate that demand for the 16G S-4 devices remains strong with 32G Black devices mostly sold-out and 32G White devices yet to make it to the stores. At this pace, the GS4 is likely to cross 20M shipments in 2Q13, potentially reaching 80M S4 unit shipments in CY13.”

Where exactly this market is appearing from is unclear but with sales of other Android devices remaining steady, and Windows Phone devices holding their own, this market could well be iOS, or perhaps a final shift from feature phones.

Samsung seem to be benefiting from pushing some limits on innovation with the S4, something Apple failed to do with the iPhone 5. I said at the time that, whilst some of the S4 features were gimmicky and perhaps a bit unnecessary, consumers would respond positively to Samsung's creativity with features. Whilst I didn't like the lack of aesthetic change, it appears that they've still hit the mark.

Remember that the 80m sales are S4 only, this doesn't include the continuing sales of the S3, the Note devices or indeed the likes of the Ace.

It remains to be seen whether Samsung can indeed shift 80m devices in 2013. If they can, there will be absolutely no doubt about the dominant manufacturer in the smartphone market.