Galaxy S21 sales tripled the S20’s, probably thanks to price cuts
Recognition: Eric Zeman / Android Authority
- According to Strategy Analytics, Galaxy S21 series sales in the US were three times higher than S20 series in the first month.
- The S21 Ultra also dominated the new product range and accounted for 40% of its sales.
- Aggressive pricing may have played a role.
Sales of the Galaxy S21 were clearly strong in some parts of the world, but Samsung’s latest phones appear to be particularly popular in the US. According to SamMobile, Strategy Analytics researchers estimate that sales of the Galaxy S21 in the first month in the country roughly tripled year over year.
People weren’t just buying the cheapest model, either. Analysts found that the Galaxy S21 Ultra accounts for 40% of US sales of the new range of products – not an easy task when it’s the largest and most expensive model.
It is believed that cost played a role in the tip. While Samsung had a familiar pricing strategy with the Galaxy S20, it was more willing to lower the S21 prices sooner to increase sales. As of this writing, Samsung is selling the S21 Ultra for just under $ 900 – about $ 300 below its official price. We’d add that even the recommended prices were lower across the board, with the S21 Ultra priced at $ 200 below its S20 equivalent.
Connected: Samsung cell phone buying guide
Timing could also have been a factor. The Galaxy S20 arrived in early March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US, the economy was in chaos and job losses were rampant. There wasn’t much point in buying a phone with nowhere to go. With the pandemic still raging a year later, lighter restrictions and a partial economic recovery could have spurred sales of the Galaxy S21.
Samsung’s challenge could be to maintain the Galaxy S21’s sales momentum for the remainder of 2021. Discounts might spark interest while the phones are new, but it’s not sure if they’ll help that much after the novelty fades. There is also the question of competition. While the iPhone 12 series was available for the entire life cycle of the S21, you may see more bargains on Apple’s phones as they mature – and that doesn’t include the inevitable update later this year. Samsung may have to work hard to keep the S21 in the spotlight.
