The market share of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones is being threatened by a majority of young Koreans who prefer the classier design and functionality of iPhones.
A Gallup Korea poll on Wednesday shows that 65 percent of Koreans aged 18 to 29 have iPhones — and 71 percent of women in the age group — while only 32 percent remain patriotically committed to Samsung.
The desertion of Samsung is progressing fast. Last year only 52 percent had iPhones and 44 percent Galaxy.
“It seems high school and university students will only be seen with an iPhone these days, which is worrying for Samsung since these young people are the prime consumers of the future,” an industry insider said.
In many overseas premium markets, iPhones have long won the battle. According to market researcher Canalys, Apple accounted for 59 percent of the North American smartphone market, compared to 23 percent for Samsung.
The Financial Times reported in February, “Younger Americans prefer an iPhone over Android by huge margins, creating unusual pressure over how they communicate.”
But Samsung phones still dominate the overall Korean market thanks to loyal older customers. Among all consumers here, 69 percent said they have a Galaxy phone, rising to 86 percent among people in their 60s, 85 percent among those in their 50s and 78 percent among people in their 40s.
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