Go back a couple of years and Samsung was THE dominant force in the Android market. While on the whole the company hasn't exactly been in trouble since then (sales of its flagship and non-flagship devices in total have been more than adequate to keep it in a market-leading position), it is true that interest in its flagship phones did take a downward turn since 2013. In short, Samsung couldn't catch a break when it came to its lead models, the Galaxy S5 crashed and burned in terms of user uptake and sales, as well as being panned critically.

The Galaxy S6 series was much better received by reviewers, but for whatever reason (perhaps just lingering hesitation) the Galaxy S6 also didn't shift in anywhere near the numbers Samsung had expected. However, looking at the bigger picture, that 2014-2015 period was not a particularly good one for smartphone innovation generally, flagships across the board were pretty dull really and market saturation seems to have peaked. It has taken until 2016 for things to really kick back into a high gear, and Samsung's Galaxy S7 series really did signal the start of that as the first new model out the gate in February.

Following earlier estimates from both industry analysts and Samsung itself for the firm's Q2 2016 performance, the firm has now revealed actual sales, revenue, and profit figures in its latest earnings report. Previously analyst has estimated $6.8bn operating profit for the quarter, while Samsung itself predicted near $7bn ($6.94bn to be precise), but trumping both bets Samsung's actual figure came in at $7.2bn; a year-on-year increase of $1.1bn up from the same period in 2015.

Total revenue for the quarter was $45.3bn up from earlier estimates of $43.2bn, a year-on-year growth of $2.1bn. Earlier estimates also pegged Samsung's mobile division as accounting for around 49% of total profit at around $3.5bn of the earlier $6.94bn prediction; according to the official figures now released Samsung mobile actually generated ang operating profit of $3.84bn, an increase of $382 million on the same period last year and, again, it's believed the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE are largely responsible.

Off the back of the Galaxy S7, Samsung doesn't show any signs of slowing down. According to the rumour mill the firm has plans for at least five, possibly as many as six flagships in 2017; there's said to be a new Galaxy S8 with a 4K (UHD) display designed for VR applications and a dual-sensor camera, as well as a Galaxy S8 EDGE, a Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note 8 EDGE, and the first fully flexible and foldable OLED smartphone with the Galaxy X, aka Project Valley. We have since heard of a second folding OLED Galaxy handset too; allgedly, between the Galaxy X and this other model, one will feature a 5in display that can be unfolded into an 8in tablet, while the other will have a standard display size that can be folded in half to make the phone more compact - much like old clamshell flip phones, but with a touch display that folds down its middle. According to reports the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 EDGE will come to MWC 2017 in February/March once again, but we may also see something to do with the Galaxy X/Project Valley folding OLED phones in the same time-frame, even if not a full launch.

What's also interesting is that 2017 is shaping up to be THE year of OLED displays. As well as Samsung's own efforts with flexible OLED the firm is reported to be investing $6.8 billion into its production facilities with the goal of upping output by as much as 50%, up from its current 300 million OLED units per year to at least 500 million. Samsung's introduction of flexible OLED is expected to drive the market towards wider adoption, in conjunction with Apple adopting OLED for the iPhone in the same year. Samsung is also expected to be one of the main suppliers of OLED for Apple's new model, to the tune of 100 million units per year. Samsung is also keen to fend of rivals such as LG, which is also thought to be investing $8.6 billion in its own OLED production for TVs, with plans for smartphones to soon follow.

Samsung has now launched the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE in the US again, except this time the new models being introduced are UNLOCKED handsets that will work on any network! That includes Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Spring, and US Cellular. The Galaxy S7 is designated SM-G930U, while the EDGE model is the SM-G935U. In all other areas, the duo are the same as the existing models including the Snapdragon 820 processor - these are officially released, supplied and supported handsets and will be given software updates from Samsung. Retail outlets which will stock the new models include Amazon, Best Buy, Ebay, Sam’s Club and Target.com. The regular unlocked Galaxy S7 is priced at $669.99, while the EDGE is $769.99.

Indeed, they are pricy handsets. But they do pack in a HELL of a lot of specs, features and hardware. In fact, these are likely the most advanced phones in the world right now. And with credentials like that you’re ALWAYS going to be paying top dollar. How things pan out for the rest of the year remains to be seen; Apple will return with two iPhone 7 handsets and Samsung will renew its Note line in the UK with the arrival of the Galaxy Note 7 on August 2.

Basically, if you’re in the market for a new phone there has never been a better time than right now — or the very immediate future.

The Galaxy S7 has pushed Samsung back into the limelight, after a two year slump the firm is back on form. Samsung Galaxy S7 units are selling by the boatload.

By: DocMemory
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