Has Samsung lost some of it's "power"?

[dmmarck]

Do u realise that the marketing for the s3 had nothing to do with the s3 pre release?the s2 was so good of a phone that pop praised it and gave it a street buzz similar to how the HTC one is now...everyone had to have the s3 prior to the commercials bashing apple etc, great products sale they self at first Samsung wasn't marketing the s1 or s2 like they market s3 And s4 it took for them to make consistent great phones...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

Not necessarily true. The hype surrounding it was due in large part to the S2's success--correct. But also the Next Big Thing campaign and how Samsung orchestrated its marketing in the 2-3 months prior. As a Galaxy Nexus owner, I remember the time all too clearly, in part because they replaced the one GN commercial with ads focused on hyping the S3.

With the S4, a device which is arguably less important than the S3 for Samsung's priorities, they resorted to a bolder launch event. Still, their marketing is top notch and their presentation really does a good job evoking Apple-esque feelings.

 

[livetoride4666]

From some postings I've seen as of late, I get the feeling that HTC isn't as polished as say Samsung Galaxy brand phones or iPhones. Their QA seems a bit lax based on some folks complaints here about screens not fit right, speakers not being made right, easily scratched back covers etc. Plus isn't HTC as a company struggling quite a bit now as well?

I pretty much trust that Samsung and Apple have pretty much perfected the quality control of their phones somewhat better than HTC. Perhaps HTC was in such a rush to "be first" so they could snag as much $$ as they could, they let some poorly made units slip through to consumers?

You think Samsung has pretty much perfected their quality phones? I have been a long time iphone user, but wanted to make the switch last year so I bought a Note 2. The phone broke in a few weeks so I got the SGIII, then a few weeks ago it over heated and fried itself. Now my second SGIII breaks as well so I went back to my trusted iPhone. I bought the One last week and it has been perfect in every way. I have spoken to sooo many people having issues with their Samsung phones. I am not saying Samsung makes crappy phones, far from it, but I don't agree with your statement at all.

 

[dmmarck]

You think Samsung has pretty much perfected their quality phones? I have been a long time iphone user, but wanted to make the switch last year so I bought a Note 2. The phone broke in a few weeks so I got the SGIII, then a few weeks ago it over heated and fried itself. Now my second SGIII breaks as well so I went back to my trusted iPhone. I bought the One last week and it has been perfect in every way. I have spoken to sooo many people having issues with their Samsung phones. I am not saying Samsung makes crappy phones, far from it, but I don't agree with your statement at all.

Having owned 4 different Galaxy Nexii, not including the one my fiancee owns, and having several friends with S2's, S3's, Notes, Note II's, and a bunch of miscellany lower-end devices, I've never, ever, ever confused Samsung with top-notch build quality, flawless construction, and sterling hardware. Ever.

 

[LegalAmerican]

Considering I was a massive Nexus fanboy, I can say that your first paragraph has absolutely no applicability to me or my personal choices lol. I prefer software I can manipulate the easiest. Usually that's the simplest. I detest TouchWiz. The only thing I hate more is Sprint--the entire network. I find TW to be large, bloated, and completely superfluous. But I cannot deny its creativity. I cannot deny S Voice, the hovering gestures, etc. You can't. They're too cool. But TW itself, for my software preferences? Completely antithetical.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not in love with Sense. It will be replaced. If you've seen my post history, you'd know that lol.

Then you must not represent 100% of Android since I said 90%. I wasn't accusing YOU, I was using what you had said to make a point about Android fans in general.

 

[dmmarck]

Then you must not represent 100% of Android since I said 90%. I wasn't accusing YOU, I was using what you had said to make a point about Android fans in general.

The only response I can think of..."If the glove don't fit you must acquit."

 

[LegalAmerican]

Not necessarily true. The hype surrounding it was due in large part to the S2's success--correct. But also the Next Big Thing campaign and how Samsung orchestrated its marketing in the 2-3 months prior. As a Galaxy Nexus owner, I remember the time all too clearly, in part because they replaced the one GN commercial with ads focused on hyping the S3.

With the S4, a device which is arguably less important than the S3 for Samsung's priorities, they resorted to a bolder launch event. Still, their marketing is top notch and their presentation really does a good job evoking Apple-esque feelings.

Marketing obviously helped keep interest alive, but if it wasn't an absolutely amazing device as well as the marketing, it wouldn't have continued to sell and make gangbusters after it's release. There have been phones in that past who's marketing was pretty good, and the phone did not survive it's release when people had problems (Bionic). So to act like a phone can make it or break it only based on Marketing is a joke. Marketing can only carry a lemon so far. It takes a solid device to make it to a whole new level like the S3 did.

 

[dmmarck]

Marketing obviously helped keep interest alive, but if it wasn't an absolutely amazing device as well as the marketing, it wouldn't have continued to sell and make gangbusters after it's release. There have been phones in that past who's marketing was pretty good, and the phone did not survive it's release when people had problems (Bionic). So to act like a phone can make it or break it only based on Marketing is a joke. Marketing can only carry a lemon so far. It takes a solid device to make it to a whole new level like the S3 did.

That's not necessarily what I mean. What I mean is that the One/HTC will never trump Samsung--not on the merit of the devices, regardless of which--but because of the considerable reputation Samsung has built up, which itself is a byproduct of its products, newfound place in Android, and it's considerable marketing department. That's probably the clearest statement regarding my opinion.

Based on my own, personal experiences, I see no reason why the One/HTC could not compete head to head with GS4/Samsung. If you take each company's devices from the last year, you'd be hard pressed to find a clear winner. The difference? Reputation (which HTC had early on, mind you; everyone forgets the impact of the Incredible) and marketing.

 

[LegalAmerican]

You think Samsung has pretty much perfected their quality phones? I have been a long time iphone user, but wanted to make the switch last year so I bought a Note 2. The phone broke in a few weeks so I got the SGIII, then a few weeks ago it over heated and fried itself. Now my second SGIII breaks as well so I went back to my trusted iPhone. I bought the One last week and it has been perfect in every way. I have spoken to sooo many people having issues with their Samsung phones. I am not saying Samsung makes crappy phones, far from it, but I don't agree with your statement at all.

You broke 2 S3's and a Note 2? You either need to check yourself with how you treat devices, or you were hoping to prove that Samsung sucked so you were overly careless. I guarantee I could break 3 Apple devices by being careless and then I could spin it as "Apple phones are not durable." I never take someone else's experience on durability into account because i've seen how some people treat electronics compared to how I do. And I wouldn't be too confident in any device after only having it a week. Especially with your history of breaking phones.

 

[ShipWreck]

Hmm thought this was interesting..

HTC does what Google wouldn't: sell an LTE phone that sidesteps AT&T

HTC does what Google wouldn't: sell an LTE phone that sidesteps AT&T | The Verge

 

[LegalAmerican]

That's not necessarily what I mean. What I mean is that the One/HTC will never trump Samsung--not on the merit of the devices, regardless of which--but because of the considerable reputation Samsung has built up, which itself is a byproduct of its products, newfound place in Android, and it's considerable marketing department. That's probably the clearest statement regarding my opinion.

Based on my own, personal experiences, I see no reason why the One/HTC could not compete head to head with GS4/Samsung. If you take each company's devices from the last year, you'd be hard pressed to find a clear winner. The difference? Reputation (which HTC had early on, mind you; everyone forgets the impact of the Incredible) and marketing.

I agree. In 2012 and it looks like 2013 as well, most phones are on par one with another. HTC could build up the same reputation if they could decide on a steady, consistent product and then stick with it as the flagship. If they released a phone every year that is the quality of the HTC One, they'd be sitting pretty. Commercials wont make or break it either way, it's their consistency and reliability with the occasional powerful media mention.

 

[dmmarck]

I agree. In 2012 and it looks like 2013 as well, most phones are on par one with another. HTC could build up the same reputation if they could decide on a steady, consistent product and then stick with it as the flagship. If they released a phone every year that is the quality of the HTC One, they'd be sitting pretty. Commercials wont make or break it either way, it's their consistency and reliability with the occasional powerful media mention.

I somewhat agree. I honestly think that devices like the Thunderbolt killed them. And the Rezound. And Verizon releasing stuff like the DNA waaay too late.

 

[SCjRqrQCnBQ19QoYCtdl]

I haven't read this whole thread but my thinking is that HTC has a winner with the One. That doesn't mean that the S4 will sell less than the S3, but it does mean that the One will sell more than other recent HTC devices and HTC willl likely gain some market share.

While the galaxy phones are popular, there are plenty of current samsung users that are looking for a change. Being the market share leader means that smaller companies are likely to pick off more of your users with a good product.

All in all, I think it is good for Android if HTC makes a good show of it with the One. If not, then the likelyhood of future ambitiously designed/percieved high end material Android phones is diminished.

 

[LegalAmerican]

I somewhat agree. I honestly think that devices like the Thunderbolt killed them. And the Rezound. And Verizon releasing stuff like the DNA waaay too late.

So that's HTC's own fault though. I agree the Thunderbolt and Rezound probably killed them. If they had done what Samsung did with getting their devices on multiple carriers, they might survive the idiocy of Verizon. This proves that more than marketing goes in to selling a phone and building a powerhouse. Availability being a HUGE aspect and not giving one carrier the power and control over your future. I think we can agree that Samsung has done a lot of different things to build their consumer base. More than people give them credit for.

 

[HOLLYWOODANT215]

So that's HTC's own fault though. I agree the Thunderbolt and Rezound probably killed them. If they had done what Samsung did with getting their devices on multiple carriers, they might survive the idiocy of Verizon. This proves that more than marketing goes in to selling a phone and building a powerhouse. Availability being a HUGE aspect and not giving one carrier the power and control over your future. I think we can agree that Samsung has done a lot of different things to build their consumer base. More than people give them credit for.

Exactly, ppl keep screaming its all because Samsung marketing etc that's a lie Samsung to all the rite steps to become the first android powerhouse and being able to be in the same sentence as apple..,,

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[Golfdriver97]

I will admit, I prefer Samsung over HTC. However, I do not wish to see HTC, Moto, LG, or any other device manufacturer get swallowed up by Samsung either. If someone doesn't want a Samsung, their other options shouldn't be limited to Apple.

 

[dmmarck]

So that's HTC's own fault though. I agree the Thunderbolt and Rezound probably killed them. If they had done what Samsung did with getting their devices on multiple carriers, they might survive the idiocy of Verizon. This proves that more than marketing goes in to selling a phone and building a powerhouse. Availability being a HUGE aspect and not giving one carrier the power and control over your future. I think we can agree that Samsung has done a lot of different things to build their consumer base. More than people give them credit for.

Well they each have missteps, it's just that HTC's were more prevalent and more recent. It's unfortunate, because without a major competitor, Samsung will continue to creep to the middle instead of going for broke. I prefer the latter, but alas, I'm one person with one wallet .

 

[So Cold]

Well they each have missteps, it's just that HTC's were more prevalent and more recent. It's unfortunate, because without a major competitor, Samsung will continue to creep to the middle instead of going for broke. I prefer the latter, but alas, I'm one person with one wallet .

Agreed, I think the note 3 will be a good indicator of how samsung plans to move forward. I'm hoping they really wow with that one.

Sent from my Note 2

 

[dmmarck]

Agreed, I think the note 3 will be a good indicator of how samsung plans to move forward. I'm hoping they really wow with that one.

Sent from my Note 2

Completely agree. The Note "series" is the one line of phones that I think Samsung has really, truly innovated and offered considerable creativity into the mobile market. If I were ever to buy another Sammy, it'd be a Note.

 

[sergeantandroid]

I think that where Samsung is really shining right now is that they aren't afraid to try new things. Apple has been essentially riding the same features of the iPhone into the ground. HTC could have reconfigured their button setup and created a really intuitive experience. Not that Samsung hasn't had it's missteps but at least they're innovating.

 

[dmmarck]

I think that where Samsung is really shining right now is that they aren't afraid to try new things. Apple has been essentially riding the same features of the iPhone into the ground. HTC could have reconfigured their button setup and created a really intuitive experience. Not that Samsung hasn't had it's missteps but at least they're innovating.

Well, with one major caveats - hardware design. Samsung has essentially kept the design language the same for the past year/two years. Nothing wrong with that, particularly if you like the design. But they clearly found a successful design and have not felt compelled to deviate from it.