Big goals set for Samsung's mobile division in 2018

It’s a new year, and Samsung intends to replicate its successes from the last twelves months in the next twelve. The company doesn’t plan on slowing down in 2018. Projections for the year ahead, which were meant only to be viewed by suppliers, have leaked online. What we’re learning is just how many phones, tablets, and wearables Samsung plans to sell.

Everyone thinks of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series when they hear Samsung’s name, but those aren’t what lifts the company to the top. It’s the mid-range and low-end devices that pick up the slack. Flagships sell well; however, it’s the more affordable options that hold up the bottom line every quarter. Other categories, like tablets and wearables, are also where Samsung remains committed. The number of companies pushing out those types of products has dropped significantly, but the South Korean giant isn’t leaving them behind anytime soon.

Here’s the breakdown of the projections:

• Smartphones: 320 million units
• Feature phones: 40 million units
• Tablets: 20 million units
• Wearables: 5 million units

Samsung’s two biggest competitors aren’t expected to reach anywhere close to those numbers. Apple and Huawei are likely to sell around 200 million and 150 million units, respectively. Those companies, though, don’t have as diverse lineups as Samsung nor do they have a presence in as many markets.

Although premium phones aren’t the money-driver, the Korea Herald says Samsung will focus more on them rather than budget-friendly phones.

The same report also suggests the company’s foldable phone, known to some as the Galaxy X, will be teased near the end of 2018. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 would still be the marquee launches for the year, but the Galaxy X would spark interest in upcoming innovation. And it’s those types of risks that Samsung needs to take in 2018 to hold its lead in the mobile industry.