Analysts Give Samsung Galaxy S IV Mixed Reviews

By: Jeff Stewart  |   March 16th, 2013   |   Android, Apple, News, Smartphones

Samsung revealed its flagship smartphone Galaxy S IV on Thursday, March 14th in a theatrical style at an over the top event that was held in New York City. On this occasion, Samsung gave the attendees, which included several analysts, a chance to test the latest device as well. Tech analysts were quick to release their opinions about the brand new Galaxy S IV. The analysts, who have issued their views regarding S IV, include analysts who also cover Apple, who had compared the latest Galaxy S series phone with iPhone 5 and there reviews were rather mixed.

 

Given that Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster was not greatly moved by the S IV, he stated that the new S Band accessory with the smartphone is, “a quick first pass for Samsung on wearable technology ahead of Apple’s watch.” He also said that Apple is expected to launch the wearable computer tech by 2014.

 

“The Galaxy S4 appears to be largely an incremental update to the S3 including a slightly larger screen (4% larger on diagonal), better camera and processor, and updated software, but largely the same body style and casing. We believe some of the software features are unique, including the tilt to scroll, video pausing based on facial recognition, and hand gesture based interactions, but view these software improvements as minor compared with what Siri was to the iPhone 4S or even Google Now to Android.”

 

On the other hand, Jefferies’ Peter Misek believes that S IV will be “incrementally negative for Apple” but at the same time he does not consider the successor of S III a “revolutionary” handset.

 

“We believe the S4 will certainly sell well and it is incrementally negative for Apple; however, the device is not revolutionary, in our view. Aside from the large screen size, which we believe gives Samsung a large advantage over Apple, we believe many of the features can easily be replicated. Additionally, a major complaint amongst Galaxy users is that they do not like Samsung’s customized software, especially when it is a downgrade in performance from stock Android features. We wait to see the real world performance for the many new features. Misek did wonder if an iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 would be enough to hold Apple’s fort against the phablet craze.”

 

Sterne Agee’s analyst Shaw Wu has downgraded the target price of Apple’s stock from $715 to $630 after Samsung launched the Galaxy S IV, while stating that “We are picking up from our supplier checks build plan reductions for iPhone likely due to an inventory drawdown ahead of refreshes in the second half. In addition, we see evidence of sourcing activity for what appears to be iPhone 5S and a lower-cost iPhone using composite material casing.”

 

Walter Piecyk a BTIG analyst has said after the launch of S IV that a cheap version of iPhone is “necessary in order for Apple to grow its EPS next year.” Mentioning the reason behind this statement Piecyk said that, “We believe a product that addresses the more than 70 percent of global wireless subscribers that are unsubsidized pre-paid is necessary in order for Apple to grow its EPS next year,” Piecyk writes. “This is not rocket science and our belief is based on basic logic, not questionable ‘channel checks’ or trips to Asia.”

 

Ben Reitzes at Barclays believes that Samsung’s momentum “is a major issue for Apple,” and the Galaxy S IV will give it a tough time as expected:

 

“In terms of competition vs. Apple, the GS4 seems largely as expected – and there could be some relief for Apple (certain versions of LTE won’t be available until later this year). However, as we stated recently in a recent report – we believe that Samsung’s momentum is a major issue for Apple. As a result, we need to see Apple expand its iPhone market this year in a big way – and improve its platform. However, Apple seems rather silent of late – and could be waiting until C3Q to make any competitive response outside of potential adjustments to pricing.”

 

Source: 9to5Mac

Photo: 9to5Mac