Samsung expects smartphone sales to secure double profit

PanARMENIAN.Net - Samsung Electronics has said it expects its profit for Q1 2012 to almost double as its smartphone sales continue to grow.

The company said it expects an operating profit $5.1bn for the period, its full earnings report to be released on April 27.

According to BBC, the success of Samsung's Galaxy range has seen it become the world's biggest-selling smartphone maker.

While the company is expected to grow further, analysts warned that Samsung will have to overcome potential hurdles on the way.

To begin with, it will have to fend off competition from its biggest rival Apple, they said.

"Samsung and Apple are expected to launch the new Galaxy S and iPhone in the second quarter, and they will engage in full-fledged war," said Lee Ka-keun of Hana Daetoo Securities.

The fear is that increased competition may force Samsung to lower its prices in a bid to attract customers, a move which, if implemented, would impact on its profit.

At the same time, Samsung is also involved in a legal battle with Apple over patents involving technology it uses in its smartphones and tablet PCs.