Recently, a leaked list of Samsung devices revealed that several smartphones would soon be transitioning to Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie soon. However, reports are rife that some older Samsung handsets, like the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy Note, will be discontinued after the upgrade to Android 4.2.2.
Samsung's Galaxy portfolio of devices has been instrumental in propelling the Korean company to smartphone market leader status. Samsung released the Galaxy S2, the predecessor of the best-selling Galaxy S3, in 2011. The Galaxy Note, the successor of the Galaxy Note 2 phablet, was launched in 2011 as well, amid divided views.
With Samsung launching the next-gen Galaxy S4 on March 14, conjecture hints at the company ceasing the production of the older Galaxy S2. Moreover, Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy Note 3 in the second half of 2013, possibly at the IFA 2013, suggesting that it will discontinue the Galaxy Note as well.
As Samsung's line-up of Galaxy devices continues to swell at a stupendous pace, the Korean company is apparently having a tough time keeping up with production deadlines and supplies. In such a scenario, continuing production of two-year-old devices like the Galaxy S2 and the Galaxy Note makes little sense. More so when the price and popularity of the smartphones are on a steady decline.
With newer versions of the smartphones available, it is only natural that consumers would gravitate toward the latest variant rather than purchase the older handset in the line-up.
Apart from the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S2, the line-up of Samsung Galaxy devices slated to get Android 4.2.2 as their last firmware upgrade also include newer models like the Galaxy S2 Plus, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Grand Duos, and Galaxy Beam, to name a few.
Perhaps, Samsung is looking to cut down on its wide spectrum of devices and focus on a select few so that it becomes easier for consumers to identify its products better. A school of thought suggests that with so many smartphones on offer, it becomes difficult for the consumer to distinguish between Galaxy devices, especially when they pack in similar features.
