Those looking into anything Samsung right now — and there sure is a lot to look up about the world's leading mobile device company — are probably seeking out the goods on the forthcoming smartphone Galaxy S4 or Note 3 phablet (so-called because of its rumored 5.9 - 6.3 inch screen).
But therein lies the problem. Perhaps. When the two devices — the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 — come out, will they end up splitting Samsung's market share (the way, say, a liberal independent might split the votes in a political election, effectively keeping a Dem out of the office)?
Or will the big boost in concurrent interest for the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy S4 launch Samsung into a market space the likes of which we've never seen before?
The Galaxy S4 will be getting out there in May, whereas the Galaxy Note 3 is likely to be debuted later this year (as early as August and as late as October). There may also be a specialized unveiling event for the Note 3 prior to the IFA show in Berlin (Sept. 6 through 11).
This means there should be some significant lag time between when Samsung will be releasing the Galaxy S4 and its Galaxy Note 3. However, those waiting to switch up devices to the Note 3 (for its bigger screen, or other unique features) might hold off on getting an S4.
"Because of the hardware configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, this soon to come phablet could actually be a threat to the Samsung Galaxy S4 as well," Capital Technologies says. "Consumers have themselves been commenting to posts on the internet saying 'the Galaxy Note 3 will definitely be the best smart device ever!'"
The Note 3's possible cutting into S4's own market is a more salient notion, considering it will boast most of the great features we're all waiting on in the S4 ... and then some. The flexible display of the Note 3 alone might make it a more worthwhile buy.
Samsung's definitely gambling on the hope that folks won't want to wait those extra few months for the Note 3 — but with such a fickle marketplace and nebulous industry as mobile technology, it's a bet Samsung better be sure about.
What do you think? Will the Note 3 cut into the S4 marketplace, or is it "the more the merrier" when it comes to Samsung? Let us know in the comments below!
Like what you're reading? Follow @profklickberg.
