Companies that often make consumer products, especially consumer electronics, often attempt to hit a particular window of your time for launching new products. This window is decided by multiple factors: market “seasons,” pacing with other products from an equivalent company, and competitors’ schedules. Missing that window of opportunity can send ripples that affect the company’s profits and those of its partners, especially manufacturers. That’s why it’s critical for Samsung to urge the Galaxy S21 FE out stat, which can hopefully be easier now that it’s reportedly addressed its production problems.
The global semiconductor shortage has forced some manufacturers to re-evaluate the assembly schedules and volume. But rather than curtailing a number of its entry-level and mid-range phones, Samsung chose to sacrifice the Galaxy S21 FE instead. Although it didn’t cancel it entirely, the rumor mill was crammed with insider tips that the phone’s production was halted, resulting in a delayed launch.
Even when production finally resumed, word on the road is that Samsung has thus far produced only 10,000 units of a phone that’s expected to launch next month. However, a replacement report from South Korea claims that production is now underway, which the phone is predicted to launch within the half-moon of the year. The question in most Samsung fans’ minds is whether or not it’s insufficient too late.
Any launch later than October puts the Galaxy S21 FE too on the brink of the Galaxy S22 launch, expected to be around January. With the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ models expected to be smaller this point around, the Fan Edition may need some tough competition. Of course, if Samsung gives it a tempting tag, it could still manage to form some sales.
The Galaxy S21 FE plays a strategic role in Samsung’s lineup and is even more critical this year. The absence of a Galaxy Note 21 hasn’t been filled by the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and this hopefully affordable flagship would structure for it in terms of sales numbers. That is, of course, if Samsung manages to supply enough of it to satisfy the expected demand.
