The recent recall and the eventual cease in the production of the Galaxy Note 7 not only smacked Samsung's profit but their users as well. A new report coming from a reputed research firm said that some owners are thinking of switching to Apple.
Premiere global marketing intelligence firm IDC stated in their latest survey that several Samsung users who owned the Galaxy Note 7 are considering switching to its bitter rival, Apple. The online poll was conducted "four days after Samsung decided to halt production on the Note 7." Among those who answered were 24 Samsung Galaxy Note 7 users, and half said they "have or will choose" an iPhone to replace their current Samsung device.
17% of the respondents meanwhile disclosed that they are opting to go with other Samsung models, while "most" claimed that they will return their units to a registered Samsung physical store. Overall, IDC surveyed 1,082 consumers in the United States, including 507 current Samsung owners, 347 past users and 228 non-Samsung users.
Another point of view was pushed by Android Authority. The website counted Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure's comment that most Samsung Galaxy Note 7 owners "begrudgingly gave back" their devices and switched to a Galaxy S7. 9 to 5 Mac meanwhile claimed that the defect that besieged the Note 7 was the result of Samsung's "rush to market to beat the iPhone 7", and that Apple could gather some $5-7million in revenue when distraught owners start their Smartphone switch.
Fortunately for Samsung, Wearables and Mobile Phones research manager Ramon T. Llamas sees this as "good news" for the company. Llamas said that Samsung needs to regain the trust of its consumers by, among others, offering "monetary incentives". Another research leader, Anthony Scarsella opined that even though the recall had a direct hit on Samsung, they are still "the clear market leader in the worldwide smartphone market."
Business Wire added that although the questions mounted by IDC can be viewed as "directional", consumers are still waiting for the root cause of the exploding Note 7. A big chunk of respondents also said that the fiasco will not affect their decision to purchase other Samsung products such as the company's growing Smart TV line and other appliances.
