Publications
Partners
Cape Town – The local launch of the Samsung’s new Galaxy smartphone has attracted much media attention, but it’s unlikely to be the most popular Samsung smartphone in the country.
READ: Here’s how much Samsung’s S7 costs in SA
According to data from Phonefinder, the most popular Samsung contract on the platform is the entry level Galaxy J1.
“The Samsung Galaxy J1 smartphone may be over a year old, but that is no indicator of its popularity. Originally launched in January 2015 the phone still boasts an array of really stunning features for an affordable smartphone,” said Phonefinder of the dual SIM device.According to the platform, 44% of all contracts are for the J1 smartphone, with 70% of deals going to Cell C and 30% to MTN as of March 2016. Vodacom and Telkom did not list the J1 on the platform, but it sells from R129 per month on a Vodacom contract.
While the Galaxy S7 will start at R599 on a 24 month contract, the data indicates that South Africans vote with their wallets. The most popular J1 deal is R159 per month (picked by 68% of users).
According to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung leads the South African mobile market with 56% and about 58% of handsets in the country are priced at about R2 000.
On prepaid, the Galaxy J1 sells for R1 469 from Game.
“The Samsung Galaxy J1 is a greatly appreciated smartphone in South Africa, and thanks to affordable price plans being attached to this phone, many South Africans make it their first step into the smartphone world,” said Phonefinder.
- Follow Duncan on Twitter
