Top

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: Less Means More

Boston, Toronto, London, New Delhi, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul – August 3, 2021

 Global TWS hearables sales are enjoying strong year-on-year growth, supported by resilience across affordable and high-end segments. Premium is garnering special interest as its sales share remains steady at 46% in Q2 2021 according to Counterpoint Research’s Global TWS Hearables Service, with plenty of upside possible over the second half on the back of new launches from Samsung and Apple.

Counterpoint Research Global TWS Hearables Sales
Source: Counterpoint Research TWS Hearables Tracker.

One of the most anticipated TWS launches this year is the upcoming Galaxy Buds 2, which will be released on August 11 at Samsung’s Unpacked 2021 event. “Features-wise, I don’t expect to see major differences from the Galaxy Buds Pro. What I’m really focusing on is the price,” says Senior Analyst Liz Lee, who oversees TWS hearables research at Counterpoint. “It has increased steadily at each product iteration of the Galaxy Buds, the first of which was introduced back in March 2019. This time around, we’re expecting a 10-20% price cut from the latest Galaxy Buds Pro, which would put things in the $160-$180 range.”

Counterpoint Research Samsung Galaxy Buds Product History
Source: Counterpoint Research, Company Data.

Providing premium segment context, Lee comments, “Samsung has outpaced overall growth in the ‘$100 & above’ segment since Q3 last year. A strong product intro here coupled with continued expansion of earlier models – something the company did well in Q1 2021 – could see Samsung hitting its historical high of 18% or beyond. The biggest determinant of whether that will happen is what price the Galaxy Buds 2 comes in at. If it’s the lower end of our expectations, then we’ll look to increase our volume forecasts accordingly.”

Samsung’s biggest competition in the premium segment comes from Apple, which is expected to release its AirPods 3 later this year. Lee believes that, “the second half does carry risk for Samsung, as the new AirPods 3 release will be the first in over two years, so there will be many upgraders and pent-up demand. Apple also has the luxury of reacting to any pricing surprise from Samsung, and leverage its always strong features and a possible launch timing paired with the iPhone 13 launch.” As well, she adds, “Samsung also needs to keep an eye on the sub-$100 category. Competition here has been fierce, with traditional stalwarts like Skullcandy, smartphone OEMs like Xiaomi and realme, to budget regional (and expanding) plays like boAt and Amoi all jostling for a piece of the overall pie.”

Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media and telecom) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.

Analyst Contacts:

Liz Lee

Charles Moon

Counterpoint Research
press(at)counterpointresearch.com

Related Posts

 

Liz, an Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, has 14+ years of extensive experience in the tech industry. Previously, Liz worked for Samsung SDI focusing on IR (Investor Relations) along with insight-based analysis of emerging tech markets and corporate strategies. She holds an International MBA degree from Waseda Business School.

Apple Snack Pack

PREMIUM

Understanding iPhone

Term of Use and Privacy Policy

Counterpoint Technology Market Research Limited

Registration

In order to access Counterpoint Technology Market Research Limited (Company or We hereafter) Web sites, you may be asked to complete a registration form. You are required to provide contact information which is used to enhance the user experience and determine whether you are a paid subscriber or not.
Personal Information When you register on we ask you for personal information. We use this information to provide you with the best advice and highest-quality service as well as with offers that we think are relevant to you. We may also contact you regarding a Web site problem or other customer service-related issues. We do not sell, share or rent personal information about you collected on Company Web sites.

How to unsubscribe and Termination

You may request to terminate your account or unsubscribe to any email subscriptions or mailing lists at any time. In accessing and using this Website, User agrees to comply with all applicable laws and agrees not to take any action that would compromise the security or viability of this Website. The Company may terminate User’s access to this Website at any time for any reason. The terms hereunder regarding Accuracy of Information and Third Party Rights shall survive termination.

Website Content and Copyright

This Website is the property of Counterpoint and is protected by international copyright law and conventions. We grant users the right to access and use the Website, so long as such use is for internal information purposes, and User does not alter, copy, disseminate, redistribute or republish any content or feature of this Website. User acknowledges that access to and use of this Website is subject to these TERMS OF USE and any expanded access or use must be approved in writing by the Company.
– Passwords are for user’s individual use
– Passwords may not be shared with others
– Users may not store documents in shared folders.
– Users may not redistribute documents to non-users unless otherwise stated in their contract terms.

Changes or Updates to the Website

The Company reserves the right to change, update or discontinue any aspect of this Website at any time without notice. Your continued use of the Website after any such change constitutes your agreement to these TERMS OF USE, as modified.
Accuracy of Information: While the information contained on this Website has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, We disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. User assumes sole responsibility for the use it makes of this Website to achieve his/her intended results.

Third Party Links: This Website may contain links to other third party websites, which are provided as additional resources for the convenience of Users. We do not endorse, sponsor or accept any responsibility for these third party websites, User agrees to direct any concerns relating to these third party websites to the relevant website administrator.

Cookies and Tracking

We may monitor how you use our Web sites. It is used solely for purposes of enabling us to provide you with a personalized Web site experience.
This data may also be used in the aggregate, to identify appropriate product offerings and subscription plans.
Cookies may be set in order to identify you and determine your access privileges. Cookies are simply identifiers. You have the ability to delete cookie files from your hard disk drive.