While it seemed at one point that the Galaxy S21 FE may not be coming out, recent leaks have all but confirmed that this device will soon hit the market. Samsung is releasing it a bit later than expected, though.
There are a couple of factors that may have played a role in the delayed launch of the Galaxy S21 FE. They may also impact the number of units Samsung is ultimately able to sell. The company itself appears to have reduced its expectations from the device.
Galaxy S21 FE sales expectations have been lowered
Korean media reports that Samsung had initially planned on mass producing the Galaxy S21 FE in the first half of this year. That would have enabled the device to hit the market by August as the market previously expected.
The initial sales target was reportedly set in the mid-10 million units range. The semiconductor shortage is believed to be a big reason why the device got delayed. That's also why Samsung didn't launch a new Galaxy Note flagship in 2021.
Samsung is now expected to start mass producing the Galaxy S21 FE in September. It's also claimed that the total shipment target for the device has been reduced by 3 million units. Samsung is likely taking into account the possibility that some customers may not prefer buying the Galaxy S21 FE since it's coming out barely three months before the Galaxy S22 series is launched.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 FE still has an important job to do for Samsung. There's no new premium device in Samsung's lineup except the new foldables in the second half of this year. It needs to sustain a certain level of sales.
The Galaxy S21 FE will provide that boost until the Galaxy S22 arrives. It was recently reported that Samsung will launch the Galaxy S21 FE in late October.
The report also mentions that Samsung will start mass producing the Galaxy S22 series in November. This suggests that we may be on track for a January launch of Samsung's next flagship lineup.
