Samsung Dominates in LatAm’s Pockets
Samsung's $160 phones dominate LatAm, while iPhones, at nearly 3x the price, are luxury items.
For millions of people in Latin America, smartphones represent the only way to connect to the Internet. This is not unique to the region; it's probably the case around the world for those working outside office buildings or on their computers — delivery drivers, farmers, builders, etc.
Given that the region and its diaspora, to a large extent, work non-computer jobs, smartphones are an essential part of LatAm's access to the Internet.
Smartphones have become the remote control for our lives, especially in places where traditional infrastructure falls short. They are not just a convenience but a lifeline, bridging gaps and filling needs across sectors and borders.
Samsung has been the best-selling smartphone company in Latin America since 2011. The South Korean firm has continually created products that fit the region's needs and its average citizen’s budget while also providing a premium option — their Galaxy models. Apple's iPhone, dominant in Europe and the USA, is still a luxury item in most LatAm countries, only beating Samsung's market share in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico (the latter of which is technically the US).
Doing a quick scan of samsung.com, one can quickly confirm the above: their cheapest phone starts at $160, while the most affordable iPhone starts at $429, close to 3x the price.