Samsung has become the world's "most profitable" handset vendor during the second quarter of 2013, according to new numbers, but the figures might not be 100 percent true.
Strategy Analytics revealed Samsung dethroned Apple due to lackluster sales of the iPhone 5 and increasing competition in China.
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The consulting firm reported Samsung's profits estimated to $5.2 billion, while Apple accounted for $4.6 billion during the second quarter this year.
"With strong volumes, high wholesale prices and tight cost controls, Samsung has finally succeeded in becoming the handset industry's largest and most profitable vendor," Strategy Analytics' Senior Analyst Neil Shah said.
According to Strategy Analytics' Executive Director Neil Mawston, Apple had been the top handset vendor ever since the third quarter of 2009.
Mawston added, "Apple's profit margin for its handset division has been fading recently due to lackluster iPhone 5 volumes and tougher competition from rivals. Samsung is performing well in the U.S. market, while Huawei, ZTE and other local brands are growing vigorously in China."
The Strategy Analytics executive director noted that Apple is under "intense pressure" to launch more iPhones especially at cheaper prices. The low-cost iPhone could help Apple "recapture" the lost profits that occurred in the second-half of 2013.
Apple Insider, however, reported that Samsung has not dethroned Apple and asserts that Strategy Analytics' numbers are "simply not accurate."
"Apple doesn't report profits for iPhone," reported Apple Insider's Daniel Eran Dilger. "It does report net sales by regional/retail operating segment and by product category: iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, iTunes Software & Services, and Accessories. In overall revenue generation, iPhone accounts for 51 percent of Apple's business."
Dilger's report simplifies the differences of Apple and Samsung's profit reports.
"Samsung has consistently sold around twice as many total handsets as Apple has over the past year, but the devices Samsung sells are mainly low end models that contribute to very low profits," Dilger added. "Looked at honestly, Apple and the entirety of Samsung Electronics are both making nearly equal amounts of money, but Samsung is relying on much larger volumes of lower quality products to keep up."
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