Samsung expects Galaxy S3 sales to hit 10-mn mark in July

Samsung is pinning expectations on its latest Galaxy smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S3 - to surpass the 10 million figure in sales in July, even though the world's top mobile phone maker struggles to keep up with demand because of component shortages.

Samsung began sales of the Galaxy S3 in Europe on May 29 and released the smartphone through all major mobile US carriers last week. In its home market, the company started sales of the latest iteration of Galaxy earlier on Monday.



Samsung's Mobile Communications Business President Shin Jong-kyun said the Galaxy S3 will hit the 10-million milestone within two months of its launch.

"It has been tough to keep up with demand, but despite the tough economic situation in Europe and problems with supplying components for the Galaxy S3, the second-quarter earnings will be better than the first quarter," Shin told reporters.

Samsung's failure to procure sufficient mobile components for its latest smartphone has stoked concerns that its second-quarter smartphone sales could be much lower than expected.

Samsung overtook Nokia as the world's biggest mobile-phone maker in 2011 and competes with Apple for the top smartphone maker position. It aims to double its smartphone sales this year to nearly 200 million phones.

Shin said the company expects to resolve the supply issues with mobile components sometime in the next week.

Samsung's sales estimate for the S3 reflects robust demand from mobile operators. Unlike Apple Inc, Samsung does not disclose sales figures to consumers.

The South Korean company said the S3 will be released by nearly 300 mobile carriers around the world by the end of July, aiming for an early start before rival Apple announces a new version of the iPhone in the third quarter.

With inputs from Associated Press