Earlier this year, we wondered if the Galaxy S3 would stand a chance to outperform the iPhone 5. Well, the next-generation iPhone isn't out just yet -- but it appears the Galaxy S3 has dethroned the iPhone 4S in the U.S. market for the month of August. During a time when Samsung is still trying to make sure it can sell a number of its products in the States, this has to feel like something of a victory.
According to Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley (via CNET), the Galaxy S3 is the first phone to knock the iPhone 4S from its perch since Apple launched the phone back in October.
Of course, a decrease in iPhone 4S sales isn't entirely surprising. Persistent rumors have placed an iPhone 5 announcement for September 12, and according to the invitations sent out by Apple this morning, that's now more or less a reality. The sixth-gen iPhone is expected to be available for pre-order the day of the event, with a street date of September 21.
If history serves right, Apple will probably reclaim the top U.S. mobile spot after the iPhone 5 launch. Moreover, while Galaxy S3 sales were strong for the month of August, it's difficult to evaluate how the late-month decision in the Apple v. Samsung trial might affect future sales.
After the huge, $1.05 billion damages award issued by the California jury, Apple has since filed further motions, asking the federal courts to ban a number of Samsung devices. Among them? The Galaxy S3.
Of course, there's no telling the outcome of Apple's patent claims. Obviously, Apple would add the Galaxy S3 to the pile -- for reasons that should be abundantly clear today. But Apple also recently lost a similar infringement case against Samsung in Japan.
Samsung and Apple will, undoubtedly, continue to duke it out for the foreseeable future. There's only room for one at the top, and neither party is going to give it up easily.
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