LESS SMART PHONES????

Samsung to launch 30 percent less smartphone models in 2015
"In 2015, we will lower the number of smartphone models by one fourth to one third compared to this year," said Robert Yi, senior vice president and head of investor relations at Samsung Electronics, during Samsung Investors Forum 2014.

Many have pointed out in the past that Samsung launched too many different models, deterring the establishment of proper product identities and weakening its brand image.

Samsung has also recently ceded its top place in China to local handset maker Xiaomi as it reacted belatedly against price-competitive low- to mid-end handsets. The South Korean tech giant recently released its Galaxy A series phone in China, intended to reclaim its lost market share.

"[Lowering the model number] will allow us a chance to lower the prices of [remaining models] through mass production," said Yi. "In low- to mid-end products, price is the most important, and for high-end products, it is innovation."

The executive also took the chance to throw jabs at Xiaomi.

"They are a mysterious entity. I don't know where they create profit," said Yi about its main competitor in the world's second-largest market. He also questioned whether Xiaomi could maintain the same strategy of saving costs by selling and promoting its goods exclusively through online channels.

"They have created a good user experience that caters for the needs of Chinese consumers," he said. "But I don't know if it will work outside of China."

Yi also vowed more innovation for the higher end of the smartphone market.

"For high-priced smartphones, innovative factors such as flexible display will be important," he said.

Lee Chang-hoon of Samsung Display, also at the forum, hinted at a possible multi-edged smartphone that may succeed the Galaxy Note Edge.

"Consumers' preference will decide whether one side will become the band, or either sides. We are prepared to make customised designed products based on consumer needs," he said.