iPhone 6 Launch Overshadows Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Pre-Orders

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus may have a head start in the phablet wars as the devices went on sale Friday amid colossal hype. The fervor largely drowned out news that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is now available for pre-order.

Pre-release buzz about the new iPhones was one thing. To boot, Lee Seung-woo, an analyst with IBK Securities based in Seoul said that the devices are receiving countless rave reviews as consumers purchase the handsets. Sales projections for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 are not as hopeful. It is possible that the new Galaxy Note could underperform its predecessor for the first time since the product line launched.

Lee said that diminished Galaxy Note 4 sales may trace back to the production side as early component orders were reportedly smaller than they were for the Galaxy Note 3.

Some analysts believe the Galaxy Note 4 may sell fewer than 10 million units by year end. Park Young-joo, an analyst with Korea-based Hyundai Securities Co. said the Galaxy Note 4 may ship 11 million units, indicating it may equal demand for its predecessor. Overall, forecasts for Samsung and its Galaxy Note 4 are uncertain.

The Note 4 won’t be on the market for another month, as Samsung is holding off the release until some of the hype surrounding the iPhone 6 dies down.

The news for Samsung isn't all bad. It may be launching the Galaxy Note 4 amid iPhone shortages. Reports indicate that Apple’s primary manufacturer, Foxconn, is struggling to meet global demand for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which could equate to shipping delays and an opportunity for Samsung to snap up impatient consumers.

Currently, Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders are open for AT&T and Verizon Communications. T-Mobile US Inc. has confirmed that its pre-orders will begin on Sept. 24, while Sprint Corp.’s pre-orders start Sept. 26.