Samsung Cuts Galaxy A Output by About 20% in Q4 This Year

A report from South Korea says Samsung will reduce Galaxy A production in the fourth quarter (October to December) by about 20% compared with its original plans, citing memory-price pressure and a shift of parts to higher-margin devices.

Production cuts and supply-chain signals

The report says Samsung has already communicated reduced volumes to its suppliers. One industry source reportedly told manufacturers that component orders for Q4 are down about 20% from the production plan Samsung drew up early this year, which the source said amounts to roughly 10 million fewer Galaxy A units for the full year. A separate source reportedly expects the company to aim for at least 10% fewer Galaxy A devices next year as well. The article also notes Samsung's mobile division is reportedly facing its first-ever annual loss.

Galaxy A's scale and market implications

The Galaxy A series is central to Samsung's handset volume, the report says, accounting for about 70% of the company's smartphone shipments. Models listed as part of the lineup include:

Galaxy A57
Galaxy A37
Galaxy A17 5G

Samsung ships an estimated 230 million to 240 million smartphones per year and has traded the top global spot with Apple. The report notes Apple came out on top in 2025, and that Counterpoint Research predicted in August Samsung would beat Apple this year by just 0.1 percentage points, suggesting a reduction in Galaxy A volumes could affect that competition.

Component pressure, reprioritization and consumer risks

Rising memory prices are cited as a primary pressure, with the report saying memory can now constitute more than half the cost of some budget phones. Materials for key components such as printed circuit boards and multilayer ceramic capacitors are reportedly being prioritized for AI chips, which companies view as more lucrative. The report adds that Samsung had maintained Galaxy A production longer than some Chinese brands because it had easier access to raw materials, but with shortages ongoing it is said to be shifting parts and materials toward its Galaxy S and Galaxy Z flagship lines.

An industry insider warned that lower Galaxy A production may lead to higher prices and that new models could ship with downgraded displays or cameras while still costing more than their predecessors. The report references a similar warning from Counterpoint Research in March.