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Samsung replaces mobile design chief after Galaxy S5 backlash

Saqib Shah
May 8, 2014

Korean manufacturer Samsung has replaced the head of its mobile design team and the man who developed its flagship Galaxy series following criticism of its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S5.

The handset, which made its global debut last month, was met with a lukewarm reception predominantly due to its design.

Consequently, the manufacturer’s design head Chang Dong-hoon was forced to resign last week and will be replaced by Lee Min-hyouk, Vice President for Mobile Design, according to a Samsung spokeswoman.

In our review of the Galaxy S5, we were quick to point out that despite being a superior handset it loses points due to its plastic cover – especially when compared to similarly priced, metal-based, high-end devices such as the HTC One M8 and Xperia Z2.

The Galaxy S series solidified Chang Dong Hoon’s, and his employer’s, credentials as a market-leading smartphone manufacturer. Following sales of over 100 million for the S series, Samsung became a global player in the smartphone market – even beating its main competitor Apple in terms of sales.

Still, the good news for Chang – a former professor who studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago –   is that he will continue to lead Samsung’s design center, which overseas its overall design strategy.

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About the Author

Saqib Shah

Tech/gaming journalist for What Mobile magazine and website. Interests include film, digital media and foreign affairs.

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