Samsung Seizes Smartphone Initiative as Sanctions Hobble Huawei South Korean giant recently forecast 25% jump in quarterly operating profit, aided by resurgent phone sales Aug. 6, 2020: Samsung’s Galaxy Note smartphones have always been known for on-the-go productivity, but now we’re not going anywhere. WSJ’s Joanna Stern looks at how Samsung’s changed the phone—and its promotional messages—due to Covid-19. (Originally published Aug. 5, 2020) By Jan. 12, 2021 6:13 am ET SEOUL—Huawei Technologies Co.’s sanctions-induced smartphone slump has rivals seeing opportunity in a market where switching brands is rare. With U.S. restrictions curbing its access to key parts, Huawei has suffered a plunge in sales in recent months, most strongly benefiting South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. and other Chinese makers.