Samsung replaces its head of mobile design following criticism of the Galaxy S5

Samsung has replaced its head of mobile design, the man who developed its flagship Galaxy S smartphone series, amid criticism of its latest device and a fresh patent litigation defeat at the hands of rival Apple.

Reuters reports that Dong-hoon Chang tendered his resignation from his position as the head of Samsung Electronics’ mobile design team last week, most likely in response to lukewarm reviews of the design of the Galaxy S5.

The S series has sold over 100 million units and propelled Samsung to the top of the global smartphone industry based on market share, but the S5’s plastic design and incremental updates have disappointed some media and customers.

Update: Samsung got in touch to provide the following statement, clarifying that Dong-hoon Chang had in fact shifted to a new role, rather than resigned:

“Vice President Min-hyouk Lee has recently been promoted to Head of Design Team within the Mobile Communications Business of Samsung Electronics. The realignment enables Executive Vice President Dong-Hoon Chang to focus more on his role as Head of Design Strategy Team, the company’s corporate design center which is responsible for long-term design strategy across all of the Samsung Electronics’ businesses, including Mobile Communications.”

➤ Samsung Elec replaces mobile design head [Reuters]

Thumbnail image via JUNG YEON-JE / AFP / Getty Images