Korean giant Samsung’s declaration that it would shift 10 million of its Galaxy S handsets by the end of 2010 now doesn’t seem quite so fanciful a notion, according to the latest figures from the firm.

The Android-packing device, recipient of the European Smartphone of the Year award, launched around the world in June and July to a generally positive reception from reviewers and consumers.

Hungry punters

The latter group has been so impressed, in fact, by its 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen that 9.3 million units have been swallowed up globally to date, leaving the manufacturer ‘only’ 700k short of its year-end target.

Should the six-month-old mobile manage to hit the magic 10 million mark before January 1st, it will set a new benchmark for the Android platform – one, I’m sure, rival Android vendors, such as Motorola, LG, and Sony Ericsson will be aiming to match in 2011.

Domestic sales for the manufacturer have been buoyant, to say the least, with the Galaxy S becoming the first smartphone ever to break through the 2 million sales barrier in Korea.

And if you were wondering, Apple has shipped 1.8 million iPhones to the same market since the debut of the 3GS model last November.

It's a family affair

It is worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S is, strictly speaking, a family of devices, since marginally different variants on the base model GT-I9000 have been released by various carriers, most notably in the US, Canada, and China.

But that shouldn’t detract too much from one of those rare events in the world of consumer tech: a bullish promise seemingly fulfilled.

[source: The Chosun Ilbo]