Global smartphone leader Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. had a harder time selling its gadgets in China in 2014 than in previous years, thanks to continued competition from Apple Inc. and up-and-coming Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi Inc.
Samsung's market share fell by almost one-third in China last year. The country is the South Korean giant's second-largest market after the United States, largely contributing to expectations it will see its first decline in profits since 2011.













