Samsung Electronics is expected to sell more than 40 million units of its next-generation flagship smartphone this year, a market researcher said Friday.

Samsung's Galaxy S20 series, scheduled to be unveiled at an event in San Francisco on Tuesday, could be the company's first smartphone line to have more than 40 million units shipped in its debut year, according to Counterpoint Research.

The Galaxy S7 series remains Samsung's best-selling Galaxy line to date, with some 50 million units shipped globally in its debut year.

The Galaxy S20 series is expected to include three models -- the S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra.

Counterpoint Research said improved device specs, a 5G network expansion and competitive retail pricing will drive sales of the Galaxy S20 series.

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S20 comes with a quad-camera system, with the high-end S20 Ultra offering a 108-megapixel main camera.

"The S20 base model's expected price tag of US$850 comes in at US$50 less than the S10 equivalent at launch and should ease some resistance potential buyers will feel from premium prices," said Lim Su-jeong, a research analyst at Counterpoint Research.