Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s largest information technology company, has launched a smaller version of the Galaxy S III in Europe to better compete with Apple Inc.
Samsung did not release specifics on where the new smartphone will be available or its price.
The new mini model is in direct competition with the Apple iPhone 5, which was launched in September. The device will have a smaller screen than the regular Galaxy S III, but is expected to otherwise be similar to the original. Exact specifications have yet to be released.
There has been speculation within the mobile phone industry that Samsung would release a cheaper, stripped-down version of the Galaxy S III to win more market share in the mid- to low-end priced smartphone segment. Samsung denies these rumors.
JK Shin, head of Samsung’s mobile business unit, says: "There is a lot of demand for a 4-inch screen device in Europe. Some may call it an entry-level device, but we call it 'mini'."
AppleInsider, however, says the mini falls short of iPhone 5 specifications.
The original Galaxy S III debuted in May, and helped Samsung post $7.3 billion in operating profit for the third quarter. In the first 100 days after launch, Samsung sold 20 million units.
Samsung To Add Products
Samsung has plans to add more products during the fourth quarter. In October or November, the smartphone giant will launch its ATIV S smartphone, with the ATIV tablet expected to be out in November. The ATIV series will compete against the Nokia Lumia series.
Last year, Samsung launched its Galaxy Note tablet. Both the Galaxy Note and the ATIV series run on Microsoft’s latest Windows operating system.
Meanwhile, Samsung and Apple have been battling in court for months over patent infringement. Shin implied Samsung has no plans to begin a lawsuit over 4G technologies when he told the Yonhap news agency that the company will not use its 4G LTE patents to attack rivals.
Key Statistics - Global Smartphone Market (source: TechNavio)
- During 2011–2015, the smartphone device market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of over 24% globally. The decreasing price of smartphones is one of the key contributing factors to market growth.
- During 2011-2015, the smartphone application processor market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 49.5% globally. The increasing demand for high functionality in smartphones is a key factor to growth.
