Samsung challenges Apple with new smartphone
South Korea’s Samsung Electronics on Thursday showcased an updated version of its Galaxy S smartphone designed to compete against rivals such as Apple amid a legal battle with the US giant. The world’s second-largest mobile phone maker aims to sell at least 10 million Galaxy S2 smartphones after its international debut in early May, said Shin Jong-Kyun, president of the mobile business unit.
“We expect the sales to be as good as Galaxy S,” Shin told reporters. The original model has sold 14 million units worldwide since July 2010. The new phone is slimmer, faster and consumes less energy, Shin said. It will be sold by more than 140 vendors in some 120 countries from early May, and by all three wireless network operators in South Korea from Thursday. Despite the updated features, Samsung has cut the price of the S2 in South Korea in apparent recognition of the intensifying competition. It will cost a maximum 847,000 won (US$786) through domestic mobile operators, about 100,000 won less than the Galaxy S.
Shin said the firm would also unveil the new version of its Galaxy Tab tablet computer in July, predicting its overall tablet computer sales would be five times bigger this year than in 2010. The Suwon-based firm is embroiled in a legal battle with Apple, which in a US lawsuit has accused Samsung of “slavishly” copying the design and technologies of its market-leading iPhone and iPad.
Samsung slugs Apple with a new smartphone. The Battle of the Technology Titans! Let’s see what Apple comes back with. This is almost as exciting as a Manny Pacquaio fight! Perhaps I should start taking bets on round 2!
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