Samsung fires salvo at Apple with Galaxy S III launch
Vendor's latest smartphone will be available in the UK from 30 May
Samsung has unleashed its latest attack on its biggest smartphone rival with the launch of the Galaxy S III.
The launch comes hot on the heels of the latest smartphone research from Canalys which rated Samsung the number one provider in China – now the biggest consumer of smartphones – and creeping up on Apple's market lead.
Although the phone is launched globally on 29 May, it will not be available in the UK until 30 May.
Featuring a 4.8 in HD Super AMOLED display, with an 8MP camera and a 1.9MP front camera along with several other features such as voice recognition software, the phone is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Andy Griffiths, managing director of Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “Our aim with the Galaxy S III was to develop the best smartphone ever made, and by focusing on creating a unique user experience through superior hardware and enhanced usability, we believe we have done just that.
"The device has been created by keeping in mind our daily needs and capabilities as human beings. Simple yet brilliant, the Galaxy S III is packed with smart features that enable it to understand and respond to our actions, providing the most seamless, natural and human-centric mobile experience.”
Adam Leach, principal analyst at Ovum, said the importance of the launch "cannot be underestimated".
"The company has built its reputation on producing the 'must-have' Android smartphone, and in the process has become the poster child for the Android platform.
"However, Samsung's Galaxy S III not only needs to stand out among a plethora of other Android-based smartphones, it will also go head to head with the next iteration of Apple’s flagship iPhone.
"Samsung has the advantage of time, with the next iPhone due out towards the end of this year. In the meantime, Samsung can maximise the marketing and distribution of the Galaxy S III on a global scale, and the London 2012 Olympics will provide the perfect marketing opportunity for them," he said.
“Aside from the success of the Galaxy S III, Samsung’s wider business challenge is to decide if it needs ownership of a software and services platform. Leveraging Android has played to Samsung’s advantage so far, giving it the opportunity to move to the software platform of choice for consumers. However, it leaves the company vulnerable to a vast number of other OEMs, which could produce the next ‘must-have’ Android smartphone. Having a successful service proposition would help the company build a deeper relationship with its customers," Leach added.