Samsung Electronics Co. has decided to launch its flagship device Galaxy Note 7 with 128GB storage exclusively in China as part of efforts to bolster sales of its smartphones in the world’s largest smartphone market. It is the first time for South Korea’s smartphone tycoon to roll out its latest premium phone with such large size storage.

The company declared the release of the Galaxy Note 7 with higher memory storage during its Media Day event held in Beijing on August 26. In other markets, the company`s latest mobile gadget houses 4GB of RAM and 64GB of on-board storage. But the company said the Chinese model will house 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

“Chinese companies are aggressive in marketing with high memory storage and we are considering launching a 128GB version of the Galaxy Note 7 in China,” said Koh Dong-jin, the head of the tech giant`s mobile business during a press conference in Korea held on August 11.

China is the world’s largest smartphone market with three out of 10 smartphones in the world sold in China. But Samsung Electronics and Apple Inc. are struggling in the market in the face of strong competition from local rivals, such as OPPO, Vivo, Huawei Technologies Co. and Xioami Corp. The decision to release the 128GB variant reflects Samsung Electronics’ strong will to win back hearts of Chinese consumers. Local companies have been introducing competitive products since Meizu launched the country’s first 128GB model in 2013.

Expectations run high for the new Galaxy Note as its previous models were highly popular in China. The Galaxy Note 7 features a water-proof and dust-proof S-Pen and delivers an improved sense of handwriting. It also comes with an iris scanner that is expected to allow more secure mobile financial transactions.

Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly due to release the iPhone 7 on September 7, suggesting fierce competition between the two major brands.

By Shin Hyun-gyu

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]