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Apple, Samsung set to clash ahead of Diwali

By FnF Desk | PUBLISHED: 15, Oct 2014, 16:46 pm IST | UPDATED: 15, Oct 2014, 17:18 pm IST

Apple, Samsung set to clash ahead of Diwali New Delhi: Two iconic handset companies are set for a titanic clash on October 17, looking to cash in on festive demand ahead of Diwali. Samsung on Tuesday unveiled its latest flagship Galaxy Note 4 device, which will go on sale from Friday , when Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will also become available.

The Note 4 - launched globally about a month ago is positioned to take on the Apple iPhone 6 Plus on pricing, even as the Korean major's dominance of both the overall phone market and the fast-growing smartphone segment faces a growing threat from Indian handset makers.

The 5.7-inch screen Note 4 is priced at Rs 58,300, lower than the 16 GB variant of the 5.5-inch screen iPhone 6 Plus, which is available at Rs 62,500 for pre-order. The 16 GB variant of the iPhone 6 costs Rs 53,500 for pre-order.

"We're launching it at the briskest pace that we could get it to India, which happens to be on October 17, which also brings in Diwali," said Asim Warsi, vice president for mobile & IT at Samsung India, when asked if Samsung had strategically decided to steal Apple's thunder in India in this premium segment.

"The Indian consumer is a very rational consumer. He will be a thrifty buyer even if he has money , and will judge, compare and make a reasonably informed decision," Warsi added.

Samsung will come out with 'affordability aids' such as EMI offerings, debit card-based offers and non-banking finance options for consumers.

Analysts feel lack of innovation has been the Achilles' heel for Samsung in recent times, which led to limited sales of its flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone, although the company reiterates it met its internal expectations.

The chaebol expects an almost 60% decline in operating profit to $3.8 billion in the third quarter of 2014, its fourth straight quarterly drop.

Samsung, though, is pegging the Note 4 as a huge technological advancement over models launched in the past three years in the large-screen smartphone category. It is also banking on loyalty and is expecting a majority of the over 1 million Note users in India to upgrade, Warsi said.

The mobile phone maker has a 29% share of the smartphone market in India, followed by Micromax with 18%. Samsung has 17% of the overall handset space in India, while Micromax comes close with 14%, according to market research firm Interna tional Data Corporation.

Samsung is looking forward to the October-December quarter, during which sales of electronic and consumer products rise due to the festive season, gifting and discounts.

Warsi said Samsung is expected to clock sales exceeding the industry growth of 2025% in this quarter because of devices launched in the entrylevel, mid-range and high-end segments over the past few months. The company introduced the Galaxy Alpha for Rs 39,990 last week.

About the war between online and offline retailers in India, especially in the mobile phone space where websites offer bigger discounts than traditional stores, Warsi said Samsung will sell from all platforms wherever consumers are present.

"We've had engagements with online platforms since their inception, which will continue. There is a visible growth in consumers shopping online, so we will be available there. But we're not choosing channels," he said.