November 22, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are gearing up for the upcoming launch of Apple’s new iPhone, tentatively called iPhone 8, in September.

According to industry sources on June 2, Samsung is expected to add new color options, such as “Rose Gold,” to the Galaxy S8 lineup. Currently, five colors, including black and gray, are available for the latest Samsung phone. 

Samsung has used diverse color options as a marketing strategy. Following the recall of the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 last year, the company featured the phone’s signature “Coral Blue” for the Galaxy S7 Edge to recover losses.

Samsung is also launching a refurbished version of the Note 7, dubbed Galaxy Note FE, or Fandom Edition, as early as this month. Sources say the phone is likely to be priced at about 700,000 won (US$625.30) here.

There have been around 15,000 preorders for the refurbished phone since April.

Its crosstown rival LG is reportedly considering launching the 32GB and 128GB variants of its latest G6 smartphone later this month. The current G6 comes with a 64GB storage capacity only.

According to the Asia Economic Daily, the 32GB G6 will be priced at about 790,000 won, while the larger 128GB version will be priced at about 990,000 won. Especially the 128GB model is expected to feature wireless charging, the report said.

LG declined to confirm the report.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)