Samsung may start selling Note 7 from Oct 28 as competition rises from iPhone7 and Pixel

In the backdrop of rising competition from Apple’s iPhone7 and Google’s Pixel smartphones, Samsung is expected to launch its Galaxy Note 7 two days before Diwali, on October 28.

Samsung had planned an early launch on September 02 but did not materialise after several countries started reporting fire incidents.

Following the smartphone blasting incidents, Samsung recalled all 2.5 million phones sold globally and offered replacements with new phones, delaying starting India sales.

But now, Samsung has replaced all the smartphones and as per reports, the new ones will carry a green battery icon indicating 'safe-to-use' and markings on the box.

ET quoted sources saying in India, about 20,000 bookings were made for the model, though some of which were cancelled after the blast incidents and the resultant delay. But customers who had retained their bookings will be serviced first.

Meanwhile, Diwali time will be crucial for Samsung as Apple and Google have already launched their smartphones.

"With Google coming in, competition will increase in the premium segment. For someone looking for a flagship, they have few choices, and iPhone customers won't go to Android. Samsung is going through a phase where people are really concerned," Anshul Gupta, research director at Gartner, told ET.

Companies time product launches during the festive season to make in more money.

(Image: Reuters)