By Min-Jeong Lee
SEOUL--Samsung Electronics Co. plans global launches of two new
high-end smartphone models within the next six months to counter
increased competition, a company executive said during an earnings
call Thursday.
One model will have a large screen while the other will be built
using "new materials," said Kim Hyun-joon, a senior vice president
at Samsung's mobile communications business. He declined to go into
details.
Analysts assume the large-screen model will be the latest
version of the Galaxy Note phone, a smartphone/tablet hybrid that
is typically launched in the fall. Apple Inc. is also expected to
launch new versions of its iPhone later this year.
Mr. Kim added that Samsung will also introduce new models in the
mid- to-low-end segment with enhanced specifications.
Earlier Thursday, the company reported a 19.6% decline in its
net profit for the quarter ended June 30, hit by weak performance
at its mobile unit. The mobile division, which accounted for 61% of
the company's operating profit, saw profits drop 30% year-over-year
to 4.42 trillion won.
While Samsung said it expects a "challenging" second half due to
greater price competition, it added that it expects overall market
growth to improve with stronger seasonal demand.
Write to Min-Jeong Lee at min-jeong.lee@wsj.com
Access Investor Kit for Apple, Inc.
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=A591&isin=US0378331005
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires