Samsung today launched three 4G enabled smartphones in the market — Galaxy Grand Prime 4G, Galaxy Core Prime 4G and Galaxy J1 4G. The new devices hold a lot of resemblance with earlier Galaxy phones with the main difference being the matte finish and metal sides. Samsung is facing tough competition from Micromax and other local players in India.
It launched two other 4G enabled smartphones - Galaxy Grand Prime 4G and the Galaxy Core Prime 4G. Samsung also unveiled its slimmest Galaxy handset -- the Galaxy A7, priced at Rs 30,499. Galaxy A7 is available in India from Monday, while the other three smartphones will hit the domestic market from the second week of March.
The firm also unveiled a range of products including the world's first convertible refrigerator, its first tablet for enterprises, SUHD TVs and washing machines at Samsung's annual South West Asia Forum 2015.
"In 2015, we plan to introduce path-breaking technology across different categories of products, which will enhance consumer experience and strengthen our position in the market," Samsung India Electronics President and CEO Hyun Chil Hong said.
Samsung will continue to manufacture its products in India reinforcing its commitment to the government's 'Make for India' programme, he said. In the past 20 years of operations in India, the company has set up 2 manufacturing plants and 3 R&D facilities employing close to 45,000 people, he added.
On the launch of 4G handsets, Samsung India VP (Marketing, Mobile and IT) Asim Warsi said: "India is at the cusp of its digital revolution journey and we expect 4G technology to rise and push internet usage to an unprecedented level."
Samsung Galaxy J1 4G comes with a 4.3-inch WVGA TFT display, a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera and 4GB storage with a microSD slot for cards up to 128 GB. The device is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 768MB RAM and a 1,850 mAh battery.
The Grand Prime 4G and Core Prime 4G will cost more than the Galaxy J1 4G. The Grand Prime 4G sports a 5-inch qHD TFT display and is also powered by the 1.2GHz quad-core processor. It packs 8GB internal storage, up to 64 GB mocroSD support, 2,000 mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera with wide-angle view.
The Galaxy Core 4G has similar specs to the J1. Powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, the Core 4G has a 4.5-inch WVGA TFT display, 8GB storage with microSD card support up to 64GB, 1GB RAM, 5MP rear and 2MP front camera and battery of 1,850mAh capacity. All phones are dual sim, run Android 4.4 KitKat and support both TDD and FDD 4G bands, capable of download speeds of up to 150Mbps.
Samsung also unveiled its first tablet designed for the enterprises -- the Galaxy Tab Active with a ruggedize, portable design for professionals.
Besides, it launched Smart Signage TVs, an innovative TV solution designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and small office/home office (SOHO) owners in India. Samsung said it has launched world's first convertible refrigerator with digital inverter compressor.
"The world's first patented Dual Fan Technology allows independent temperature control of the freezer and fridge with two separate fans," it said.
The company also launched the NEO series of digital inverter split air conditioner that consumes up to 60 per cent less electricity and cools more quickly than conventional ACs. It also unveiled ActivWash+ machines, designed to save time and make doing laundry easier.
Samsung also launched the Joy Smart TVs, which comes with built-in wifi that lets the users access internet and browse their favorite websites through its Smart Browser.
