Samsung Electronics

TELECOMMUNICATIONS/MOBILES

              Samsung launches 
        Galaxy Grand smartphone

MUMBAI: In order to push its smartphone business, Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Grand, a smartphone that aims to redefine Smartphone experience for consumers. One of the company’s aims this year is to have smartphones contribute 40 per cent of Samsung Mobile’s business.

Samsung Galaxy Grand is powered by Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system and runs on a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor.

The company said that even though the product has a five inch screen with WVGA TFT display powered with mDNIe technology, the device is slim and is comfortable to hold. The display provides an expansive viewing experience rendering messaging, multimedia and Web content in colour and clarity. The device also sports the Multi Window feature that allows seamless multitasking and running of multiple applications simultaneously without having to switch screens.

A multimedia campaign to support the product will launch in a few weeks time. The theme will revolve around the product looking to redefine Smartphone experience for consumers. The product is a Dual Sim smartphone. The Smart Dual SIM feature provides total communication flexibility, allowing users to manage two phone numbers from a single phone.

Speaking at the launch Samsung Mobile, VP Asim Warsi stated, "Bigger screen phones are gaining acceptance. Our aim is to drive smartphone acceptance in the country. In three years we have sold over 10 million smartphone devices. We have a 40 per cent share in the mobile handset category and a 45 per cent share in the smartphone category in the country.

“This year our aim is to consolidate our leadership. The Galaxy Grand is revolutionary not only in terms of the great Smartphone experience that it provides but also in terms of its value proposition. I feel the Galaxy Grand will further fuel the growth of the Smartphone market in India and will especially delight consumers looking for a great Smart Dual SIM phone. The Galaxy Grand best meets the growing consumer preference for a large screen device that gives them a great multimedia experience and superior performance."

The product is priced at Rs. 21,500. As a special introductory offer, the device comes with a Flip Cover in the box and users can download music and movies through 'My Services' worth Rs 8000 free along with 50GB Dropbox space. Vodafone users also get 2GB data download free per month for two months.

“We aim to make the smartphone more mass. But success in this space is not just about price. It is also things like the after sales service network, quality of experience. Samsung also offers Smartphone Cafes. The aim is to give consumers the best possible experience. Another key to success is to have products that are locally relevant through content services, apps,” said Warsi.

The Galaxy Grand comes with various intuitive features that enable the consumers to seamlessly engage with the device. The Smart Stay uses the front camera to prevent the device from going into standby mode while it detects a user in front of the device. Direct Call feature enables users to automatically dial a call by raising the device up to the ear. Smart Alert shows missed events such as missed calls and new messages just by picking up the phone. Popup Play enables the users to watch video in a pop-up window anywhere on the screen while running other tasks. The S Voice feature helps the user to control the phone using their voice. The device also features a unique Face & Voice Unlock that enables the users to lock and unlock their device with face or voice recognition, providing greater security and convenience.

The Galaxy Grand comes pre-loaded with ChatOn, which is Samsung's cross-platform communication service that enables the users to socialise with friends and to do more than just instant messaging. ChatOn allows users to freely share multimedia content, do group chatting with friends and create personalized animated messages. The device also comes pre-loaded with a host of other applications including 'Games Hub' and 'My Services' that includes a bouquet of services like myMovies, myMusic , myMobileTV , myStation ,myReader and myEducation which allows them to enjoy and personalize their device. While myMovies gives users access to thousands of Indian movies, trailers and film songs, myMusic allows them to download and listen to English and Bollywood numbers from a song collection that totals more than 250,000.

myReader allows Galaxy Grand users to access Indian newspapers, magazines, over 30,000 books and for the first time, even audio books. MyMobileTV allows consumers to watch 100+ Live TV channels on the device while myStation gives them an opportunity to watch Live Concerts and performances on their device. The All Share Play enables easy sharing and playing of contents across Samsung digital devices, anywhere anytime.

The device sports an 8MP camera (with flash) and a 2MP front camera which supports zero shutter-lag and ultra-quick camera start-up. It includes a backside illumination sensor to ensure clear shots even in dark conditions, as well as Full HD video recording. The GALAXY Grand comes with a 2,100mAh battery and an internal memory of 8GB (user memory of 4GB and expandable up to 64GB). The device is available in Elegant White and Metallic Blue color options.

With the launch of this device, Samsung now offers a range of six Dual Sim Smartphones and 14 Smartphone models priced in the range between Rs 6990 and Rs 39900.

Badminton champion Saina Nehwal was present at the launch. She noted that the big screen allows her to watch her matches as well as movies.