Samsung Galaxy Note returns to Europe after yearlong hiatus

[THE INVESTOR] Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 will hit the European market next month after a yearlong hiatus.

According to industry sources on Aug. 9, the new Note phablet will be launched in Europe on Sept. 2, with the preorders starting from Aug. 16.

Samsung skipped Europe for the predecessor Note 5 launch last year to focus more on key markets such as Asia and the US for the bigger-screen phone. 

The company that used to unveil the Note phone every year at the IFA electronics show in Germany has also held a separate unpack event in the US since last year.

“Europe was late in embracing a bigger-screen smartphone, which means growth potential was low for the Note. We think now is the time to enter the market,” said a Samsung official on condition of anonymity.

The Europe launch comes about two weeks later than its Korea and US launch planned on Aug. 19.

The retail price is also higher in Europe, starting from 849 euro (US$941) in German and 749 pound (US$979) in the UK. The figures are compared to the US price tag of US$849-880 and 988,900 won (US$885) in Korea.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)