Samsung's Note 4 Release Dictated By iPhone 6

No, that headline isn't glib observation. According to a new report, Samsung's marketing department made the call to release the Note 4 ahead of schedule to capture a bit of the fever-pitch energy surrounding Apple's Note 4 competitor, the iPhone 6 Plus.

Samsung announced the shipping dates a few days ago, noting (pun!) that the Note 4 would hit the Asian markets of South Korea and China Friday, and the US on October 17. According to Korea Times, a Samsung marketing agent had the following to say about their shipping timelines:

The positive reaction from consumers to those two Apple devices prompted us to launch the Note 4 earlier than previously scheduled. Samsung will be aggressive in promoting the Note 4 as it's true that we are being challenged and pressured amid a difficult situation

By releasing the Note 4 in South Korea and China, Samsung is shoring up sales in two major markets overseas. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have yet to hit those markets.

Samsung is also reducing the asking price for a Note 4 in South Korea and China, discounting it roughly $100 from the Note 3.

A Samsung rep is also quoted as saying "Samsung aims to ship 15 million Note 4s in the first 30 days after the product launches, which is very ambitious given the challenging situation." Korea Times is saying Samsung will ship 3.75 million units for their launch weekend. Comparatively, Apple sold 10 million iPhone 6 or 6 Plus in the first weekend it was available.

Samsung probably won't make a commercial about that, though.

Source: Korea Times