Update: Samsung India has sent out invites to media for an event on Wednesday. The invite is teasing the launch of Galaxy S6 Edge Plus as it says, "Experience the New Edge Innovation." However, there is no indication of launch of Galaxy Note 5 in the event.
Samsung has advanced the launch of its flagship devices in India by a month and are expected to launch Galaxy S6 Edge Plus this month followed by the Note 5 next month. It hopes that this move will help consolidate its lead over Apple.
Samsung already launched the two flagship devices last week which is ahead of their normal launch schedule as they have previously launched these devices during the IFA event. The Korean giant generally launches its flagship devices in India one month after their global launch which also hints towards a possible launch this or next month.
Shoneel Kolhatkar, Senior Director (Product Marketing) Samsung Telecommunications America LLC said, “For the first time, we are launching our flagships much ahead of their usual launch and it will also be the fastest ever availability of new devices for sales since their announcement.”
The move makes sense as Apple is expected to launch iPhone 6S at an event on September 9. Talking about market share numbers, IDC reports that Samsung had 21.7% market share in Q2 2015 as compared to Apple’s 14.1%. In addition to this, Samsung has 46% market share in the 'above Rs. 30,000 smartphone' market of India (in first 4 months) while Apple has 42%.
As for the specs, both Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Note 5 comes with Exynos 7 octa processor, 4GB RAM, 32/64GB internal memory, 16/5MP cameras, 3,000mAh battery, 4G LTE support and Android Lollipop 5.1.1 based refreshed TouchWiz UI. The difference between the two is that Note 5 comes with 5.7-inch QHD sAMOLED display while Galaxy S6 Edge Plus has same display but with dual-edges. Both the devices will also support Samsung’s mobile payment solution, Samsung Pay, however there are no words regarding its launch in India.
In addition to the devices and Samsung Pay, Samsung also teased their next smartwatch named Samsung Gear S2, which will be released at IFA, Berlin.