Samsung courts high-end buyers with Galaxy S6

From Left: Samsung’s Internet and mobile director YK Nam, vice-president, Mr John Park and the company’s chief operating officer, Mr Robert Ngeru, launching Galaxy S6 smartphone in Nairobi, on Thursday. PHOTO | NATION

What you need to know:

  • Galaxy S6 is 4G-enabled. The device, which comes in two variants — Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge — will retail at between Sh70,000 and Sh90,000 depending on the preferred design and storage capacity.
  • Samsung’s East Africa vice-president and chief operations officer Robert Ngeru said the company is keeping pace with the growing consumer demands for smart connectivity.
  • With 32/64/128GB storage options, the phones will be available in white pearl, black sapphire, gold platinum, blue topaz (Galaxy S6 only) and green emerald (Galaxy S6 edge only).

Tech giant Samsung has launched its new Galaxy S6 in Kenya targeting the region’s growing appetite for high-end gadgets.

The device was first launched in Barcelona last month during this year’s Mobile World Congress.

On Thursday, Samsung said it had already sold over 500 pieces in pre-orders.

Samsung Electronics East Africa, managing director John Park said the new devices are part of the company’s continuous innovativeness and strategies to satisfy consumers.

Two variants

“We are constantly in the business of improving user experience and these devices will greatly improve how our clients interact with our devices in the fast changing smart world. We are bringing what would be anticipated to be next now,” Mr Park said.

Galaxy S6 is 4G-enabled. The device, which comes in two variants — Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge — will retail at between Sh70,000 and Sh90,000 depending on the preferred design and storage capacity.

FLAGSHIP DEVICES

Samsung’s East Africa vice-president and chief operations officer Robert Ngeru said the company is keeping pace with the growing consumer demands for smart connectivity.

“4G is about to launch here in Kenya, people are hyper-informed, hyper-resourced and hyper-connected. We know that by end of 2015, 70 per cent of all mobile business devices will be running on android and Samsung is the leader in android devices, so we are in the right direction,” Mr Ngeru said.

He noted that the firm’s 60 per cent control of the local mobile market share has been possible through launch of flagship devices such as Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.

With 32/64/128GB storage options, the phones will be available in white pearl, black sapphire, gold platinum, blue topaz (Galaxy S6 only) and green emerald (Galaxy S6 edge only).

The Galaxy S6 and S6 edge are equipped with a 5-megapixel front camera and a 16-mega pixel rear camera both of which launch in record 0.7 seconds. The processor is 64-bit, making it 20 per cent faster than the Note 4.

Charging time

The device is also enabled for universal wireless charging with enhanced charging speed, a built-in battery and a shorter charging time.

Its 5.1-inch screen is made of Gorilla Glass 4, making it hard with highest pixel density for better visibility and outdoor display.

During this year’s World Mobile Congress, the phone received the special honour of “Best New Handset, Tablet or Device” from the GSMA with over 20 other prestigious awards on-site.

Samsung banks on growing middle class in Kenya to drive uptake of the gadgets.