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Samsung today officially launched its “hero” Galaxy S III smartphone, available for sale from this morning.
The white 16GB smartphone will be sold outright for $899, and through all the major carriers on a range of plans (see below).
Samsung confirmed the 32GB model will be on sale from this weekend. The blue model will arrive in stores next week.
The phone maker also confirmed it was in discussions with Telstra regarding a 4G version “for the future” but declined to provide further detail.
Samsung today held a jam-packed event for over 300 guests at Sydney's Capitol Theatre.
Samsung's telecommunications vice president Tyler McGee said the smartphone was Samsung's "2012 hero".
He said the company had sold 40 million Galaxy S and Galaxy S II units, and was expecting the Galaxy S III to similarly perform.
“We broke many records last year and we are continuing to do so this year,” McGee said.
According to Samsung, its Asia Pacific smartphone business grew 340 percent last quarter from the previous quarter, and currently holds 45 percent market share.
The smartphone is powered by Samsung's 1.4GHz Exynos quad-core processor with 1GB RAM. It has a slimmer bezel than its predecessor, the Galaxy S II, boasting a 4.8in 720x1280 Super AMOLED display and a sharp 306ppi screen.
The screen size is also larger than the Galaxy S II, with dimensions of 136.6 x 70.6mm.
The 8.6mm thick Galaxy S III weighs 133g, and is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models with microSD support up for to 64GB. It holds an 8MP sensor able to shoot 1080p video, with a front-facing 1.9MP camera boasting 720p video capability.
Plans start at $29 per month for 24 months, plus a $20 monthly handset repayment. Vodafone has "doubled" its usual data allowance for the first 12 months, offering 400MB of data per month, and 200MB per month in the following 12 months.
12 months plans are also available.
Business users are offered a $59 plus $17 handset repayment plan over 24 months, with an additional one-time $100 credit.
Consumers can access the smartphone on a $59 plus $13 handset repayment plan over 24 months, and $79 plus $3 handset repayment plan with $800 worth of calls and MMS, and 2GB data.
Plans start at $50 plus $12 handset repayment per month for 24 months, for 1GB data and $500 worth of calls, and range up to $99 per month.
Virgin is offering customers the Galaxy S III starting from $47 per month for 24 months. That includes $190 credit and 250MB data.
Allphones is selling the handset online for $798 outright.
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