Technology: Companies

Did Samsung do enough to challenge iPhone 6?

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Samsung attempted to differentiate itself in the smartphone market with its latest offerings, the Galaxy Note Edge and Galaxy Note 4, but analysts say it isn't enough to frighten Apple.

The South Korean technology giant on Tuesday rolled out the 5.6-inch Edge – which features a curved screen that wraps around the edges of the device allowing for a different set of information displays independent from the main screen. It also showed off the 5.7-inch Note 4, which can be paired with a new virtual reality device called the Gear VR.

The launch precedes a highly-anticipated Apple event on September 9, when it's widely expected to unveil the iPhone 6 and possibly a wearable device touted as the iWatch.

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"Samsung is headed in the right direction introducing new technology like the curved display, but the products itself aren't threatening to Apple," said Tom Kang, managing director, Mobile Devices at Counterpoint Technology.

"The Edge doesn't steal the limelight from the iPhone 6, but it will make product engineers at Apple think about moving towards adopting similar technology in the future," he said.

Sources have said that Apple will likely unveil larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens for the new iPhones - far larger than the current 4-inch iPhone 5s - the first time the firm has introduced different sized models simultaneously.

This is significant, says Kang, as it gives consumers more choice within Apple's product offerings.

Despite this, Apple's shares slipped 4.2 percent on Tuesday following the launch of Samsung's new smartphones. Shares of Samsung, meanwhile, gained 2 percent on Wednesday.

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Nevertheless, other tech experts agreed the products are no game changer for Samsung.

Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at Enderle Group, noted that the Edge's signature feature, a curved display, does not have apps that support the display.

Samsung's new launches were incomplete: Pro
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Samsung's new launches were incomplete: Pro

Samsung requires third party app developers to support the Edge display, say analysts. This may prove challenging because Samsung offers this display on just one handset, meaning few app developers may choose to support it unless the company pays them to tailor their apps.

Same goes for the Note 4's Gear VR, Ederle said, "it requires games to make the VR headset that goes with it work."

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On top of this, the phone itself is just a straight evolution of the 2013's Note 3, says Ian Fogg, head of mobile analysis at IHS Technology.

"The screen is the same physical size. There are minor adjustments to sharpen the industrial design. Plus Samsung continues to improve screen quality and offer a content and services bundle. But there is little in the Note 4 which will change the trajectory of Galaxy Note shipments," said Fogg.

Apple's shadow continues to hang over Samsung's Note announcements, Fogg added.

The iPhone maker has already seen people placing orders and camping outside its flagship store in New York City ahead of next week's event.

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"As Android market leader, Samsung has most to lose from stronger Apple competition. With the Note, Samsung is choosing to emphasize the stylus as a way of countering Apple. This will not be enough," he said.

"Samsung will have to spend to support its brand and operator distribution channels to maintain its market share," he said.