Samsung to bounce back from Apple defeat with new Note phablet

Samsung is also working to introduce smartphones with bendable screens later this year as it seeks to cement its lead in the $200 billion plus global smartphone market and challenge Apple, which is expected to launch its new iPhone on September 12.

The new Note comes just three months after Samsung released the third generation of its Galaxy S smartphone. The device has already sold more than 10 million, and succeeds the original 5.3-inch Note, which was introduced in late-October and sold more than 10 million units within 9 months.

Other firms that offer so-called phablets include LG Electronics and HTC. ABI Research has predicted phablet shipments could reach 208 million by 2015.

Unlike Apple, Samsung depends on various line-ups, offering a range of models in different sizes and with different software. Later this year, it is expected to launch a new model running Microsoft's upgraded Windows operating system.

Yesterday, a US judge set a December 6 court date to hear Apple's request for a permanent injunction against Samsung smartphones, which could delay the potential impact of Apple's legal victory.

Also, ratings agency Standard & Poor's said Apple's bruising legal win had not affected the agency's ratings on Samsung.