Samsung Galaxy S3 takes on Apple's iPhone 4 in India

Korean handset giant Samsung launched its Galaxy S3 handset in India, and said it plans to capture 60 per cent of the smartphone market.

"According to third party data, we have over 46 per cent share in the Indian smartphone market.

"We are confident of increasing this to 60 per cent this year," said Samsung India Head (Mobile and IT) Ranjit Yadav.

The Indian smartphone market is pegged to grow to about 18 million units in 2012, he added.

The Galaxy S3 handset will cost Rs 43,180. Apple's iPhone 4 (16 GB) is priced at Rs 44,500.

Samsung recently dethroned long-time leader Nokia, snatching the numero uno position from the Finnish company in the first quarter of 2012 with 86.6 million units global shipment, as per research firm Gartner.

It also outshone Apple with sales of 38 million units worldwide, the research firm had said. Samsung Galaxy S-III comes with a 4.8-inch screen, bigger than its highly successful predecessor Galaxy S-II.

According to reports, the new smartphone had recorded the highest pre bookings to the tune of nine million after it was unveiled earlier this month in London.

Image: Samsung Galaxy S3 | Photograph: Samsung.com