Samsung has confirmed to CNET UK that the Samsung Galaxy S3 won't be making an appearance at Mobile World Congress, dashing hopes that we would get a glimpse at the successor to the rampagingly successful Galaxy S2 before the end of February.
Instead, the S3 will be shown off at a separate event in the first half of 2012.
The South Korean tech giant said in a statement, "Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.
"The successor to the Galaxy S2 smart phone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product."
Sad news then. But reading between the lines, what can we glean from Samsung's decision to hold back on showing off the S3?
Samsung will be keen to give the S3 as much impact as possible, and likely doesn't want the enormous flood of new devices unveiled at Mobile World Congress to steal attention from its flagship phone.
Clearly Samsung is taking a leaf out of Apple's book. Apple never exhibits at trade shows, choosing to lift the lid on new products at its own special press conferences. Apple products often go on sale very soon after they're announced -- something else Samsung seems keen to emulate if that "closer to commercial availability" hint is anything to go by.
Dry your eyes Galaxy fans, CNET UK will be present at Mobile World Congress to flood your consciousness with loads of new phones. We didn't even want to see the S3 anyway. Hmph.
What do you think of Samsung's new approach? Tell us in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 14
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anonymous 1 February, 2012 12:03
Dissapointing! I am stuck with an old iPhone and desperate for an upgrade, and the S3 is all I am waiting on. If it is not announced within the next month, I will go and get a different phone. Cant wait around forever.
anonymous 1 February, 2012 13:00
get the s2 or note :)
im gutted too, but just because its not in mwc doesn't mean it will not make an apperance in April, like stated they will probs b looking at releasing very soon after announcing ;) so probs not long after then :)
anonymous 1 February, 2012 13:16
That's just lost my sale. I was waiting for S3, but can't wait until Q3. Is this really a good move on Samsung's part I wonder? Are people really going to buy obsolete Samsung devices in the mean time?
anonymous 1 February, 2012 13:19
You gotta understand guys, until Apple release the iPhone 5, how can you expect Samsung to copy it?
anonymous 1 February, 2012 13:35
is it just wishful thinking that the delay is so they can remove touchwiz and all the Samsung "Hubs" as they are rubbish and add nothing to the device...
Jason Jenkins 1 February, 2012 17:28
Yes. Yes, it is.
phd8569 1 February, 2012 17:44
And I had just told my boss to wait till its on sale in March, no need to upgrade to the 4S....Samsung might have just cost me a promotion.
Tpak 1 February, 2012 20:43
Why so many negative comments? Why are so many people impatient. Samsung needs to launch the S3 at the right time and at an event which will give it the most publicity. The S3 promises to be an impressive handset, so it makes sense for it to have its own launch event. The juvenile stamping of feet and the proverbial throwing of toys out of one's pram won't speed up the release of S3.
anonymous 2 February, 2012 00:08
other company is now trying "apple's tactics" (no flamewars here). but If you would notice most of Iphone new products or product line have been shown on different event instead of joining large event , this marketing strategy allow them to show more of their stuff and making audience focus more on their product than other.
I think that is not bad strategy at all, Apples marketing is far superior(no apple fanboy, since Im not), but if you have study the business trends, apple show a very good marketing strategy, even a product that is not that inovative can be sold by apple with its strategy.
Late8 2 February, 2012 11:10
I have a feeling this is more to do with the iPhone5 than anything else.
anonymous 2 February, 2012 11:24
Audacious in my opinion.
Apple have excellent marketing in more than one way, and Samsung will have to match this to bring a buzz around a unique event that doesn't have the same effect as a large convention.
Of course this is a tactic being used to have a go at Apple. They might also have an upper hand in improving the device before release if that's part of the idea.
welshblood 3 February, 2012 15:36
Heard rumours of Galaxy S2+. Hope this is not true, as I want a new phone, not just extra features!
anonymous 3 February, 2012 16:53
Hold on a minute - "obsolete Samsung devices" ¿ Galaxy SII ? What's the matter with everybody - if it is so good, and it is.. swyping away here.. then why wait to buy, or yearn for something better, why even trust ICS not to break things?? Or get a Note....
GalacticForce 4 February, 2012 07:52
I believe Samsung have made an excellent business decision here. It is likely that the new Galaxy smartphone will feature SERIOUS upgrades to the features found on any previous samsung handset. By unveiling all this now, they would almost nullify the need to advertise and promote the Galaxy S 2 and recently launched Note. I am a Kynesian Economist by definition, but I will not bore you with theory; just know this: Samsung are very wise indeed.