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Samsung to release superfast Galaxy Note 4

January 20, 2015
The "Galaxy Note 4." Samsung Electronics plans to roll out the handset for the global market in October. (Courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

The Galaxy Note 4 is getting some special treatment with the world’s fastest tri-band LTE-A wireless technology.
(Courtesy of Samsung Electronics)

By Kim Yoo-chul

Samsung Electronics will release an updated Galaxy Note 4 this week with the world’s fastest tri-band LTE-A wireless technology.

A tri-band LTE-A wireless network is three times faster than the current LTE-A service, with download speeds of 300Mbps; meaning just 28 seconds will be needed to download a 1 GB movie.

The release comes at a time when three domestic mobile carriers are embroiled in a dispute over SK Telecom’s claim that it has succeeded in offering the tri-band LTE-A service.

“We are in the final stages of fine-tuning the release of the tri-band LTE-A Note 4, including the amount of subsidies to mobile carriers,” a Samsung Electronics official said Monday.

The two upgraded Note 4s ― model numbers SM-N916SW and SM-N916S ― will be available at a suggested price of 999,000 won minus subsidies.

Samsung will supply the models to SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.

While Samsung Electronics said it won’t hold a news conference for the tri-band LTE-A Note 4, its rival LG Electronics will hold a press briefing on Feb. 22 at its headquarters in Yeouido to talk about its G-Flex2 model that also features the tri-band LTE-A wireless technology.

“The G-Flex2 model will be available from Jan. 30 via outlets owned by LG Uplus,” said LG Electronics.

“Handset manufacturers and telecom firms are making big strides on the road to a fifth-generation (5G) network, closing out the year with the first tri-band LTE-A network commercially available and a smartphone that can use it,” said a senior executive at LG Electronics.