Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs. iPhone 5: Why the Note 2 Gives Samsung the Edge (Editorial)

The Apple vs. Samsung battle continues to escalate. The iPhone 5 went on a tirade this morning selling out pre-orders within an hour.

But Samsung was not far behind. Days earlier, they made their next tablet/phone the Galaxy Note 2 available for pre-order. There is obviously no need to ponder Samsung's motives for the pre-order; they obviously wanted to see not if, but how they could minimize Apple's own pre-sales for the iPhone 5.

The Galaxy Note 2 was launched at an event during the final week in August as a pre-emptive strike at Apple and an attempt to show consumers that Samsung's product line was expanding and innovating quickly and thoroughly in ways that Apple was not. It was an attempt to show people that Samsung was able to embrace new technology in a manner that Apple was unable to keep up with. Apple wants to introduce a new phone? Well Samsung can introduce two new phones in the span of four months. Apple wants a bigger screen? Samsung can offer two phones with bigger screens. Apple wants to show off a new operating system? Samsung has two phones that will explore Jelly Bean 4.1. Apple wants to bring on a mini tablet/reader? How about a tablet reader that also acts as a phone from Samsung instead?

The Galaxy S3 may be the direct competition for the Apple iPhone 5, but the Galaxy Note 2 represents a nice trump card for Samsung. With Apple's iPad mini still very much a mystery (as far as launch is concerned), Samsung is making an attempt to appeal to consumers with a new hybrid device that will be an upgrade over its popular predecessor.

Of course, this may beckon the question of whether it is a bad move for Samsung to release two similar products in such sort span. Will it confuse consumers into deciding which product to buy? Will it lessen the sales of the other product? It is surely a possibility, but Samsung has already made a huge dent with their highly successful and critically acclaimed Galaxy S3. It won't hurt to throw out another option for consumers. While Apple may only have one new product for users, Samsung will have two and both with different consumers in mind. The Note 2 works as a phone, but with a 5.5 inch screen it allows users an option as a reader and tablet of sorts. Apple's iPhone 5, doesn't allow for the latter option and even if the iPad mini releases in the holiday season, it will still require users to have to purchase two items in order to have the phone/tablet reader package. With the Note 2, they will only need to purchase one item. From an economic standpoint, this is a homerun for Samsung.

This economic soap opera still has a long way to go and it is expected that Apple will attempt to make a big move with the iPad mini in light of their less than successful launch event.