Samsung has launched its Galaxy SIII, designed to tackle the iPhone's supremacy

QUAD-CORE processing, a 4.8-inch screen and a large capacity battery were among features of Samsung's third-generation Galaxy S3 Smartphone that has gone on sale around Australia.

Samsung launched the phone at an extravagant event held at Sydney's Capitol theater complete with string orchestra, celebrity singers and Seven Network's Jessica Rowe as event compere.

The phone, which officially costs $899 for the 16GB version, is aimed not only at taking on Apple upcoming iPone 5 but other upgraded Android models such as HTC's recently released
One X and one XL.

Some retailers already are seeking to undercut the $899 price. A 32GB model also is being made available.
The phone features Android's latest Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

Samsung said it had forged a partnership with local content provider QuickFix to offer streamed video and TV with the S3.