Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday it plans to launch its slimmest smartphone later this month at home and in major emerging countries to bolster low-end sector amid the ise of Chinese rivals eating into its shares.

The world's No. 1 maker of smartphones said the Galaxy A7, only 6.3 mm thick, will be released in the South Korean, Chinese, and Indian markets at the end of January. The model is an upgrade from the Galaxy A3 and A5 launched earlier in the three emerging markets.

With a 5.5-inch display, the Galaxy A7 is the thinnest smartphone ever released by Samsung. The metal-framed 4.7-inch Galaxy Alpha and 5-inch A5 held the previous records at 6.7 mm.

The Galaxy A7 weighs 141 grams, slightly heavier than the 123-g A5 but lighter than the flagship 5.1-inch Galaxy S5 that weighs 145 grams. It is equipped with a 13-megapixel camera at back and a 5-megapixel at front.

It will be powered by Google's Android 4.4 KitKat and comes with a battery capacity of 2,600 mAh.

"We strive to develop devices that appeal to a broad range of consumers and are ahead of the next big social trend," said Shin Jong-kyun, who heads the mobile division of Samsung in the official blog. "Combining both a stunning metallic design and a powerful performance, the Galaxy A7 is stylish while delivering the superior user experience."

Industry sources added Samsung is also set to release the 5-inch Galaxy E5 in Russia later this month, whose price tag will be even lower than that of the A lineup. (Yonhap)