[THE INVESTOR] The launch of Samsung Electronics’ new smartphone Galaxy Note 7 is being delayed in some markets due to short supply amid soaring preorders.

The company announced that the new Note launch in the Netherlands is being delayed by a week from Sept. 2 to Sept. 9, citing soaring preorders in some markets, possibly the US and Korea.

In South Korea alone, preorders exceeded 300,000 units since starting on Aug. 6, more than double those for the flagship Galaxy S7. The figure is the highest-ever for a Galaxy phone. 

After a yearlong hiatus, expectations are growing for the new Note in Europe. Samsung skipped the region for the launch of its predecessor Note 5 last year due to the lukewarm sales of large-screen smartphones there at the time.

Some Asian markets are also expected to see the phone launch delayed. The firm hinted that the launch date in Malaysia, where preorders were made on Aug. 8-10 , could be delayed.

Samsung plans to launch the Note 7 in key markets such as Korea, the US and China on Aug. 19. Considering the supply situation, customers in other markets may need to wait for more days.

The Note 7 boasts diverse new features including an iris scanner for unlocking the phone, waterproof and upgraded pen functions.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)