Well folks, time sure flies by when you're having fun, the release day of the Samsung GALAXY S III Android smartphone is already upon us, however, for some, time will be moving a little slower, as Vodafone confirms delays in several of the device's flavours.
Whilst it appears as though different regions are running short of different variants, for the UK, with minor exceptions, it appears as though only the 16GB Marble White GALAXY S III will be in stock today, with Pebble Blue and 32GB variants to arrive in the next two to four weeks.
It has been suggested by some that the firm may have suffered manufacturing issues in regards to the back cover of the Pebble Blue device, however this fails to explain shortages of the 32GB Marble White model and so, we suspect Samsung simply hasn't built-up enough stock to meet pre-order requirements, focusing on the 16GB Marble White variant, which will no doubt be the most popular, with consumers tending to favour SD cards over premium-priced internal memory and with white as a safer colour for those who've yet to try the device hands-on.
Speaking to Pocket-Lint, a Vodafone rep reassures that those who've ordered the 16GB Marble White will receive their device on-time for the official launch tomorrow and that they will be contacting customers whose devices have been delayed directly, "All customers who have pre-ordered the white 16GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S III should expect to receive their new phone on the UK launch date, 30 May. However, we’ve been advised of shipping delays for the 32GB marble white and the 16 and 32GB pebble blue versions. We’re working closely with Samsung to ensure devices reach our customers as soon as possible and will be contacting them directly to advise them on their order’s progress."
Despite record pre-orders, it appears as though the GALAXY S III is off to a rocky, or rather 'pebbly' start; we'll know soon as devices reach the hands of customers across the UK, if the S III is indeed capable of living up to hype and able to ride out these delays.
