Samsung will release a new version of its popular Galaxy Note smartphone at an event on August 29, about two weeks before the possible debut of Apple's new iPhone. "We plan to unveil the next Galaxy Note at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event in Berlin on August 29," a Samsung spokesman said on Friday. The event will take place two days before the opening of Europe's biggest consumer electronics trade fair IFA.

Media reports from South Korea speculate the new Galaxy Note may feature an unbreakable, 5.5-inch display as well as a faster processor and a much better camera.

Samsung launched its flagship Galaxy S III in May, while Apple is planning a major product launch on Sept 12.

The two tech companies also started a trial in a U.S. court this week in a patent battle triggered by Apple's lawsuit last year claiming that Samsung slavishly copied Apple's smartphones and tablets. Samsung has countersued.