Samsung Electronics (SSNLF)  looked to steal some of Apple Inc's (AAPL) - Get Report  iPhone launch thunder Tuesday by touting the success of its pending Galaxy Note 8 release as the two tech giants square off in what could be their most important battle for global smartphone dominance.

The Seoul, South Korea-based group said pre-orders for its flagship Galaxy Note 8, which will hit stores Friday, have topped 650,000 and have steamed well past the demand recorded for Samsung's ill-fated Note 7 release last year, despite what some consider to be a hefty price tag that approaches $1,000 for even its cheapest version.

Samsung's update, and indeed the Friday sales debut for the Note 8 device, appear timed to establish a foothold in the sector's news cycle amid what is expected to be another gala product launch from Apple later today at the company's gleaming new campus in Cupertino, California. Three new iPhones, including an anniversary edition that could top the $1,000 mark once data fees are included, are expected to be unveiled by CEO Tim Cook, as well as updates to the company's Apple Watch and Apple TV offerings.

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