The South Korean tech giant Samsung launched its flagship smartphone, Galaxy S3, in May this year. The smartphone already surpassed Apple's iPhone 4S's August sales in the U.S. Now, the Galaxy S3 has reached a new landmark of selling 20 million units worldwide.

"The GALAXY S3 has enjoyed tremendous attention and popularity since its launch in May, and we are thrilled with its success," said Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung's IT & mobile communications division.

Attracting millions of customers the Galaxy S3 sales climbed as high as 10 million units within
50 days of its release, which equates to 200,000 units sold per day.

According to reports the Galaxy S3 sales has exceeded the 20 million mark in just 100 days after its debut in May 2012. "The record-breaking sales were three times faster than Galaxy S2 and six times quicker than Galaxy S," indicate reports.

Smartphone enthusiasts and tech gurus alike have embraced the Galaxy S3's predecessors - the Galaxy S and Galaxy S2. Together, the Galaxy S and Galaxy S2 have sold more than 50 million units till date. The 20 million sales mark of Galaxy S3 suggests that its sales figures will be three times and six times faster than the Galaxy S and Galaxy S2, respectively.

The Galaxy S3's sales milestone comes ahead of the much-awaited iPhone 5 launch next week. Analysts suggest that the iPhone 5 is expected to reclaim the top position with sales reaching up to 10 million in the first week itself.

Samsung and Apple currently dominate the smartphone arena. The Galaxy S3 packs high-end features which entice smartphone users. Samsung has already confirmed that the flagship model will be available in more colors, a marketing manoeuvre aimed at attracting buyers. At the same time, iFans are eagerly waiting for the hypothesized iPhone 5 Sept. 21 roll out. Apple's next-gen smartphone is rumored to house top features.

It must be difficult for consumers to choose between Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5. However, it remains to be seen if Apple's hotly-anticipated iPhone 5 can take some shine off the hugely-popular Galaxy S3.