Galaxy Note 4 launch set for Oct. 17; preorders start Friday

Samsung's decision to start preorders on launch day for Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feels like a raspberry.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 4CNET

Samsung is getting ready to launch the much-anticipated Galaxy Note 4, the next version of its smartphone-tablet hybrid.

The company said Thursday that preorders on the Galaxy Note 4 will begin Friday -- the the same day Apple is launching its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Samsung's so-called phablet will launch October 17 in the US.

To sweeten the pot, Samsung will offer a "guaranteed total trade-in of $200" on working smartphones that are swapped for a Galaxy Note 4 preorder. This means that even if your old phone isn't deemed worth more than $50, you still get $200 to spend on a Galaxy Note 4. The deal is available between Friday and October 16.

Samsung's decision to start preorders on the iPhone's release day underscores the contentious relationship between the companies. Apple and Samsung have not only battled in court over alleged patent infringement, but Samsung has released a barrage of marketing assaults on the new iPhones, claiming they are outdated and come with features that customers would have found years ago on Samsung phones.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 4 earlier this month. The device comes with a 2.7GHz quad-core processor and a 5.7-inch display. It runs Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) and features a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 3.7-megapixel front-facing camera. Like the iPhone 6 Plus, it features a near-field communications chip. The Galaxy Note 4 also comes with Samsung's newest S pen stylus that can be used in place of your fingertip to input information.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 will be available in black and white on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular networks.

The prices have trickled out via the carriers. T-Mobile's off-contract price is $749.76. The carrier said Thursday it will offer the device for no money down and monthly payments of $31.24 over 24 months.

Sprint, meanwhile, said the Galaxy Note 4 will cost $30 a month for 24 months, for a total of $720. The two-year contract price is $350.

AT&T has several options for paying for the Note 4. It's $300 with a traditional contract, $34.42 under its AT&T Next 18 program, and $41.30 under its AT&T Next 12 program, both of which offer upgrades after their respective periods. The off-contract price is $825.99.

Verizon is selling its Galaxy Note 4 for $300 with a contract, and $700 off contract. It costs $35 a month on its device installment program, Edge.

CNET has contacted Samsung for comment. We will update this story when we have more information