Samsung Electronics is partnering with Carphone Warehouse to open 60 shops as the world's biggest smartphone maker goes head to head with rival Apple on the high street.

The South Korean technology giant plans to launch the stores showcasing its mobiles, tablet computers and laptops in seven European markets within the next three months.

Carphone will launch and run the stores in Europe under a five-year contract. Around 20 will open in the UK, with the remainder in Ireland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and the Netherlands.