Samsung Electronics Co. unveiled its limited edition Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone on Friday designed to celebrate the upcoming Rio Olympic Games.

The South Korean tech giant said it will begin the sale of the special version in South Korea, Brazil, China, the United States and some other selected nations on July 18.

Samsung is a long-time sponsor of the quadrennial global sports gala.

The revelation of the special edition phone marks the official launch of its "global Rio 2016 Olympic Games campaign."

In cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung also plans to deliver around 12,500 limited edition phones and Gear IconX Bluetooth earbuds to all athletes participating in the games to be held in August.

It will help them communicate with family and friends around the world more conveniently during the games, said Samsung officials.

Samsung also announced a special app for the athletes that offers detailed schedules for games, venues, results and other information.

Unveiled in Sao Paulo, the limited edition phone is black, featuring the Olympic Rings on the back and the use of its five colors for contact screens and notification bar.

The emblem appears in the phone's user interface in the home and lock screens as well. (Yonhap)