Samsung Electronics is releasing two software updates for its new Galaxy S8 phone after some users complained of seeing red-tinted screens and spotty Wi-Fi connections.

The Galaxy S8 started shipping last week, but some people who pre-ordered in South Korea complained about the display. Samsung originally recommended the users fix the problem manually, but has now confirmed it will allow users to rectify the issue via an update.

"Samsung has listened to feedback and has decided to release a software update starting from this week which will provide customers with a further enhanced ability to adjust the colour setting to their preference," South Korea-based Samsung said in an emailed statement on Monday.

Samsung is pinning its hopes on its flagship smartphone offering, which launched in the US on April 21, after the Note 7 debacle last year. That phone debuted to positive reviews only to be killed off after some units caught fire and exploded.

Unlike the battery issue that plagued the Note 7, the problem facing the Galaxy S8 is related to software.

A separate update will deal with the inability to connect to certain high-speed Wi-Fi networks used by a local carrier and doesn't mean there is a hardware issue with the S8, Samsung said.

Samsung accounted for 26 per cent of global smartphone sales in the first quarter of this year, ahead of Apple's 17 per cent, according to TrendForce. Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone this year - the 10th anniversary of the iconic device.