Samsung, LG and Pantech are rolling out several low- to mid-priced smartphones later this month.
Samsung will unveil the Galaxy On7, and LG will launch its latest X Series phone. Pantech, once among Korea’s top three smartphone makers, is also set to unveil a new cheaper smartphone.
Their prime targets are teenagers and young adults as they begin summer vacation.
Samsung will release a modified version of the Galaxy On7 exclusively through SK Telecom in Korea. It was launched in India in late 2015. It has a 5.5-inch screen and upgraded memory and other functions. It will also be given a new name.
The Galaxy On7 was priced at 10,190 rupees in India (around W180,000) and is expected to cost between W200,000 and W300,000 in Korea.
LG is releasing four or five models in the X Series that debuted in March this year.
The X Cam will be the first to hit stores and features a 5.2-inch screen and dual camera just like the premium G5. The X Power, X Mach, X Style and X Max are to follow.
Pantech will unveil the newest Sky smartphone at its headquarters on Wednesday. The IM-100 has wireless recharging capacity and apparently features the latest Google OS. It is expected to cost between W300,000 and W400,000.
The model celebrates Pantech’s last-minute rescue, because when read in Korean the name sounds like “I’m back.”
A Pantech staffer said, “We plan to offer a wireless recharger and extra equipment enabling external speakers.”
The target customers are students and young adults who are eyeing new smartphones for the summer. Major smartphone makers usually roll out new premium models in the autumn, so the summer offers a niche for cheaper models.
Hong Si-wan, Seoul