The package of the G5 smartphone (Image : LG Electronics)
SEOUL, March 18 (Korea Bizwire) – LG Electronics Inc. said Friday it plans to start the sale of its latest flagship G5 smartphone in South Korea and other countries on March 31, kicking off the steps of its plan to catch up with the Galaxy S7 series released last week.
The G5 smartphone, first introduced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) last month, is claimed to be the industry’s first “Modular Type” smartphone, which connects with various accessories, including a camera controller that allows users to control the handset like a digital single-lens reflex camera.
The tech giant added the launch date for respective overseas markets has yet to be determined.’
The device is set to lock horns with Samsung’s Galaxy S7 smartphone that also went on sale last week.
LG Electronics said the consumers of the G5 will be given a gadget that allows users to activate the smartphone like a digital camera, as well as a battery pack that is worth more than US$100.
The promotion, however, will vary depending on the country, LG added.
The company will also provide a discount of 38 percent on high-quality audio modules produced by Bang & Olufsen.
Sources earlier said LG will also start sales of its virtual reality device, the LG 360 VR, that will boast improved features compared to the one showcased at the MWC, including better light blockage.
LG Electronics has been suffering from the ailing performance of its smartphones, giving the G5 a crucial role in the fate of its business.
The firm’s mobile business posted an operating loss of 43.8 billion won (US$37.4 million) in the fourth quarter of last year, and has continued to post weak returns amid heightened competition. The segment posted an operating loss of 77.6 billion won in the third quarter of 2015.
(Yonhap)
