After its launch on March 31, sales of the G5 almost tripled the first day sales of LG’s previous flagship phone, the G4. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 4 (Korea Bizwire) – LG Electronics’ new G5 premium smartphone is doing better than expected, and an accessory battery pack that accompanies the phone has received positive reviews from customers.
After its launch on March 31, sales of the G5 almost tripled the first day sales of LG’s previous flagship phone, the G4.
With more than 15,000 phones sold on the first day, industry watchers commented that the results were remarkable considering the huge drop in demand for premium smartphones.
Industry representatives also revealed that daily sales over the weekend were also similar to first day sales. Industry analysts, who had expected sales to increase during the weekend, concluded that a lack of supply was the reason for the somewhat disappointing sales.
Demand for the G5 was higher than expected, but stores did not have many of the phones in stock. Some of the stores quickly sold all their stock, leaving customers disappointed.
Industry officials said that current sales, which are between 10,000 and 20,000 units, should be satisfying for LG. They explained that the success of the new phone can’t be properly measured until supply stabilizes in mid-April.
Also interesting was the level of consumer interest in a new LG external battery pack that is one of the ‘friends’ launched to accompany the G5.
According to a report from E Daily, the G5 is a modular device that supports physical docking with other accessories and devices. After removing the battery module, other devices such as ‘Cam Plus’, a camera module, and ‘Hi-Fi Plus’, an audio module, can be linked to the G5. Other devices such as the ‘360 VR’ (a virtual reality headset), ‘360 Cam’ (a 360 degree camera), and ‘Rolling Bot’ (a home monitor camera) can be linked to the G5.
After the ‘friends’ were revealed to the public, the more intriguing options such as the camera and audio modules were in the spotlight. However, customers who have used the products are now saying that the battery pack is actually quite useful. The product can be used like an additional external battery, as the charging cradle can be linked to a USB cable.
As testimonies of the battery pack’s usefulness are spreading on the internet, customers are once again criticizing LG’s poor marketing, saying that the company should be focusing its marketing efforts on highlighting the useful features of its products.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
