SK Telecom announced that it will start accepting reservations for its new private-label smartphone called Sol, which will be released on January 22. The phone will sell for as little as 19,800 won. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan.18 (Korea Bizwire) – SK Telecom announced that it will start accepting reservations for its new private-label smartphone called Sol, which will be released on January 22. The phone will sell for as little as 19,800 won.
Sol is a private-label product of SK Telecom, and is manufactured by China’s TCL Alcatel. It is following in the footsteps of Luna, which was designed by TG & Company for SK Telecom and manufactured by Taiwan’s Hon Hai (Foxconn).
SK sold 150,000 units of its Luna phone last year, creating a sensation in the industry. It was seen as having expanded the mobile phone industry in which manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple were dominating.
Through its research, SK Telecom understood that many customers use their smartphones to enjoy media content. The company also focused on the fact that customers tend to buy extra external batteries and earphones. SK reflected the results in the manufacturing of Sol, including the features and accessories in the product’s package.
Industry watchers see the move as similar to the business goals of SK Telecom to become an international media platform provider through its purchase of CJ Hellovision.
Sol has 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 13 megapixel rear camera and 8 megapixel front camera, and a 2,910mAh internal battery. The factory price has been set at 399,300 won and is adjusted based on which plan the user chooses. Subsidies are also offered to help customers pay for the device.
From January 19 to 21, customers can reserve Sol through T World Direct. Data coupons worth 19,000 won will be provided to those who register their phones at SK’s Sol web page (www.skt-sol.com). SK Telecom also plans to operate 100 service centers specializing in the maintenance of Sol.
Officials at SK Telecom comment that since customers prefer products with the features they need rather than products which are cheap, they plan to release products that reflect the needs of their customers.
Industry officials comment that Sol has price competitiveness with Chinese smartphones, as it is manufactured in China. If Sol achieves success after Luna, private-label smartphones from telecom companies could become an industry trend.
By M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
