LG seeks 15% of Android phone market
LG Electronics (Thailand) aims to more than double its share of the Android-based smart-phone market from 6 per cent last year to 15 per cent this year.
Somsak Athisaitrakul, head of mobile communications, said yesterday that smart-phone sales would surge to Bt25 billion this year, taking more than half of the country’s Bt45-billion mobile phone market. Sales of Android-based smart phones are expected to double this year, accounting for 60 per cent of the overall smart-phone market, up from 50 per cent last year.
This year, LG plans to focus more on smart phones, backed by a marketing budget of Bt100 million, with 60 per cent for online channels and 40 per cent for offline channels.
Fifteen smart phone models will be launched this year, ranging from entry-level to high-end.
"This year, we’re confident that we can double our market share since we have more products to serve all market levels and all frequencies, both 800MHz and 950MHz," Somsak said.
LG smart phone experience zones would be added to 200-300 outlets throughout the country, featuring live demos to let customers get firsthand experience with an LG smart phone.
"At the experience zone, all LG smart phones will be available for consumers to interact with. Experience zones will be at LG’s channels and at TG, JMart, dtac shop and Telewis. We’ll also install experience zone counters at department stores and shopping centres. People need to try the smart phone before making a decision to buy, so we get them to experience our product. We hope that it will encourage them to buy," he said.
About 20 per cent of the company’s total marketing budget is allocated for the rollout of LG smart phone experience zones.
LG yesterday unveiled the Optimus L-Series and Optimus 3D Max. The Optimus L7 is a high-end smart phone with a premium design, while the Optimus L5, coming out next month, is a mid-level smart phone that offers real value for the money.
The Optimus 3D Max is a second-generation 3D smart phone equipped with a 4.3-inch display that is 50 per cent brighter.
"We also plan to launch smart phones with our Quad Core for the premium market, as well as easy-to-use, affordable smart phones for first-time users," he said.
The Optimus L7 is available in black and white for Bt11,900, the Optimus L3 in black and white for Bt4,990 and Optimus 3D Max in black and white for Bt17,900 inclusive of VAT.
