Keeping Your Eye
With the Galaxy S6 and the G4 receiving a lot of attention in the global smartphone market during the first half of this year, spin-off models are expected to draw attention once again in the latter half. The models are said to have a similar design, but they are reportedly different from original versions in functions.
According to industry sources on July 10, Samsung Electronics has been showcasing spinoffs of the Galaxy S6. In June, it launched the Galaxy S6 Active in the U.S. market, which is specifically made for outdoor activity. As a spin-off of the Galaxy S6, the handset is waterproof and dustproof, and includes a 3500mAh non-removable battery, which is more than the Galaxy S6. The technical specifications of the model are similar to those of the original. It is has a 16 megapixel camera on the back and a 5 megapixel camera on the front, and runs Android Lollipop.
Samsung is reportedly going to unveil more types of the Galaxy S6 as well. The Korean Android device maker is currently involved in “Project 2,” which aims to reveal a spinoff model (SM-G928) called the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and the Galaxy S6 Plus soon, according to industry sources. This product is said to have a large display with a length of 73mm and a height of 151mm, which means that it targets the phablet market. On top of that, its battery capacity appears to be greater than the Galaxy S6. The new model is expected to have a 3000mAh battery.
LG Electronics, on the other hand, will roll out the G4 Beat to Latin America, Europe, and Asia as a spin-off of the G4, starting with Brazil.
Even though the G4 Beat is an entry-level smartphone, it has a 5.2" full-HD IPS LCD display and a 1.5GHz octa-core processor. Hence, it can offer much higher image resolution and can perform better than other models in the same league. The entry-level model has the same smoothly-curved design and 3D pattern as the G4, which gives a luxurious impression of a premium smartphone.
LG previously unveiled other spin-off models of the G4– the G4 Stylus and the G4c. The design of the two models is similar to that of the original one. They have a 3D-patterned back cover, and all the buttons are placed on the back of the phone. However, the two spin-off models are 60 to 70 percent cheaper than the G4, which is priced at 825,000 won (US$726.72).
The G4 Stylus has a larger screen than the G4 and a built-in Stylus Pen with a rubber nib. The G4c has a smaller screen than the G4, but gives users a good grip for their fingers thanks to its smooth curves.