Global G3 Launch
LG Electronics will release its next flagship smartphone, the LG G3, via no less than 150 mobile carriers around the world, including KT, SK Telecom and LG U+ in Korea, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T Mobile in the U.S., Vodafone in the U.K., T in Germany, and Orange and NTT Docomo.
The number is about 20 and 100 higher than those of the countries where the LG G2 and Optimus G, the previous models, were released, respectively. The LG G3 is expected to be available for 910,000 to 920,000 won (US$889-898) in Korea. The massive simultaneous launch reflects the strong will of the top management of LG Electronics to solidify its third place in the global market.
The company is going to launch the new model on May 28 in Korea and hit the other markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America shortly thereafter. The entire release schedule is to be completed within seven weeks.
The background of the earlier-than-expected debut of the G3 is significant in that LG Electronics is aiming to break the duopoly of Samsung Electronics and Apple by striking this next blow. Samsung Electronics is scheduled to release the Galaxy S5 Prime next month, and Apple is likely to launch the new iPhone in August.
“LG Electronics’ smartphone business unit ranked third in the world in sales last year, following Samsung Electronics and Apple,” said an industry source, adding, “The high-end strategic model G3 is to cement its position as the third ranker, with Chinese handset manufacturers giving chase.”