South Korea’s LG electronics on Monday disclosed a curved smartphone in a bid to compete with arch rival Samsung Electronics Co. LG electronics launched on Monday a model with vertically curved six inch display. The model will be available from next month through South Korea’s three mobile carriers, the company said.
The smartphone maker also told that the curved display gives mesmerizing video experience, and also to support its curved body it has been provided with a curved battery.
Earlier, Samsung launched curved device
Earlier this month, Samsung launched another variety of its popular Galaxy Note, which is the world’s first smart phone with a display slightly curved from its sides. The Samsung and LG curved smartphones are available only in South Korea, which will help the maker to get consumer feedback before launching it on a massive scale.
LG said that on the back of the handset is a coating that will automatically remove minor scratches.
Curved technology, new battlefield
Curves displays and flexible screens are now the new weapons for the phone makers as this will give them opportunities to mould the high end smartphone market.
Compare to flat screen models the curved smartphone models give an appropriate grip, but due to the lack of few basic features they can’t be a hit, believe some of the analysts reported. Manufacturing cost is also more for such devices. The challenging factors to create flexible devices were the new form of battery; the phones chip board and other components to adjust the curved design.
Earlier this month, Dr Sang Deog Yeo, executive vice-president and chief technology officer of LG Display, said “The flexible display market is expected to grow quickly as this technology is expected to expand further into diverse applications including automotive displays, tablets and wearable devices.”
LG increasing marketing investment
LG is one of the many smaller companies battling to compete with its rivals like Samsung and Apple. Last week, LG declared its third quarter operating loss 80 billion won ($75 million) for its handset division, which was due to the marketing cost for a smartphone launched in August.
In order to boost the brand awareness in the high end market the company is planning to increase investment in the marketing activities, indicating an increase in sales later.
