Samsung launches ultra-slim models
Presenters show Samsung’s latest ultra-slim mobile-phone models yesterday.
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Samsung yesterday introduced three ultra-slim mobile-phone models it hopes will boost its local market share by between 2 and 3 per cent by the end of the year.
Thai Samsung Electronics' general manager for telecom business Varut Satidtanasarn said the company would spend about Bt100 million on marketing activities for the X820, D900 and D830 models, which are all aimed at high-end customers. The South Korean electronics giant has set aside a total marketing budget of Bt600 million for the year. The sleek X820 is already available for Bt12,900, while the D900 slider will hit the market at Bt16,900 on Tuesday. The D830 clamshell will be available for Bt14,900 from the end of the month. Despite the slowing economy, Varut estimated that the value of the Thai mobile-phone market would grow 6 per cent from last year to Bt55 billion, representing seven million handset sales. Of the total value, premium handsets would account for 25 per cent. "It's been very high growth so far this year. There were 650,000 handsets sold in the past two months versus 500,000 over the same period last year," said Varut. While the present economic situation has driven demand for low-end handsets, he said Samsung has maintained its focus on the premium market. Thai Samsung managing director Kwang Kee Park said the company would continue launching slim handsets to meet the growing demand. "Believe me, in the next 10 years, your mobile phone will be the size of a credit card. It'll get lighter, slighter and smaller," he said.
Sirivish Toomgum The Nation
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