Samsung is targeting emerging markets with a new traditional cellphones functions
SEOUL, Feb. 15 (Yonhap) - Samsung Electronics Co. announced last Friday that India has introduced a new line of "smart" phones of traditional roles, not considered smart phones but with great mobile features above the regular standard, a move aimed at strengthening its influence in emerging markets.
At a launch event, scheduled for Thursday (India time) in New Delhi, the company revealed the "REX series", which consists of four models, Samsung said in a news release.
All four devices have screens range from 2.8 to 3.5 inches, with cameras ranging from 1.3 to 3.2 megapixels, according to Samsung.
While touchscreen phones do not operate in the Android platform, users can download applications preinstalled function "Samsung Apps" and connect to social media services.
Samsung said it plans to launch the first series in India, and then expand to Russia, Africa and South America, without giving details about the program.
The REX are made because the global manufacturers are shifting their focus towards the low-end sector, amid increasing competition in the market. The No. 3 maker of mobile phones, Nokia Oyj, has introduced the Asha line, while the South Korean mobile phone maker, LG Electronics Inc., has released the L series for the third generation market.
It is expected that the global market for traditional feature phones and low-cost smartphones this year to reach 653 million units, predicts market researcher IHS.
