Oppo and Xiaomi have already started retailing 5G smartphones in Switzerland, Europe
Korea-based LG Electronics and Swisscom, last month, announced the imminent arrival of commercial 5G services in Europe with a collaboration that would see the LG V50ThinQ 5G smartphone and accompanying LG Dual Screen in Swisscom retail stores in the weeks to come. The company said that its partnership with Swisscom is just the beginning as it engages other European carriers with plans to launch 5G service in 2019.
Morris Lee, senior vice president and business unit leader at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, at the time of announcement had said, “LG is very focused on expanding its leadership in 5G by introducing leading-edge devices and forging customer-oriented collaborations with carrier partners such as Swisscom.”
Oppo and Xiaomi already retailing 5G smartphones
Interestingly, no official announcement of LG retailing its 5G phone in Europe has been made yet. On the other hand, China-based Oppo and Xiaomi have already started retailing 5G smartphones in Switzerland, Europe. It is quite known that LG has been facing tough times in terms of its smartphone business in many of its markets.
LG’s first quarter 2019 results read, “The LG Mobile Communications Company saw first-quarter sales of KRW 1.51 trillion (USD 1.34 billion) and narrowed its quarterly operating loss to KRW 203.5 billion (USD 181.05 million) as LG continues to rebuild its smartphone business. Operating results improved from the previous quarter as a result of stronger business structure. Looking ahead, the launch of LG V50ThinQ 5G smartphone is expected to create positive momentum in the second quarter while the relocation of LG’s smartphone manufacturing center from Pyeongtaek, Korea to Haiphong, Vietnam will help improve profitability and LG’s global competitiveness in the second half of the year.”
It is quite clear that the Korea based consumer electronics giant is trying to rebuild its smartphone business. However, as the Chinese smartphone brands are making news allover, the ride ahead, may not be easy for LG.
Lee added, “Strong collaborations will be required to accelerate 5G commercialization in Europe and LG is eager to be a key player once 5G service becomes widely available in the region.”
LG V50ThinQ 5G features
First showcased around the Mobile World Congress 2019 event, LG V50ThinQ 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform and Snapdragon X50 5G modem. LG’s first 5G handset is equipped with a 4000mAh battery which is 20 percent larger than the battery found in the LG V40ThinQ.
LG’s official statement read, “To handle the extra workload and keep the V50ThinQ 5G running cool, the heat-dissipating Vapor Chamber system in the new V series smartphone is nearly three times larger than the cooling system found in its predecessor.”
Dirk Wierzbitzki, head of products and marketing and member of the executive board of Swisscom, said, “As the number one ICT provider in Switzerland, Swisscom is committed to offering customers the best experience and shaping the future. LG is a key player to make 5G become a reality and thus inspire Swiss consumers with the next generation connectivity in a networked world.”
