LG Electronics launches feature-rich 'slide-type' mobile phones

Meeting burgeoning local demand for handsets that deliver maximum fun, functionality and value for money, the G5500 and G7050 bring the number of new mobile phone products launched by LG in the Middle East and Africa in the last year to 11.
Both phones share special features, such as a distinctive slide-down cover, 65,000-colour LCD screen (one of the largest available), 40 polyphonic ring tones, voice dialling and MMS.

With the Internet increasingly being a way of life for all, both the G5500 and G7050 carry GPRS technology for faster web access.

The higher spec G7050 also packs a powerful times-four digital zoom camera with a multi-shot function that can take nine shots with just one push of a button.

"These higher-end mobile phones strengthen LG's already impressive handset portfolio in the region and consolidate the company's position as a global mobile phone player," said Mr P.C Choi, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE.

"JAVA and MMS enabled, both phones are feature rich and will help meet growing customer demand in the region. The G5500 and G7050 offer many advantages, including data connectivity - using Infrared Interface and PC synchronization capabilities - voice dialling and voice recording, and a built-in answering machine. The talking key pad function, available in English and Arabic, is also a great new touch," Mr Choi added.

LG Electronics has surged ahead in worldwide mobile phone sales in recent months and is now number five in the global rankings, according to independent market research. Less than three years ago, it was number 10 for sales of CDMA and GSM handsets.

Attending yesterday's launch press conference at the LG Digital Centre in Dubai, Mr Abdul Jabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of Al Sayegh Brothers Trading, LG's UAE digital products partner, said: "LG mobile phones continue to surpass expectations and the G5500 and G7050 are no exception. Mobile phone technology continues to develop at an astonishing rate and LG is setting the standards for innovation and new applications, further increasing the popularity of the brand."

The telephones weigh just 89 grams and measure 94 x 44 x 21.5mm. The silver-coloured phones also feature 'Ezi-Text' predictive text, a 255-entry phonebook, scheduler and memo pad, data/fax capability, and both pack a sturdy battery with 2.5 hours of talk time and 150 hours' standby time.

Mr Al Sayegh said: "The Middle East's population is growing at a rapid rate and with this comes the need to provide a wider variety of mobile phone options. Over the last year, LG has launched everything from entry-level models for more basic requirements to high-end camcorder camera phones for the discerning customer looking for an all-in-one mobile package. The G5500 and G7050 are another feather in LG's cap and reflect the company's enviable versatility."

In the UAE, the G5500 is priced at around AED850 while the G7050 costs AED995. Both phones are available at all leading mobile phone retail outlets in the Gulf, and there are plans to roll out the phones in LG's other Middle East and Africa markets soon.