Sony Ericsson launches low-end, 3G phones
The group, which used to focus on advanced models, says that it wants to expand its low-end range to become a top-three player. Photos: Sony Ericsson calls the younger generation
Among the new models are the S600, which is aimed at the youth market, and a clamshell-style phone, dubbed the Z520, the group said Monday.
A third new phone is the J210, for customers who want simple functions like making calls and writing messages. A fourth is a third-generation, or 3G, handset, the K608i.
"We are widening our range in the low-cost and medium segment," Per Alksten, product market chief, told Reuters.
The announcement was made on the same day that competitor Nokia launched seven new phones, including a 3G phone and three other high-end camera phones.
Sony Ericsson, which used to focus on advanced, more expensive models, has said that it wants to expand its low-end range to become a top-three player.
Alksten said the J210 is expected to cost under $362, but the company would not give precise prices for either that phone or the others.
Ohman analyst Helena Nordman-Knutson said she was positive about the launch of the new Sony Ericsson phones to expand the market segments where the group is already present.
"But I still expect them to release a basic telephone for under 50 euros," she added. She said Nokia sold a fifth of its phones in the first quarter of the year for under that price.
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