Samsung Electronics has launched a super-high-end smartphone in China in partnership with the country’s major telecom carrier, China Telecommunications Corp for the purpose of targeting business professionals.
Contrary to most people’s expectations that flip phones are a thing of the past, Samsung’s new model, the W2019, is a flip handset that is priced from 18,999 yuan ($2,730).
The move is part of a broader push by Samsung to outcompete local rivals, such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to lure consumers who are willing to spend big on premium devices in a niche segment.
The W2019 comes with two 4.2-inch Super AMOLED screens and can work as a run-of-the-mill smartphone when it is folded and as a vintage phone with a number-based dial pad.
The new smartphone, equipped with voice-activated virtual assistant Bixy, is the latest result of years of partnership between Samsung and China Telecom in the China market.
Gao Tongqing, vice-president of China Telecom, said the two sides have been working very well in the smartphone business and look forward to a deepened partnership in the future.