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A game phone and camera phone by LG Electronics.
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Korean handset manufacturers are introducing new models at the Sviaz Expocomm, a five-day IT expo that starts in Moscow on Tuesday.
Korean companies, which are expected to take a 40 percent share in the Russian handset market, aim to take full advantage of the event in their bid to break the 50 percent barrier. The Sviaz Expocomm has been the largest IT show in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) since 1991, and 870 companies from 36 countries will take part in this year's event.
Samsung became a leader in the Russian cell phone market last year and hopes to continue its winning streak by introducing the latest model of its meaga hit Blue Black Phone and a 3 megapixel camera phone. It will also display the world's first 7 megapixel camera phone and third-generation HSDPA phone, which were shown at the CEBIT in March.
LG Electronics is highlighting its digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) phones and 3D game phone due for release in North America and Europe. Pantech & Curitel are also showing high-end products to build a premium brand image.
Korean companies are so competitive in the Russian market because there is no single runaway market leader and prices are higher than in other huge markets like India or Brazil. Samsung last year took the lead with 23 percent followed by Motorola, Nokia, LG, and Sony Ericsson. Baek Bong-joo, an executive of Samsung's CIS department, said the company "will extend its leading image using design and technology know-how.Ħħ
The Russian handset market is expected to grow more than 20 percent from last year's 24 million units this year, with Korean companies accounting for 12 million units at least.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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