LG pins hope on Optimus G engineering turnaround

LG Electronics, the country’s No. 2 mobile phone maker, said yesterday that it plans to unveil its Optimus G smartphone next month in a bid to reclaim market share by focusing on high-spec parts.

According to a news release, the handset is due to hit local shelves next month and expand sales to overseas by the end of the year. The model will be available via all three local mobile carriers, SK Telecom, KT and LG U+.

The latest model features the highest product specifications developed by LG Group affiliates including LG Chemicals, LG Display and LG Innotek.

“The G in the name [Optimus G] stands for great, symbolizing LG’s efforts to provide the greatest user interface and experience on the back of the greatest technology,” said an LG employee.

It has also picked up the moniker “chairman phone” due to LG Chairman Koo Bon-moo’s involvement with the model. Industry analysts projected that the new device, which runs on the faster long-term evolution networks, will bolster LG’s presence in the global market.