LG Electronics and ZTE are the latest handset makers to confirm they will introduce 5G smartphones at MWC in Barcelona next week. LG said its V series will focus on 5G going forward, with the V50 to be introduced at MWC as the first 5G device in its range. ZTE announced it will launch its next Axon flagship smartphone with 5G, while OnePlus said it will be showing a 5G smartphone prototype at Qualcomm's booth at MWC.
At a press conference in Seoul, LG said the launch of the first 5G devices is expected to support the turnaround at its mobile phone business, the Korea Times reports. The company plans a two-track strategy: the V series for its premium 5G smartphones and the G series for high-end LTE devices.
LG said it will unveil the V50 ThinQ 5G and G8 ThinQ smartphones at the same time at MWC. The V50 will be available for purchase "between March and April" and run on 5G, while the G series will become a premium LTE smartphone brand, said Kwon Bong-seok, LG's head of the mobile communications and home entertainment divisions.
No foldable phone
Competitors Samsung Electronics and Huawei are set to introduce foldable smartphones at MWC. However, Kwon said LG does not see sufficient demand yet for the new form factor. The company estimates current market demand at only around 1 million units, and LG is more concerned with growing its market share and volume. However, in terms of technology, Kwon said LG is "fully ready to respond" if consumer demand for foldable devices increases, noting that the group already released a TV with rollable screen this year.
Meanwhile, ZTE has confirmed that it will unveil a 5G device at MWC. On Twitter, the company said it will present its new flagship Axon smartphone with 5G on 25 February.
OnePlus also announced on Twitter plans for a 5G prototype smartphone. It will be on display at the Qualcomm booth. OnePlus announced earlier that it expects to debut a 5G phone with UK operator EE this year.
