Dubai: South Korean electronics manufacturer LG Electronics said yesterday it expects Dh1.1 billion ($300 million) in mobile handset sales in the Middle East and Africa region this year.

C.H Lee, President, LG Electronics Gulf, yesterday told the media that his company enjoys 4-5 per cent market share in the GSM handset market in the region.

"Although we are No 1 in the CDMA handset market, we were a bit latecomer in the GSM segment. However, we are catching fast by launching new models almost every month.
"We expect our market share to reach 12 per cent by 2010."

Last year, LG's regional GSM sales increased 15 per cent compared to 2004. LG has retained the fourth position in handset sales globally, with a 7.4 per cent market share in 2005.

LG expects to register a 50 per cent growth globally to seize the number three spot in handsets in two years.

"As a true leader of the next-generation mobile communications technology, LG endeavours to provide the most innovative and convenient handsets to this discerning market.

Minimalist look

"The KG920 outperforms even the latest digital cameras available in the market and we are confident that its minimalist look will surely appeal to all customers. Our latest product is a proof of our dedication to offer stylish design and sophisticated multimedia functions," Lee said.

The handset also features a strobe flash, which makes it possible to shoot at a distance of 1.5 metres.
The product beats its nearest competition with 3.2 megapixel phones.

Innovative design

First five mega-pixel GSM cellphone unveiled

 - LG Electronics launched KG920, the world's first 5 mega-pixel GSM handset - in the region, with a retail price tag of Dh2,499.

 - The KG920 is super slim at just 18mm wide and adopts an innovative 'twist and slim' design that features a 5 mega-pixel digital camera. The camera can rotate 180 degrees to take amazing high-resolution images as well as self-portraits.

 - It incorporates an auto-focus charged-couple device camera and a 2-inch QVGA LCD screen for VGA-level videos at 30 frames per second. The handset also features a strobe flash, which makes it possible to shoot at a distance of 1.5 metres.