SK Telecom’s "iPhone-esqeue" Luna Smartphone "Sold Out" Due to High Demand After It's Release
South Korean wireless telecommunications operator SK Telecom is expecting the first batch of its new Luna smartphones to be sold out in just ten days after its release on September 4. Other than its afforadability, the Luna boasts a sleek metal design and comes with competitive specs which are comparable to other high-end smartphones.
SK Telecom collaborated with Foxconn and TG & Co. - a subsidiary of former computer provider TriGem - to produce the low-priced smartphone, The Chosunilbo reports on Monday.
"We are discussing immediate steps to boost capacity in order to meet soaring demand," says a spokesman from SK Telecom.
Korea Joongang Daily forecasts on Saturday that the high demand of the new Luna smartphone became evident when several distribution channels ran out of stock. The insane hype on the product was more than what the company had imagined for the humble Luna smartphone. Consequently, the Luna got sold out many times on SK Telecom's online store.
A phone outlet manager in western Seoul says, "Luna is particularly popular among younger smartphone users. While older users rely on familiar brand names, young consumers prioritize actual functionality and price."
Meanwhile, in an article posted on September 3, CNET describes Luna as "iPhone-esque" and says that the new smartphone "bears a striking resemblance to Apple's iPhone 6."
The Luna features a 13-megapixel back camera and an 8-megapixel front camera plus a 5.5-inch Full HD display. It also runs on the Qualcomm's Snapdragon 801, the same processor that was used for the Samsung Galaxy S5.
It has three gigabytes RAM and 16 gigabytes of internal storage. The new smartphone costs around $380 upon its release, a price slightly higher than most midrange phones.
"We acknowledged that more and more people move towards competitive budget phones," says SK Telecom Director Kim Seong Soo. "We continue to focus on producing affordable smartphones with higher functions to meet the needs of customers."
