Samsung, LG to clash over 8K TV, phones at IFA 2019
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are gearing up to showcase their cutting-edge technologies to take the leadership in the IT industry at the upcoming IFA trade show, scheduled to be held in Berlin from Sept. 6 to 11.
To expand their market shares in Europe, one of the most lucrative consumer markets, the two tech giants are expected to compete in the 8K ultra-high definition TV sector.
In the smartphone market, Samsung is set to introduce its “foldable” Galaxy Fold while LG is ready to unveil a sequel to its V50 ThinQ smartphone that will have an optional dual-screen accessory.
The IFA event is one of the three major tech fairs along with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas every January and the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona every February.
The 2018 event featured 1,814 companies from 49 countries and more than 244,000 people visited the fair to take a look the latest trends in IT.
For the ultra-high definition TV market, Samsung will introduce a 55-inch 8K QLED TV at the fair.
The world’s largest TV seller has focused on releasing large-sized 8K TVs that range in size from 65 to 98 inches. To expand its market base, the company has started selling 55-inch 8K QLED TVs in North America and Europe.
Given its 8K QLED TVs with a screen size of 98 inches are priced at more than $70,000, Samsung expects the 55-inch TVs, which are priced at about $3,000, will let more consumers experience their high picture quality .
LG is also strengthening its premium TV lineup as it will introduce the 88-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K TV and 75-inch 8K NanoCell TV.
The company is scheduled to sell these ultra-high-definition TVs in North America and Europe starting September.
Samsung will showcase its Galaxy Fold foldable smartphone at the IFA.
The company was scheduled to launch the device in April in the U.S. and in May in Europe, but decided to postpone the global launching after display issues occurred.
LG will also introduce a new smartphone, tentatively titled the V50S ThinQ that comes up with an optional dual screen accessory.
LG recently unveiled a teaser video of the smartphone, saying it will have an upgraded dual screen.
Adopting “free stop hinge” technology, the second screen is designed to stop and hold at any position like a laptop.
The tech fair is also expected to become an indicator of how Korean tech companies and firms from neighboring countries such as China and Japan have tried to navigate the rapidly changing IT industry.
With 25 Japanese firms expected to take part in the trade show, the country has been chosen as an “innovation partner” for the event.
The event organizer launched the IFA NEXT side event in 2017 in a bid to give more opportunities to startups to demonstrate their innovative products and services.
As a partner country, Japan will have its own pavilion at the IFA NEXT and Japanese tech companies and startups will showcase their products there.
“IFA is partnering with Japan because we want to give our visitors a deep dive into a highly innovative industry hub, including entrepreneurs and visionary speakers, and a start-up world like never before,” the event organizer said.
Chinese tech companies are dedicated to demonstrate their technology leadership during the show. About 800 companies will participate, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the total number of exhibitors.
Companies such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Haier will join the show and Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei, is scheduled to give a keynote speech, for the third consecutive year.