Samsung unveils high-end phone with China Telecom

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd unveiled a super-high-end smartphone in China by partnering with the country's major telecom carrier, China Telecommunications Corp, to target business professionals.

Contrary to most people's expectations that flip phones are a thing of the past, Samsung's new model, the W2019, is a flip handset that is priced from 18,999 yuan ($2,730). The move is part of a broader push by Samsung to outcompete local rivals, such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, to lure consumers who are willing to spend big on premium devices in a niche segment.

The W2019 comes with two 4.2-inch Super AMOLED screens and can work as a run-of-the-mill smartphone when it is folded and as a vintage phone with a number-based dial pad.

The new smartphone, equipped with voice-activated virtual assistant Bixy, is the latest result of years of partnership between Samsung and China Telecom in the China market.

Gao Tongqing, vice-president of China Telecom, said the two sides have been working very well in the smartphone business and look forward to a deepened partnership in the future.