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Austek's ZenPhone Sees Popular Response in Japan and Europe

2014/10/27 | By Ken Liu

Industry executives estimate Asustek Computer Inc. to ship around four million ZenPhone-branded smartpones in Q4, up 33% from Q3 thanks to penetration of markets in Brazil, Japan and Europe.

In Q3 the top markets for  ZenFone were Taiwan, Southeast Asia, China, India, and Russia.

Although the ZenFone is aimed at developing markets, positive response from consumers and technology forums have motivated distributors in Japan and Europe to approach Asustek about selling the phones in their home markets.

The ZenFone will begin selling in Japan in late October and is expected to hit stores in Europe shortly.

With relatively higher per-capita income and extensive wireless networks, European and Japanese consumers prefer to use higher-end 4G smartphones. Asustek will roll out the next generation of ZenFone with 5.5-inch screen and 4G chips for the two markets.

For the USA, the company has released the latest Padfone X mini in cooperation with AT&T, to begin selling on Oct. 24 for  US$199.99 in the AT&T pre-pay package charging subscribers  minimum US$40 monthly. (KL)