After Smart released the very first Netphone handset last year (i.e. Netphone 701), they have not followed that with another one except for a couple of Netphone Editions like the Galaxy Y. We wonder if Smart will still introduce new ones and from our past interviews, they’ve promised they will.
It’s pretty obvious that the Samsung Galaxy Y Netphone Edition was a blockbuster and sold hundreds of thousands. The retail price of around Php6,000 was a sweet spot (especially with Smart Plan 349) that even retail stores have even increased the selling price to Php7,000 due to the huge demand.
The next price category for a Smart Netphone would be in the under Php4,000 (~$80) and our source close to Huawei that one of their handset are now being evaluated to be the next Netphone.
It could be the next star seller with Smart if they can introduce something like Php3,995 for an Android Gingerbread handset with Smartnet pre-installed.
As to the actual release date or price, it’s still not confirmed but we are looking at very affordable Android handset in the coming months.
598 Networking Offer says:
Well, great job yuga. Such connection to telcos makes me imagine you as a highly profiled person. Keep it up!
Abe Olandres says:
@ArnArnvsArfArf – no exact numbers, just a conclusion after talking to folks from Smart, Globe and merchants (Smart told me they sold 100k of the Netphone 701 and sold more Galaxy Y Smartphone Edition, Globe tells me they ran out of stocks from first round since Smart almost got the next shipments).
ArnArnvsArfArf says:
hundreds of thousands? do you have the exact numbers and source to back that statement up?
simplynice93 says:
Looks like Samsung Corby 1..
598 Networking Offer says:
Well I guess lawrence you are right, but probably its going to be limited to Smart and Sun connected simcards only.
lawrence says:
is that the HUAWEI U8520 DUPLEX? So, the next Netphone could be a Dual SIM phone?