May 31, 2013

Redefining the Smartphone Segment in India, with the New Panasonic P51

On May 16, 2013, Panasonic India launched the new Panasonic P51 smartphone, a first in a series of revolutionary smartphones to be launched for the Indian market. The P51 marks Panasonic's entry into the mobile phone segment in the country. This smartphone is targeted at the younger generation - the always-on-the-go college youth, and the premium executive class, who is always on the lookout for better, faster and savvier smartphones on the go.

(From left to right) Mr. Manish Sharma - MD Panasonic India, Mr. Varun Dhawan - Brand Ambassador, Panasonic Smartphone, Mr. Daizo Ito, President Panasonic India, Mr. Pardeep Jaina, MD Jaina Group

Panasonic India Mobile TV Commercial

The launch is symbolic as it highlights Panasonic's commitment to India as a market with high growth potential. Localization is key for Panasonic's growth in India and the company aims to be a household name in India by reaching out to maximum consumers with a wide range of smart solutions that are specially designed to keep the users' requirements in India, and the environment in mind. As the first of its line-up, the Panasonic P51 is a premium Android^TM smartphone with sleek design and brings HD experience to a 5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. Powered by a Quad Core1.2GHz processor and running on Android^TM 4.2 (Jelly Bean), the P51 comes with a magnetic flip-cover stylus offering comfort and convenience to the consumer. This Wi-Fi enabled device also sports an 8MP camera (auto focus with flash) and a 1.3Mpxl 720p HD front camera making it an ideal phone. Panasonic has also tailored to the Indian market by entering into a partnership with Times Internet and will come pre-loaded the Times of India and the Economic Times news app.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India said, "Panasonic has a great legacy of being the pioneers of innovation in every segment. Continuing with our legacy, we are now launching our innovative smartphone which will redefine the Indian smartphone consumer experience. India has always been one of our alpha markets in the region and I take great pride in introducing our smartphone to India. We are confident that our product will provide the Indian consumer a great multimedia experience and the 'best value for money' proposition".

Mr. Manish Sharma, Managing Director, Panasonic India commenting on Panasonic's foray in the Smartphone segment said, "It has always been our endeavor to excel in all aspects of consumer technology. The launch of Panasonic Smartphone in India marks the beginning of our journey in the Indian mobile phone market and will bring together the ultimate smartphone user experience. The smartphone series will come power-packed with features and will cater to the consumers across the spectrum - from mid-tier to the premium class. With an aim to garner a market share of 8% in the first year, this product will showcase the convergence of Panasonic's pioneering technology and consumer insight. We are hopeful that consumers will embrace our phones with the same zeal and enthusiasm that they have shown for our VIERA and LUMIX range".

To launch the smartphone, Panasonic has chosen Mr. Varun Dhawan, known for his role in Bollywood movie 'Student of the Year' as its ambassador for the new line of smart phones, specifically for his appeal to the younger generation as a hip and stylish actor. He noted at the launch that he is happy to unveil P51 and appreciates the multiple features and user friendly approach of the product.

Get closer to the P51 smartphone!

Quad Core 1.2 GHz Processor | Android^TM 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
5 inch IPS Display; HD (1280 x 720) resolution
1 GB RAM | 4GB Internal Storage, Expandable up to 32GB
144mm (L) x 75mm (W) x 8.5mm (T) | 135 gm
GSM Quad band (850/ 900/1800/1900 MHz) | UMTS (900/2100 MHz)
Dual SIM; HSPA+
3.5mm stereo audio jack, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n, GPS
MicroSD Card
8 MP Camera Auto Focus with Flash, 1.3 Mpxl 720p sub camera
Rechargeable Lithium Battery, Capacity: 2500mAh

With aggressive targets set in India, Panasonic aims to grow its business in the country with a management strategy based on localization and empowering of its employees to take on strategic decisions like P51's entry to the Indian mobile phone segment. This phone will be available across national retail chain stores, multi-brand outlets and distributors across India from May onwards.