By Edd K. Usman
Homegrown brand Torque Mobile on Thursday, Oct. 13, launched eleven entry-level smartphones under its Ego Series Boost Edition to allow budget-constrained Filipinos to have access to smartphone technology.
Torque Mobile led by CEO Chris Uyco also unveiled four tablets, which, along with the smartphones, are now available in Torque concept stores or kiosks.
The company said it has Filipino engineers supervising the production of its smartphones and tablets at the Torque factory in Shenjiang, China.
Uyco said for the past six to eight months, the company has been investing heavily on people and raising capital infusion to be ready for the competition.
“The market now is evolving so fast. So, the concept of technology that way you understand it now is different in two to three days, or in two to three months, on in two to three years,” the youthful CEO said.
The newly unveiled Torque smartphones are the Ego Zero for only P999; Ego Surf, P1,700; Ego Max S, P2,099; Ego Surf i, P1,999; Ego Max i, P2,500; Ego Chat, P1,399; Ego Boost, P1,400; Ego Zoom, P3,999; Ego Beat TV, P1,199; Ego Pro, P2,399; and Ego Max, P2,899.
He said the tablet models are Tab S, P1,699; Tab Q, P1,899; Phab, P2,199; and Phab 3G, P2,599.
With the introduction of the company’s entry-level smartphones, Torque Mobile?s business unit for sales head Ian Garcia said Filipinos can now give smartphones as a Christmas gift.
“Our expectation is that the new smartphone models will reach all over the Philippines, especially during Christmas,” Garcia said.
Uyco said that Torque Mobile will soon be announcing smartphone offerings for rest of the country’s population who can afford middle-level or high-level smartphones.
Uyco, who also revealed that the company is now expanding its portfolio in other areas, explained the reason behind Torque’s Ego branding.
“The long-term vision for the Torque Ego is for it to be treated much like a person’s pride, identity, or self-esteem. Something that will always be around, being shaped by personal decisions and circumstance, and needing the occasional boost every once in a while,” he said.
