We all enjoy a Pepsi soda pop once in a while, but when it comes to smartphone brands, Pepsi is the last thing that comes to mind. However, that is all about to change. Pepsi is due to officially launch their Smart phone called the “P1”. Critics are wondering what will set this smartphone apart from the rest – besides the fact that it will be branded by Pepsi. This isn’t Pepsi cola’s first attempt at manufacturing other products, there was a time when the company really looked into manufacturing apparel and accessories with Pepsi branding. However, smartphones are on a whole different level. Nonetheless, on paper the phone seems to be equipped with decent specs. According to the Daily Mail, the phone comes with a 5.5 inch screen that is rated at 1080P full HD. In terms of user security, the phone will also be equipped with a fingerprint reader and a 13-megapixel camera. Powered by MediaTek MT6592, the phone will run on Android 5.1 out of the box. However, these are only rumored specs and we will just have to wait for the actual phone to be released on October 20, although the phone will only be available in China initially.
Given these specs, Pepsi is branding the P1 as a budget smartphone; it is expected to be priced at $200 USD. After the initial announcement, the mobile community was buzzing with enthusiasm, as smartphone aficionados were keen on seeing what the actual phone would feel, look and perform like.
However, it in an interview with ABC News, the folks at Pepsi had made it clear that they were not planning to manufacture the phones themselves, in the ABC interview; the Pepsi representative said “Pepsi has no plans to get into the mobile phone manufacturing business, but we are committed to engaging with consumers in innovative ways to grow our brand. We’ll share more news as it becomes available.”
Now it remains to see whether the phone will be a hit or bust. In an already highly competitive smartphone market, competing with tech giants will be the company’s biggest challenge. Companies such as Facebook and Amazon are also looking to introduce their own smart phone versions. Only time will tell how people would react to these emerging trends in which company branded smartphones are pitched to customers.