Broadband  |  2023-08-16

Sonim Announces Strategic Expansion of Mobile Phone Portfolio for Broader Market Segment - Prioritizing the Consumer Market?

Source: Sonim Technologies
Curated by: Gert Jan Wolf - Editor-in Chief for The Critical Communications Review

New line of consumer-centric phones, awarded by two tier-one carriers in North America, addresses market demand for durable, affordable devices.

Sonim Technologies Inc., announced an addition to its portfolio of mobile phones. The new series of 5G smartphones and feature phones will meet the needs of value-conscious consumers, offering durability and performance for everyday use. This new step follows a significant drop in Sonim stock on 4 august where Sonim stock (NASDAQ: SONM) dropped some 50%.

Sonim’s latest consumer phones, designed for both mid and value-tier segments, are suitable for everything from construction sites to boardrooms and showcase a harmonious blend of durability and elegance. Leveraging Sonim’s expertise, they deliver exceptional toughness, long battery life, and high-performance, all without compromising on style or affordability. This strategic move addresses the clear demand in the value-conscious consumer market segment for reliable and high-quality devices at an affordable price point.

A recent survey indicates that 36% of consumers rank durability as their top concern when purchasing a phone. This trend is underlined by the annual expenditure on phone cases in the US alone, which exceeds $2B, not including screen protectors and additional insurance costs. The expanded rugged phone market also mirrors this trend and is projected to reach US$ 4.5 billion by 20281.

“Our mission is simple: Sonim is putting reliable and value-conscious communication tools in the hands of everyone,” says Peter Liu, CEO of Sonim. “These market dynamics present a significant opportunity for Sonim to disrupt the sector with this addition to our lineup of phones combining durability, performance, and a sleek design at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. This strategic expansion not only allows us to tap into the broader consumer market segment but also promises to maintain, and potentially enhance, our healthy margin profile.”

The latest addition of consumer-durable phones to Sonim’s product portfolio, which includes the Snapdragon® 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, aligns seamlessly with the company’s three-horizon growth strategy – introducing innovative products, attracting new customers, and expanding into new markets. The new series, which has been selected by two tier-one carriers in North America, will complement Sonim’s existing line of successful ultra-rugged mobile phones for first responders and businesses, as well as the recently announced portfolio of wireless data devices. This strategic recognition from these prominent carriers further solidifies Sonim’s position as a trusted provider of reliable communication solutions for a broader audience. Availability in 2024.