LG Electronics unveiled plans Tuesday to roll out its new flagship smartphone Optimus G in the local market next week through the nation’s three mobile carriers.

The firm also said the 4.7-inch display gadget ― running on fourth-generation Long Term Evolution networks as well as third-generation networks ― will be launched in Japan next month and in the U.S. and other Asian markets in November.

The Optimus G, which was dubbed LG’s new flagship smartphone by the company’s mobile chief Park Jong-seok, is considered the handset that will decide the fate of its mobile unit.

LG, once a major stakeholder when the global handset market was dominated by feature phones, has seen losses in profit and reputation due to its lack of presence in the smartphone industry.

In an attempt to regain its position, the electronics maker joined hands with Qualcomm and three group affiliates ― LG Display, LG Chem and LG Innotek ― to produce the new Optimus G.

LG Display provided the 4.7-inch True High Definition IPS display, LG Chem supplied the extended-life 2100 mAh battery, and LG Innotek was responsible for the 13-megapixel camera module.

Qualcomm provided the Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor for the first time, enabling LG to release its first quad-core smartphone.

“We’ve worked with our affiliates as a supply chain in the past but we put forward teamwork and gave each company the most challenging goals to develop this smartphone,” said Park, who oversees LG’s mobile phone businesses.

LG’s Optimus G has often been referred to as the “monster phone” which has combined the best features of the conglomerate and was reportedly demanded by the group’s chairman Koo Bon-moo.

One of its most interesting features is the “Q Slide” that allows users to multitask and switch application screens instantly, especially while watching videos, by controlling a slide bar located on the top right of the moving screen.

Equipped with a 3-millimeter bezel and weighing 145 grams, the device runs on Google’s 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile platform.

“We’re looking forward to seeing meaningful sales when considering the level of interest we’re seeing from clients and consumers in relation to the improved hardware and user experience,” said Park.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)