LG Electronics’ quarterly smartphone sales are likely to reach an all-time high in the April-June period, analysts said Thursday, due mainly to improved sales of its low-end lineup.

South Korea’s No. 2 smartphone maker is expected to sell 15 million units in the second quarter, the data released by Mirae Asset Securities Co. showed.

If reached, it will mark the first time for LG’s monthly smartphone sales to reach 5 million units. Separate data compiled by Strategy Analytics said the firm had sold 4.4 million units every month over the fourth quarter of 2013.

The tech player has been targeting a niche market by honing in on lower-end models such as the G2 mini and the L and F series.

China, a latecomer to the global Long Term Evolution network, will also emerge as a lucrative opportunity for foreign firms like the LG, which holds a technological edge over Chinese players.

Local analysts said the robust sales trend was likely to continue, with LG’s annual smartphone sales reaching 60 million units this year.

Analysts added LG will turn to profit this year in its mobile business, which has been stagnant as marketing costs increased amid intensified rivalry in the industry. Its mobile division posted an operating loss of 43.4 billion won in the fourth quarter of 2013. (Yonhap)