BenQ steps up cooperation with MediaTek in 2G handset segment, says sources

BenQ has stepped up its cooperation with MediaTek in the development of handsets following the separation of its manufacturing unit as Qisda – a move that is likely to undermine the current partnership between BenQ and Texas Instruments (TI) for the production of 2G handsets, according to market sources in Taiwan.

BenQ is currently showcasing its new 2G handset, the T60, in the booth of MediaTek at the 2008 GSMA Mobile World Congress. The T60 is BenQ's first low-cost multimedia handset built using a handset platform developed by MediaTek, the sources indicated.

The T60, which measures only 8.9mm thick, features a 2.2-inch display, a 3.2-megapixel camera and supports NFC (near field communication) technology for some designated markets, will be available for sale worldwide in the second quarter of this year, the sources noted.

In addition, BenQ is also subcontracting the development of its C-series low-cost handsets to a handset designer in China, with upcoming models within this lineup to be based on 2G solutions from MediaTek, the sources added.

However, BenQ is expected to continue to develop its 3G handsets using chipset solutions from Qualcomm, noted the sources.


BenQ's new 2G handset, the T60

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