360 offering lower-cost smartphones in cooling market

China's largest internet security company 360 Security Technology Inc unveiled two new smartphones on Tuesday as part of its efforts to offer more affordable phones in the country's cooling handset market.

The move came right after smartphone maker Samsung Electronics Co Ltd pushed its new products in China earlier this month and latecomers such as Smartisan Technology also launched its low-priced handsets on Monday.

The N7 Pro, unveiled on Tuesday in Beijing, is equipped with Snapdragon AI processor and a big battery, which can offer a fast and pleasant user experience, said Li Kaixin, president of 360's mobile phone unit.

"Despite the fact smartphone shipments are slowing in China, 360 mobile phones still saw shipment growth," Li said.

"User experience has always been an important factor for 360. It is important, as we are attracting customers who quit other smartphone brands," he added.

Priced from 1,999 yuan ($267), N7 Pro's visual and sound hardware have been optimized. It also boasts a 5.99-inch full screen and an all-glass body.

Another newly-unveiled smartphone, N7 Lite, is equipped with a 4050 mAh battery, and users can fully charge the phone in about 100 minutes.

Addressing the widespread rumor 360 will merge with Smartisan, Li was adamant it "won't happen".

"It is a suffering procedure to integrate two departments, not to mention two companies," he added.