LG Electronics Inc. said Thursday it plans to roll out the Optimus G Pro in Japan this week, kicking off its global drive for the premium smartphone.

LG Electronics said it plans to release the full HD smartphone via Japan’s largest mobile operator NTT DoCoMo, roughly two months after the Optimus G Pro hit local shelves.

In February, the South Korean smartphone maker rolled out the 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro, a follow-up model of its flagship smartphone Optimus G, through the country’s three mobile operators as it joined the race for smartphones with bigger and brighter displays.

Sales of the Optimus G Pro broke the 500,000 mark in the first 40 days following its launch, becoming LG Electronics’ fastest-selling smartphone.

The Japanese version carries a 5-inch, full HD display, 0.5 inch smaller than the model released in South Korea. It also features localized functions such as electronic money card system FeLiCa, according to LG Electronics. (Yonhap News)