Chinese-made Android phones go global

In the coming years, analysts forecast that cheap Chinese-made Android phones with not-so-cheap features will likely attract more customers in Europe.

Huawei is gaining steam in China.

Brand Huawei is gaining steam in China. Source: AAP

Move over, Apple and Samsung. The next big smartphone might be from little-known Chinese brands such as TCL and OPPO.

Along with other Chinese phone makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, Chinese brands have surpassed Samsung in China and are encroaching on Apple's turf.

In the coming years, analysts forecast that these cheap Android phones with not-so-cheap features will likely attract more budget-conscious customers in Europe and even in Samsung's and Apple's home markets, South Korea and the US.
Chinese phone makers made their global ambitions known at this week's Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain.

Huawei and TCL vied to steal the spotlight from Samsung and LG, both of which announced new high-end phones at the show.

Xiaomi, which typically launches phones in China, will preview the Mi 5 phone in Barcelona on Wednesday.

"The Chinese smartphone vendors have a very unique feature - it is the price," said Shu On Kwok, editor of AndroidPIT, a website that tracks Android developments.

"You get the same features as an LG or a Samsung smartphone has hardware-wise, but for a lower price."

Samsung saw its market share decline in 2015, while Apple forecast its first revenue decline in over 13 years. Both will have to do more to prove the value of the extra dollars their customers pay.


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2 min read
Published 23 February 2016 6:28pm
Updated 23 February 2016 8:11pm
Source: AAP


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