Domestic brands spring up in smart-phone market

China-Smart-Phone -- Domestic brands spring up in smart-phone market

CCTV BEIJING - China is set to be the largest smart-phone market in 2012 after its shipments for export in the second half of 2011 outstripped those of the US, according to the US-based International Data Center (IDC), and more and more Chinese brands are jumping into the field as the market heats up.

Data from IResearch, a leading online market research company, show that the size of the export shipments in the Chinese smart-phone market in 2011 reached more than 72 million units, representing an increase of 103 percent over 2010.

"The thing is that if you look at the local brands, they are taking quite a small part in the domestic market, maybe no more that 20 percent, something like that, because in lacking the ability to design software and design phones and things like these," said Chen Jiahe, an analyst with Cinda Securities.

This is a major driver for iPhone sales.

"When I choose to buy a smart-phone, aside from fashion, I like more of its design and the high quality of its touch screen. Although there are some domestic brands with the Android system, the quality is really kind of rough," said an iPhone user.

However, others think differently.

"I like Chinese brands since I got the same functions for a cheaper price," said a user of domestic smart-phone brand.

Jiang Yingcai, co-founder of Transphone, holds that being price competitive is crucial for local manufacturers to attract more customers.

"In order to get more market share, we try to shorten our channels and chains to bring more benefits to customers," said Jiang.

Despite the fact that Chinese innovation is considered lagging behind developed countries' smart-phone technologies, Chinese brands are catching up with their own innovations and designs.

"In terms of smart-phone competition between domestic and foreign brands, Chinese firms have advantages in industrial chains and cost. But we have to work hard to develop the technology and user experience, and also provide after-purchase service and upgrades. During the Moblie World Conference 2012, we competed with world famous brands, and our product was highly praised by more than 30 global network operators," added Jiang.

Smart-phones are becoming an essential part of people's everyday life. And Jiang believes that China's local smart-phone brands will soon gain a stronger position in the world market with innovations and technology.

More downloads available at http://newscontent.cctv.com

For any questions please call +86-10-63969499, or email [email protected]. If you want to learn more, please go to the CCTV website at http://newscontent.cctv.com.

© Copyright CCTV. The content in this story, including video and script is provided by China Central Television (CCTV) and is copyright CCTV. Thomson Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of, or endorse the views or opinions given in, this package. THIS STATEMENT SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER STATEMENTS RELATING TO COPYRIGHT ATTACHED TO THIS CONTENT.