Tag: Chinese market

December 5, 2024
Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker: 25h Playback, IPX4, Stereo Pairing
Earlier this year, Sony introduced the LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker to the worldwide market. Now, the speaker has made its way to China and is currently up for grabs. Let’s dive into some of the main specifications.
Specifications of Sony LinkBuds Speaker
The Chinese edition of the Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker has been fine-tuned to cater to the tastes of Chinese listeners. It boasts a playback time of 25 hours at 50% volume, providing a continuous listening session for long durations. This device also offers fast charging, allowing for 70 minutes of playback after just a 10-minute charge.
It features a dual-speaker system that includes a 16mm high-frequency driver with 10W of power and a 48x56mm mid-low frequency driver that delivers 12W. Furthermore, there are two passive radiators that improve the bass response and enhance overall sound quality. A built-in S-Master amplifier ensures the audio is both clear and immersive.
Connectivity Features
The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring smooth connectivity and multi-point pairing, which lets it connect to two devices at the same time. The Auto Switch feature enables seamless transitions between compatible Sony headphones and the speaker when listening to music.
This functionality is compatible with models like the WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM5, LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds S, and it requires the Sony Sound Connect App for updates and setup.
User-Friendly Design
There’s a Quick Access button that makes it easy for users to play their favorite tracks from apps like QQ Music or Endel. The speaker also supports stereo pairing, which allows two speakers to work together to create a surround sound experience.
Its compact and portable design includes a special wireless charging dock and a convenient built-in handle. Plus, it has an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s resistant to everyday splashes.
The Sony Sound Connect App enhances usability with various features, such as an equalizer, Auto Play, and customizable settings. The dimensions of the speaker are 84x110x90mm, and it weighs around 520g.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker is priced at 1,299 yuan ($178). It is available in black and light grey color choices and can be purchased in China through Sony’s official channels and authorized sellers.
Tags: Bluetooth Speaker, Chinese market, Sony LinkBuds
September 9, 2024
Huawei Mate XT Tri-Fold Gets 3M Reservations in China
Following Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 16 series, Huawei is gearing up to introduce its innovative Mate XT Ultimate Design, a tri-fold phone that is already generating buzz among Chinese consumers.
Huawei initiated pre-reservations for the Mate XT on September 7, and in just two days, the phone had already gathered an impressive 3 million reservations. While this doesn’t necessarily mean sales, it does indicate significant interest. If you’re keen to secure one, reservations are open until September 19, with the official release set for September 20.
Color Choices and Storage Options
The Mate XT offers four color selections: Dark Black, Crimson Red, classic White, and a bold Green. For storage, buyers can choose from options of 16GB RAM coupled with either 512GB or 1TB of space.
Speculating on Specifications
Rumors suggest that the Mate XT features a massive 10-inch display when unfolded, complete with a punch-hole selfie camera that’s speculated to be 8 megapixels. On the rear, it’s said to come with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. The device is reportedly powered by a Kirin 9-series chipset, though details remain scarce.
Price and Market Availability
Regarding other specifications, we remain in the realm of speculation. The price is also unconfirmed, but whispers suggest a hefty 15,000 Yuan (approximately $2,100) in China. Given its price point and status as a first-generation foldable, Huawei might initially restrict the Mate XT’s availability to its home market.
Durability concerns have been a common issue with early foldable phones, and Huawei is likely aware of this. We’ll have to wait until the official unveiling on September 10th to see if these issues have been addressed.
Tags: Chinese market, Huawei Mate XT, Tri-fold Phone
March 12, 2024
Apple reveals 2 new R&D labs in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China
Tech giant Apple is strategically expanding its research and development (R&D) presence in China as part of its efforts to address challenges and leverage opportunities in the Chinese market.
Boosting R&D Presence in China
Apple is directing its focus towards enhancing its existing applied research lab in Shanghai. This facility concentrates on refining the materials and construction of Apple products to elevate their quality and performance. Simultaneously, the company is constructing a new applied research lab in Shenzhen, slated to commence operations by the latter part of 2024. This new lab aims to support employees, foster closer collaborations with local suppliers, and bolster the connection between Apple and Chinese manufacturers. It will provide advanced research facilities for regional staff and enhance testing capabilities for flagship products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.
Investment in R&D
Isabel Ge Mahe, Apple Greater China, highlighted the company's increased commitment to R&D in the region, with investments exceeding $139 million in applied research labs in China. Moreover, Apple has doubled its R&D staff in China over the past five years, indicating a significant dedication to innovation and development in the country.
Navigating Competition and Expansion
Despite facing stiff competition from local smartphone brands such as Huawei, Apple's expansion efforts underscore its determination to maintain a strong foothold in the Chinese market, which offers substantial long-term potential. The imminent opening of Apple's eighth store in Shanghai, Apple Jing’an, underscores the company's commitment to expanding its retail presence in China. Local retailers have been offering notable discounts on Apple products to sustain sales momentum, reflecting a successful strategy thus far. As Apple continues to navigate the dynamic Chinese tech landscape, its ability to sustain consumer interest and engagement remains a key factor for future success.
Tags: Apple, Chinese market, R&D expansion
March 11, 2024
Sony denies rumors of exiting Chinese smartphone market
Recent reports indicating Sony’s potential withdrawal from the Chinese smartphone market have been outright denied by the company itself. Sony has released a statement affirming its ongoing dedication to the region.
Sony’s Commitment to China
Sony China emphasized, stating, “Sony’s various operations in China, including the mobile phone sector, continue to operate smoothly. China stands as one of Sony’s key international markets, and the company holds high hopes for its future growth in the region.”
This official declaration serves to dispel uncertainties surrounding Sony’s prospects in China, which have been subject to ongoing speculation. Despite a decline in Sony’s smartphone market share in China in recent times, the company shows a clear resolve to sustain its presence amidst fierce competition.
Sony’s History in China
Sony initially entered the Chinese smartphone market more than ten years ago following the acquisition of Ericsson’s stake in a joint venture.
In the face of rapid market expansion and heightened rivalry within China, Sony has faced challenges in keeping up. Nonetheless, the company continues to market its existing phone models, such as the Xperia PRO-I, Xperia 5 III, Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5V, and Xperia 1 IV, through its Chinese website.
Future Smartphone Releases
Reports suggest that Sony is actively developing a new lineup of smartphones slated for launch in 2024, potentially including the Sony Xperia 1 VI and 5 VI.
Details about these upcoming devices remain scarce at present. However, leaks hint at features like the Xperia 1 VI incorporating 48MP lenses across all three of its cameras. Additionally, both models are anticipated to introduce a feature that digitally signs photos upon capture, ensuring authenticity and safeguarding against alterations.
Stay tuned for further updates on these forthcoming Sony smartphones.
Tags: Chinese market, sony, Xperia smartphones
March 8, 2024
Sony Report: Potential Exit from Chinese Smartphone Market
Sony, the renowned Japanese technology company, appears to be contemplating a significant shift in its smartphone approach, with indications suggesting a potential departure from the highly competitive Chinese smartphone market.
According to sources from Chinese media, Sony is reportedly planning not to introduce its upcoming Xperia smartphone in China, hinting at a probable complete withdrawal of its mobile division from the mainland Chinese market.
Sony’s Struggle in the Chinese Market
The specific rationale behind this decision remains ambiguous, although one plausible explanation could be the challenges Sony has faced in establishing a substantial foothold in the Chinese smartphone sector. Sony’s foray into the Chinese smartphone market commenced with its acquisition of Ericsson’s share more than a decade ago. Despite an initially promising start, Sony has encountered difficulties in keeping pace with its competitors, resulting in a modest market share for the company.
Future Prospects and Sony’s Expertise
While a potential exit from China might be disheartening, it does not signify the end of Sony’s involvement in the mobile industry. Sony’s prominence in the smartphone camera sensor arena ensures its continued significance in the market.
However, it is essential to note that Sony has not yet officially validated or refuted these reports. Consequently, any alterations concerning the availability of Sony phones in China should be viewed as speculative until an official statement is released.
Unveiling Future Sony Xperia Models
Reports hint at the possible launch of the Xperia 1 VI and 5 VI by Sony in the near future. Speculations suggest that Sony aims to introduce pioneering in-camera digital signature technology in its upcoming Xperia phones. This feature would enable users to electronically sign photographs directly through the camera, ensuring their authenticity and thwarting any potential alterations.
In a separate report from January, potential camera specifications for the Xperia 1 VI were disclosed, indicating the inclusion of 48MP sensors for all three lenses. However, specifics regarding the launch dates or locations for these devices are currently unavailable.
Tags: Chinese market, sony, Xperia smartphones
March 1, 2024
iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249
iQOO Pad Air Unveiled with Impressive Features
iQOO Pad Air was recently introduced as the second tablet offering from iQOO for the Chinese market. Already available for pre-orders within China, the device's official website now showcases its detailed specifications and pricing. Let's delve into what this tablet brings to the table.
iQOO Pad Air Specifications and Highlights
The iQOO Pad Air boasts an 11.5-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, sporting a resolution of 2800×1840. Users can enjoy a smooth visual experience with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, brightness of up to 500 nits, and HDR10 support. Powering the device is the robust Snapdragon 870 chipset, accompanied by options of 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and storage variants ranging from 128GB to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Impressive Camera and Audio Capabilities
Equipped with an 8500mAh battery, the iQOO Pad Air supports 44W flash charging via a convenient USB-C interface. The tablet features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of various shooting modes and 1080p video recording. Moreover, the Pad Air comes with a super linear quad-speaker system, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Connectivity and Accessories
Offering a range of connectivity options, the Pad Air includes features like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. Running on OriginOS 3 for Pad-based Android 13, the device also supports accessories such as the iQOO Pencil and iQOO Keyboard Air. With dimensions measuring 259.743 x 176 x 6.67mm and weighing 530 grams, this tablet is designed for both portability and performance.
Pricing Details and Color Options
In the Chinese market, the iQOO Pad Air is priced as follows:
- 8GB+128GB variant: 1,799 Yuan (~$249)
- 8GB+256GB model: 1,999 Yuan (~$277)
- 12GB+256GB edition: 2,299 Yuan (~$319)
- 12GB+512GB variant: 2,599 Yuan (~$361)
Available in Gray Crystal and Lan Ting (blue) color options, the iQOO Pad Air offers a choice of shades to suit different preferences. It's worth noting that the iQOO Pad Air is essentially a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad Air, which made its debut in China last year.
For those seeking a feature-packed tablet experience, the iQOO Pad Air presents a compelling option with its blend of performance, camera capabilities, and audio enhancements.
Tags: Chinese market, iQOO Pad Air, Tablet Specifications
March 1, 2024
iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249
iQOO Pad Air Unveiled with Impressive Features
iQOO Pad Air was recently introduced as the second tablet offering from iQOO for the Chinese market. Already available for pre-orders within China, the device’s official website now showcases its detailed specifications and pricing. Let’s delve into what this tablet brings to the table.
iQOO Pad Air Specifications and Highlights
The iQOO Pad Air boasts an 11.5-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, sporting a resolution of 2800×1840. Users can enjoy a smooth visual experience with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, brightness of up to 500 nits, and HDR10 support. Powering the device is the robust Snapdragon 870 chipset, accompanied by options of 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and storage variants ranging from 128GB to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Impressive Camera and Audio Capabilities
Equipped with an 8500mAh battery, the iQOO Pad Air supports 44W flash charging via a convenient USB-C interface. The tablet features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of various shooting modes and 1080p video recording. Moreover, the Pad Air comes with a super linear quad-speaker system, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Connectivity and Accessories
Offering a range of connectivity options, the Pad Air includes features like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. Running on OriginOS 3 for Pad-based Android 13, the device also supports accessories such as the iQOO Pencil and iQOO Keyboard Air. With dimensions measuring 259.743 x 176 x 6.67mm and weighing 530 grams, this tablet is designed for both portability and performance.
Pricing Details and Color Options
In the Chinese market, the iQOO Pad Air is priced as follows:
- 8GB+128GB variant: 1,799 Yuan (~$249)
- 8GB+256GB model: 1,999 Yuan (~$277)
- 12GB+256GB edition: 2,299 Yuan (~$319)
- 12GB+512GB variant: 2,599 Yuan (~$361)
Available in Gray Crystal and Lan Ting (blue) color options, the iQOO Pad Air offers a choice of shades to suit different preferences. It’s worth noting that the iQOO Pad Air is essentially a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad Air, which made its debut in China last year.
For those seeking a feature-packed tablet experience, the iQOO Pad Air presents a compelling option with its blend of performance, camera capabilities, and audio enhancements.
Tags: Chinese market, iQOO Pad Air, Tablet Specifications
February 25, 2024
Nubia Flip 5G NX302J Specifications Revealed via TENAA Ahead of Launch
New listings on China’s TENAA certification platform have revealed two Nubia phones are in the works for the Chinese market. These devices have been spotted with model numbers NX724J and NX302J. The former is expected to launch in China with the Nubia Flip 5G moniker. There is no word about the final moniker of the NX302J. Here is a look at what the two smartphones will offer.
Nubia Flip 5G specifications
First up, the Nubia Flip 5G (NX724J) will be the company’s first foldable phone for the Chinese market. This clamshell phone will sport a large 6.9-inch AMOLED main display that produces 1180 x 2790 pixels of resolution, paired with a useful secondary 1.43-inch AMOLED cover screen with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. It seems this device might share some DNA with the ZTE Libero Flip recently launched in Japan.
Under the hood, it has a 2.4GHz chip, which appears to be the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. The device will offer 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB / 512 GB of storage, and a 970 + 3210mAh (rated value) dual-cell battery. As per the 3C certification of the device, it may offer 33W fast charging. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and its rear shell is fitted with a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system. For security, it has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The device measures 170 x 75.5 x 7.0mm and weighs 209 grams.
Nubia NX302J specifications
The Nubia NX302J 5G appears to be a budget-friendly device equipped with a 6.56-inch LCD HD+ display. It will house a 2.2GHz processor and a 5,000mAh battery. The device will offer 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM options and 128 GB / 256 GB of storage.
Interestingly, the device has a 108-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system on the back. For selfies, it has a 5-megapixel front camera. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The handset measures 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.95mm and weighs 205.5 grams.
Launch Details
The TENAA listings for these devices do not have their images yet. As far as the launch is concerned, the Nubia Flip 5G is scheduled to debut at MWC 2024. Both devices are likely to hit the Chinese market in March.
Tags: Chinese market, Foldable Phones Market, Nubia Flip 5G
December 4, 2023
Rumored OnePlus Ace 3 Launch Schedule Suggests Initial Release in China prior to Worldwide Debut
The OnePlus 12 is set to launch in China tomorrow, December 5th. However, the OnePlus Ace 3, which was acknowledged by OnePlus in October, is not expected to debut alongside the OnePlus 12. According to a Chinese tipster named WHYLAB, the OnePlus Ace 3 is anticipated to be revealed later this month in China.
A screenshot of an upcoming device available on a Chinese retailer site suggests that the Ace 3 will be launched on December 17th. If this launch date is accurate, it is likely that OnePlus will officially confirm it in the coming week.
OnePlus Ace 3 Specifications (Rumored)
According to reports, the OnePlus Ace 3 will feature a 6.7-inch BOE-supplied OLED panel with curved edges. It is rumored to have a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Similar to the OnePlus 12, the Ace 3 will run on ColorOS 14-based Android 14.
While the OnePlus 12 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Ace 3 is said to settle for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The device is expected to come with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The Ace 3 may also feature a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging. In terms of photography, it is rumored to sport a 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel IMX355 ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel IMX709 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. Additionally, it is likely to have a 16-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The Ace 3 will face competition in the Chinese market from devices such as the Realme GT 5, the Redmi K70, and the upcoming iQOO Neo 9.
OnePlus Ace 3 Global Launch as OnePlus 12R
It is rumored that the OnePlus Ace 3 will be rebranded as the OnePlus 12R for the global market. OnePlus is expected to unveil it for the global audience on January 23rd, along with other devices like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro TWS earbuds.
Tags: Chinese market, OnePlus 12, OnePlus Ace 3
December 3, 2023
Realme GT 5 Pro: Three Android Upgrades, USB 3.2, Realme UI 5, AI Model
One of the major announcements this week in the Chinese market is the Realme GT 5 Pro. Realme has been steadily releasing teasers to unveil the key features of the device. Let's take a look at the newly confirmed details of the GT 5 Pro.
Realme GT 5 Pro's Topmost Variant with 1TB Storage
Realme has officially confirmed that the topmost variant of the Realme GT 5 Pro will come equipped with a whopping 1TB of storage. This ensures that users will have ample space to store their files, media, and apps without worrying about running out of storage.
USB-C with USB 3.2 Support for Faster Data Transfer
According to the first poster released by Realme, the GT 5 Pro will feature a USB-C port with support for the USB 3.2 standard. This means that users can expect faster data transfer speeds of up to 10GB/s, compared to the maximum speed of 480Mbps offered by USB 2.0.
Android 14 and Realme UI 5.0
The Realme GT 5 Pro will be the company's first phone to run on Android 14, the latest version of the operating system. It will also feature Realme UI 5.0, the company's custom user interface. Realme has promised that the GT 5 Pro will receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates, ensuring that users will have access to the latest features and security patches for a long time.
AI Super Assistant with 7 Billion Parameters
Realme has revealed that the GT 5 Pro will come with a significant AI upgrade. It will feature an AI super assistant that supports intelligent speech generation. The assistant leverages an AI model with a staggering 7 billion parameters, enabling it to provide users with advanced AI-powered functionalities and a more personalized experience.
Realme GT 5 Pro Specifications
According to reports, the Realme GT 5 Pro will sport a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED display with a 1.5K resolution. It will offer a high refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth and fluid scrolling and gaming. The display will also have a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits and will feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking.
Powering the GT 5 Pro will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance and efficiency. The device will come with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, further enhancing its speed and responsiveness. It will pack a large 5,400mAh battery and will support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, allowing for quick and hassle-free charging.
In terms of photography, the GT 5 Pro will feature a 32-megapixel front-facing camera for capturing high-quality selfies and video calls. On the rear, it will boast a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel LYT-808 primary camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. This versatile camera system will enable users to capture stunning photos and videos in various scenarios.
Pricing and Availability
The Realme GT 5 Pro is expected to have a starting price of 3,499 Yuan (~$499), making it a competitive option in the flagship smartphone segment. As for availability, it will initially launch in the Chinese market, and further details about its international release will be announced in the future.
With its impressive specifications, AI capabilities, and competitive pricing, the Realme GT 5 Pro is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the smartphone market. Users can look forward to experiencing top-notch performance, a stunning display, advanced photography features, and a seamless user interface.
Tags: Android 14, Chinese market, Realme GT 5 Pro launch date