Tag: Transsion’s family

  • Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel

    Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel

    In an unexpected development, Qualcomm has initiated legal action against Transsion, the fourth-largest smartphone maker globally, citing alleged infringements on four of its patents.

    According to IP Fray on LinkedIn, the lawsuit concerns four unspecified non-standard essential patents owned by Qualcomm. What makes this situation particularly unique is that Transsion does not incorporate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in any of its current smartphone models.

    A Different Approach

    Qualcomm usually uses its significant influence in the mobile chip industry to negotiate licensing agreements when its patents are breached. However, this approach isn’t applicable to Transsion, which primarily uses processors from MediaTek and Unisoc, as reported by WinFuture.

    Despite not utilizing Qualcomm’s chips, Transsion boasts popular brands such as Tecno, Itel, and Infinix. These brands focus on the budget and mid-range smartphone markets, a strategy that has led Transsion to become the fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer globally, following Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi, according to Statista.

    Potential Impact

    This rapid growth seems to have attracted Qualcomm’s scrutiny, resulting in this lawsuit over unspecified “non-standard essential patents.” The lawsuit’s outcome is still uncertain, but it could compel Transsion to pay licensing fees, which might significantly affect their already thin profit margins on budget devices.

    Qualcomm’s new lawsuit comes amid pressure from other major tech companies. The Financial Times reports that Philips has also sued Transsion, while Nokia is seeking licensing fees for its patented technologies used in Transsion’s phones.

    Ongoing Developments

    Interestingly, a Transsion spokesperson stated in the Financial Times report that the company has signed a “5G standard patent license agreement” with Qualcomm and asserts that it is meeting its obligations under that agreement. This raises questions about why Qualcomm chose to file a lawsuit if that is indeed the case.

    The resolution of this legal battle and its impact on Transsion remains uncertain. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.


    Qualcomm Sues Transsion, Maker of Infinix, Tecno, and itel
  • Transsion Achieves Record Quarter with TECNO’s Premiumization and Regional Expansion

    Transsion Achieves Record Quarter with TECNO’s Premiumization and Regional Expansion

    According to Counterpoint's Market Monitor service, TECNO, the biggest brand in Transsion's family, experienced a significant growth in smartphone shipments across all regions in Q3 2023. The shipments increased by an impressive 62% YoY, contributing to Transsion's overall results with a 36% YoY increase in smartphone shipments for the quarter.

    TECNO's remarkable growth has led to the brand becoming the world's 9th largest smartphone brand, capturing 4% of the global smartphone market in Q3 2023. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as TECNO's market share has more than tripled in just three years. It has also propelled Transsion to become one of the top 5 smartphone original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) globally.

    The growth in TECNO's shipments can be attributed to an improvement in product mix. The brand has expanded the proportion of higher-value devices sold, indicating a shift towards more premium offerings. According to Counterpoint's Global Handset Model Sales service, almost all TECNO smartphones now come equipped with 4G or 5G connectivity. The introduction of 5G smartphones in Q1 2022 has led to a rapid increase in volume, with shipments growing by over 600% YoY by Q3 2023.

    Furthermore, TECNO has witnessed a significant increase in sales volume for its high-end CAMON series and premium-end PHANTOM series, surpassing the company's overall growth rates with a 53% YoY increase. The PHANTOM series, in particular, has seen a remarkable rise in popularity, now accounting for nearly 5% of TECNO's global sales. This growth is a positive indication that TECNO's efforts to compete in the mainstream global smartphone industry are paying off, as the brand gains acceptance among consumers outside of Africa.

    Looking ahead, the growth trajectory for TECNO appears favorable due to various megatrends. Factors such as urbanization, the rapid development of connectivity infrastructure, the migration from feature phones to smartphones, the availability of cheaper components, and the increasing adoption of digital services are expected to gather pace. These trends provide a promising outlook for TECNO's future growth.

    Overall, TECNO's impressive performance in Q3 2023 showcases its ability to expand its market share and offer competitive smartphones with advanced connectivity options. The brand's success not only solidifies its position within Transsion's family but also establishes it as a significant player in the global smartphone market.