General View Brands

[Icemanbrfc]

Im trying to get a feel of what you guys think of brands, when it comes to smartphones these days.

We know in SA its all about Samsung, Nokia and Apple. Then to a lesser extent Sony, Htc and LG followed by Huawei. Not necessarily in that order.

I had a recent meeting with another manufacturer, they are quite a big brand, but obviously not as big as some of the names I mentioned. The discussion centered around providing good quality smart phones, quad core phones at under 3k and some under 2k with 5 and 5.5" screens etc. Now we know the perception is that any handset that doesnt sport a Samsung, Nokia or Apple logo its notably dismissed by the public.

Do you guys feel similar to the above, and would rather stick to a recognised brand than give somebody else a try? I was reading about Oppo and the Find range of handsets, and they are producing some fine handsets and possibly affordable prices. We know the general issue is all about after sales etc, but without giving up your branded phone, would you buy a brand other than the top ones?

PS: my meeting wasnt with Oppo

 

[MKFrost]

I think consumers, and especially younger consumers, are very brand conscious. However, being able to afford one of these branded devices is not within everybody's reach especially so with the present prevailing economic conditions and exchange rates.

I believe that there is a vast untapped market of people who wants the functionality of a smart phone but who just cannot afford any of the main stream brands. So yes, I think there is a vast market to be tapped. If these 'cheaper' phones are of a reasonable quality and able to do what any basic smartphone does then I cannot see them not taking off in this country.

The markets I will focus on with these phones are the lower income who cannot afford the more 'expensive' phones as well as the 'older' generation who buys a phone and not a brand i.e. buying a phone to be used as a phone and not as a status symbol.

Not sure what operating system they will be running but think that it will be vital that its something like Android. An unknown phone with an 'unknown' operating system will not work IMHO.

 

[Icemanbrfc]

Thanks Mkfrost... To answer your question, I think most manufacturers will look to Android. But you are right, cheaper smart phones will really do well in a country where not everybody are able to spend alot of money on a decent smart phone

 

[MickZA]

The markets I will focus on with these phones ...
... as well as the 'older' generation who buys a phone and not a brand i.e. buying a phone to be used as a phone and not as a status symbol.

Exactly, all I want is a touchphone with a basic camera, email & whatsapp; a cheap android suits my needs perfectly and there are plenty of sub R1K pre-paid offerings that fit the bill available these days.

 

[Icemanbrfc]

Thats kind of the idea im trying to get Mick, especially since people are prepared to spend loads of money on brands. So is the thinking more aimed at having the best, as compared to what benefits the phone can do for them?

 

[satanboy]

I was a staunch supporter of Nokia for 20 years (?) and moved to Samsung...best move ever.

 

[biometrics]

If it runs clean Android I'd consider any device.

 

[maumau]

Thats kind of the idea im trying to get Mick, especially since people are prepared to spend loads of money on brands. So is the thinking more aimed at having the best, as compared to what benefits the phone can do for them?

Neither. All i want is an excellent signal and fast/good back-up service. Most of the top end phones offer similar functionality.

If your phones are very cheap and run the popular apps back-up would be the next thing i'd look at.

If you don't mind me asking a stupid question, does phone build affect the signal quality?

 

[Icemanbrfc]

Build quality could affect signal quality, but its very rare to find that these days, as most of the devices go through extensive testing on the production line. Mind you, the iPhone 4 were known to have dropped calls, but were quickly fixed. Signal is one of those things, where it doesnt matter what handset you have, if you are on a network in an area with poor coverage, you will have signal issues.

 

[Icemanbrfc]

http://www.gsmarena.com/alcatel_unveils_android_phone_phablet_and_two_tablets-news-7489.php


http://www.gsmarena.com/tcl_idol_x_2ghz_8core_5incher_for_330-news-7432.php

http://www.stuff.tv/find-7/oppo-find-7/review

 

[maumau]

Cool iceman. Thank you.

 

[Icemanbrfc]

No worries Pal

 

[Nishano]

We are all a bunch of brand conscious morons,

In this country the attachment to a cell phone and ones personal value ( like cars ) is high on the needs of social acceptance.
( Coz we're idiots )

In order to bring in cheaper non branded phones to the mass's you will have to brand identify it by intensive marketing or partner up with a established company that can punt the phone on their shoulders.

in the coming months, we;ll see it....vodacom phone ....the mtn phone is already on market, so will Kalahri, Afrihost and otherr established companies start slapping their dirty logos on products sourced from the socialist country.

" the things you own , end up owning you " Tyler Durden

 

[Arthur]

The counter-revolution has already begun.

I'm beginning to think that maybe the benefits of having a smartphone are mixed. Maybe even outweighed by the disadvantages.

Now where did I put that old 6310i? Maybe phone and SMS is all I really need...

 

[Nishano]

Yes,

its hampering... over connectivity, over tinkering, information overloaded.

I was a forerunner of using tech in any possible way forward, in hind site, it is disrupting, its distracting and it hampers relationship building.

We're way too logged into the grid