Foreign Handset Brands Dominate Chinese Internet Users' Preferences

Strategic Insights -

Chinese internet users have a clear preference for foreign mobile phone brands, with Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson leading the pack. According to a Baidu search result analysis, Motorola's V3 and E398 models claimed the top two spots on the top 10 list, while Nokia and Samsung also had multiple models featured. The dominance of foreign brands was not surprising, given the high-end nature of the list and the tendency of consumers to seek out more information about luxury products.

Key Takeaways:

  • Motorola's V3 mobile phone, launched in 2004, was the most popular handset model among Chinese internet users, with its E398 model ranking sixth on the top 10 list.
  • Nokia had four models featured on the list, including the 7610, 3230, 7260, and 6681.
  • Samsung's D508 model also made the top 10 list, indicating a strong presence of the brand in the Chinese market.
  • Dopod's 585 smartphone model, the only domestic brand on the list, ranked eighth and received positive feedback from consumers.
  • Top Chinese brands such as Bird, TCl, and Amoi did not appear on the list, implying that foreign brands have a stronger presence in the high-end market.
  • Consumers tend to spend more time researching high-end products, which may contribute to the dominance of foreign brands in the market.

Statistics:

  • Motorola's V3 model received 1.34 million search result hits on Baidu.
  • Nokia's 7610 model received 1.26 million search result hits on Baidu.
  • Samsung's D508 model received 1.14 million search result hits on Baidu.
  • Dopod's 585 model received 724,000 search result hits on Baidu.

Sources:

  • Baidu (search result hits)

Baidu.com

  • Interview with Motorola (China)

Motorola (China)

  • Interview with Dopod

Dopod

  • Interview with Amoi

Amoi

  • Baidu's annual search rankings report

Baidu.com