LG Optimus 3D
The LG Optimus 3D was a phone that had the potential to be a huge hit, had 3D technology taken off. It featured a 3D display, 3D applications, and dual 3D cameras on the back. It was a fun phone to use, with the ability to take 3D photos and videos being a novelty. Unfortunately, there were too many limitations to make it a success. The resolution of the screen had to be reduced in order to make the 3D work, and the user had to look at it from a specific angle. Additionally, there was a lack of 3D content available, making it difficult for the phone to gain traction. As a result, the Optimus 3D was a 3 out of 10 fail.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was a device that was released with much fanfare in 2014. It was Amazon’s first foray into the smartphone market, and it was expected to be a success. However, the phone was plagued with issues, such as a lack of apps, a poor camera, and a confusing interface. Additionally, the phone was expensive, with a price tag of $200. As a result, the Fire Phone was a massive failure, and Amazon was forced to discontinue it after only a year. It was a 7 out of 10 fail.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was a phone that was released in 2010. It was designed to be a social media-focused device, with features such as a dedicated Facebook button and the ability to post to Twitter directly from the home screen. Unfortunately, the phone was a flop, with users complaining about its slow performance and lack of features. Additionally, the phone was expensive, with a price tag of $200. As a result, the Kin was a 9 out of 10 fail.
HTC First
The HTC First was a phone released in 2013 that was designed to be the first phone to feature Facebook Home, a custom version of Android that was designed to integrate Facebook into the user experience. Unfortunately, the phone was a flop, with users complaining about its slow performance and lack of features. Additionally, the phone was expensive, with a price tag of $100. As a result, the HTC First was a 9 out of 10 fail.
Xiaomi’s foray into the world of smartphones has been met with both success and failure. One of the most memorable failures was their attempt to incorporate ads into their MIUI software. This was done in an effort to generate additional revenue and lower the cost of their devices. However, the lack of quality control meant that users were bombarded with full-screen ads, some of which were scams and others that were vulgar. This caused a huge backlash from customers, leading to a boycott of the brand.
While Xiaomi has since dialed back on the ads, the damage has already been done. This misstep has left a lasting impression on the company’s reputation and serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control.
Another major failure for Xiaomi was their attempt to launch a foldable smartphone. The device was set to be released in 2020, but the company was forced to delay the launch due to technical issues. This was a major setback for the company, as foldable smartphones are becoming increasingly popular and Xiaomi was hoping to capitalize on the trend.
The company also faced criticism for their decision to use a MediaTek processor in their flagship Mi 10 Pro. This was seen as a move to cut costs, as the processor was significantly cheaper than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. However, this decision was met with backlash from customers, as the MediaTek processor was seen as inferior in terms of performance.
Xiaomi has also been criticized for their decision to use a non-standard charging port in their Mi 11 series. The port, known as USB-C, is not compatible with most chargers and cables, making it difficult for users to charge their devices. This was seen as a major inconvenience, and many customers were unhappy with the decision.
The company has also been accused of copying Apple’s design language in their Mi 11 series. This includes the use of a notch, a curved display, and a similar camera layout. While this may have been done to appeal to a wider audience, it was seen as a sign of a lack of originality.
Xiaomi has been criticized for their lack of support for older devices. The company has a habit of releasing new devices at a rapid pace, leaving older devices without updates or security patches. This has caused frustration among customers, as they are unable to get the latest features and security updates on their devices.
Overall, Xiaomi has had its share of successes and failures in the smartphone market. While the company has had some major missteps, it has also had some major successes. It remains to be seen if the company can learn from its mistakes and continue to be a major player in the smartphone market.
Xiaomi’s Alpha Mix Smartphone
Xiaomi’s Alpha Mix smartphone was a revolutionary concept, boasting a 360-degree wrap-around display. The device promised to revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously. Unfortunately, the launch of the device was marred by poor execution and logistics. Despite sending out emails in December 2019, offering users the chance to go hands-on with the device, the hands-on experience was delayed until February 2020. Furthermore, the accompanying film was meant to enter small-scale production in December, but was pushed back indefinitely.
Lack of Communication
The Alpha Mix smartphone failed to gain traction due to a lack of communication from Xiaomi. Although the device had the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, the company failed to effectively communicate this to potential customers. Instead of highlighting the unique features of the device, Xiaomi focused on how users could theoretically run multiple apps on the back of their phone, an idea which was rendered redundant by the simple swipe of a finger.
Competition from Samsung
The Alpha Mix smartphone was also doomed to fail due to the competition from Samsung’s Galaxy Z4. The Z4 was released shortly after the Alpha Mix, and boasted similar features, but with a much more polished execution. The Z4 was also backed by Samsung’s extensive marketing campaign, which further diminished the Alpha Mix’s chances of success.
Xiaomi’s 360 Degree Battery Charging Animation
Xiaomi’s attempt at creating a 360 degree battery charging animation was met with mixed reactions. While the display lit up while charging, it was counterintuitive and ultimately slowed down the charging process. This fail, while not disastrous, did damage Xiaomi’s reputation as a company that delivers. Therefore, people may be less likely to get excited about their next announcement.
OnePlus’ Color Filter Camera
OnePlus’ attempt at creating a new and exciting feature for their flagship 8 Pro resulted in the integration of the Color Filter Camera. Photos taken with this camera were low resolution and had strange inverted colors. However, it could do one thing that was kind of amazing: it could see through stuff. Unfortunately, this feature was met with privacy concerns as it could see through some items of clothing. OnePlus quickly disabled the feature in some regions and updated it in others, toning down the effects of the already fairly useless Color Filter Camera. This fail earned a 4 out of 10, as OnePlus handled it well, but nearly giving millions of people X-ray vision was a PR nightmare.
The 2 Megapixel Macro Camera
The 2 megapixel macro camera was a feature that was meant to be cool and trendy. However, it was a complete flop. The camera was not able to take clear photos and the images were often blurry. This fail earned a 2 out of 10, as it was a complete waste of time and resources.
Samsung Galaxy Beam
The Samsung Galaxy Beam was a smartphone released in 2012 with a built-in projector. While the idea of having a projector in your pocket was certainly intriguing, the execution was far from perfect. The projector was only capable of projecting images at a resolution of 480p, and the battery life was severely impacted by its use. Furthermore, the projector was not particularly bright, and the device was bulky and heavy. As a result, the Galaxy Beam was not particularly successful, and it quickly faded into obscurity.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 with much fanfare, but it quickly became apparent that it was not the revolutionary device that Amazon had promised. The Fire Phone was heavily reliant on Amazon’s own services, and the lack of Google Play Store support meant that the device had limited app support. Furthermore, the device’s 3D interface was gimmicky and not particularly useful. The Fire Phone was a commercial failure, and Amazon discontinued it soon after its release.
LG G5
The LG G5 was released in 2016 and was one of the first modular smartphones. It allowed users to swap out components such as the battery and camera, and it was marketed as a device that could be customized to suit the user’s needs. However, the modular design was not particularly popular, and the components that could be swapped out were limited. Furthermore, the device was plagued by software issues and was not particularly well-received by critics.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was released in 2010 and was marketed as a social media-focused device. The device was heavily reliant on Microsoft’s own services, and it lacked support for popular third-party services such as Google and Facebook. Furthermore, the device had limited app support and was quickly overshadowed by other devices on the market. The Kin was a commercial failure, and Microsoft discontinued it soon after its release.
HTC First
The HTC First was released in 2013 and was the first device to feature the Facebook Home launcher. The launcher was heavily reliant on Facebook’s services, and it lacked support for popular third-party services such as Google and Twitter. Furthermore, the launcher was not particularly well-received by critics, and the device was quickly overshadowed by other devices on the market. The HTC First was a commercial failure, and HTC discontinued it soon after its release.
Google Nexus Q
The Google Nexus Q was released in 2012 and was marketed as a streaming media player. The device was heavily reliant on Google’s own services, and it lacked support for popular third-party services such as Netflix and Hulu. Furthermore, the device was expensive and was quickly overshadowed by other devices on the market. The Nexus Q was a commercial failure, and Google discontinued it soon after its release.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm was released in 2008 and was one of the first touchscreen smartphones. The device was heavily reliant on BlackBerry’s own services, and it lacked support for popular third-party services such as Google and Facebook. Furthermore, the device had limited app support and was plagued by software issues. The Storm was a commercial failure, and BlackBerry discontinued it soon after its release.
The Dell Streak 5
The Dell Streak 5 was a 5-inch tablet phone, released in 2010, that was a huge jump in size compared to the other phones of its time. It was equipped with a monstrous spec sheet, making it as exciting as it was surprising. Unfortunately, the Dell Streak 5 failed to make an impact due to its niche market and the fact that Dell was not a software company.
The Samsung Galaxy Note
The Samsung Galaxy Note was released in 2011 and was widely regarded as the first phablet. It was a huge jump in size compared to other phones at the time, but it was actually Dell who beat Samsung to the punch with the Dell Streak 5. The Galaxy Note was a success, but its failure to be the first phablet was a big miscalculation from Samsung.
The Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 and was the first phone to feature a 3D interface. It was equipped with four cameras that tracked the user’s head movements, allowing them to interact with the phone in a 3D space. Unfortunately, the Fire Phone was a huge failure due to its expensive price tag and lack of features.
The Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was released in 2010 and was marketed as a social media phone. It was equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, but it lacked the features of a traditional smartphone. The Kin was a huge failure due to its limited features and lack of appeal to the general public.
The Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was released in 2003 and was marketed as a gaming phone. It was equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, but it lacked the features of a traditional smartphone. The N-Gage was a huge failure due to its limited features, lack of appeal to the general public, and its awkward design.
The Motorola ROKR E1
The Motorola ROKR E1 was released in 2004 and was the first phone to feature iTunes integration. It was equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, but it lacked the features of a traditional smartphone. The ROKR E1 was a huge failure due to its limited features, lack of appeal to the general public, and its poor iTunes integration.
The HTC First
The HTC First was released in 2013 and was the first phone to feature Facebook Home. It was equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, but it lacked the features of a traditional smartphone. The HTC First was a huge failure due to its limited features, lack of appeal to the general public, and its poor Facebook Home integration.
The Sony Xperia Play
The Sony Xperia Play was released in 2011 and was marketed as a gaming phone. It was equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, but it lacked the features of a traditional smartphone. The Xperia Play was a huge failure due to its limited features, lack of appeal to the general public, and its poor gaming performance.
The LG G Flex</
The Yotaphone was an ambitious attempt to revolutionize the smartphone market, but it ultimately failed to make a lasting impression. The device was equipped with two displays, a traditional LCD display on the front and a paper-like ink display on the back. The idea was that users could use the ink display for reading tasks, similar to a Kindle, and it would consume very little power. Unfortunately, the Yotaphone was plagued with technical issues, including a lack of app support, a slow processor, and a battery that drained quickly. Additionally, the ink display was difficult to read in direct sunlight, making it difficult to use outdoors. Ultimately, the Yotaphone was a failed experiment that never gained traction in the market.
The Nokia N-Gage was another smartphone failure that will live in infamy. This device was released in 2003 and was marketed as a gaming device. It had a unique design, with a large display and a gamepad below it. Unfortunately, the N-Gage was a flop, due to its awkward design, slow processor, and lack of games. Additionally, the device was expensive, making it unattractive to budget-conscious consumers.
The Microsoft Kin was a smartphone released in 2010 that was designed to appeal to social media-savvy millennials. The device had a unique design, with a slide-out keyboard and a focus on social media integration. Unfortunately, the Kin was a commercial failure, due to its lack of features, poor battery life, and high price tag. Additionally, the device was only available on Verizon, limiting its reach.
The Amazon Fire Phone was another ambitious attempt to revolutionize the smartphone market. This device was released in 2014 and was designed to be an extension of Amazon's ecosystem. It featured a unique 3D interface, as well as integration with Amazon's services. Unfortunately, the Fire Phone was a flop, due to its high price tag, lack of features, and limited app selection. Additionally, the 3D interface was difficult to use and didn't offer much in the way of functionality.
The BlackBerry Storm was a touchscreen smartphone released in 2008 that was designed to compete with the iPhone. The device had a unique design, with a clickable touchscreen and a focus on messaging. Unfortunately, the Storm was a commercial failure, due to its slow processor, poor battery life, and lack of features. Additionally, the clickable touchscreen was difficult to use and the device was expensive.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was a flagship smartphone released in 2016 that was designed to compete with the iPhone. Unfortunately, the device was plagued with technical issues, including a battery that could overheat and catch fire. This issue caused Samsung to recall the device, resulting in a massive financial loss for the company.
The Apple Newton was a personal digital assistant released in 1993 that was designed to compete with the Palm Pilot. The device had a unique design, with a touchscreen and a focus on handwriting recognition. Unfortunately, the Newton was a commercial failure, due to its high price tag, poor battery life, and lack of features. Additionally, the handwriting recognition was unreliable and the device was bulky.
The HTC First was a smartphone released in 2013 that was designed to be the first device to run Facebook Home. The device had a unique design, with a focus on social media integration. Unfortunately, the First was a flop, due to its lack of
They needed to do something drastic, so they decided to make a blockchain phone, which was an interesting idea, but it was just too little too late.
The YotaPhone
The YotaPhone was a unique concept that attempted to combine two displays into one device. The idea was to have one display for regular use and a second display for more energy efficient tasks. The irony, however, was that in order to fit the two displays, the battery capacity had to be drastically reduced to just 1,800 milliamp hours, which was counter-intuitive to the purpose of the second display. Despite this, the YotaPhone 2 and 3 were released, but they were too expensive to be commercially viable.
The YotaPhone Agreement
The YotaPhone company made an agreement with their supplier to order a large amount of units, which would result in a lower cost per unit. However, they soon realized that they weren’t going to sell as many units as they had agreed to order and tried to back out of the agreement. This resulted in a lawsuit for $126 million, leading to the company’s bankruptcy.
HTC’s Decline
HTC went from being the maker of the first ever Android phone to having 0.05% market share. With each successive flagship becoming less and less relevant, HTC attempted a revival by creating a blockchain phone. Unfortunately, it was too little too late and the phone failed to make a significant impact.
The Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was Amazon’s attempt to enter the smartphone market. It was released in 2014 with a unique 3D interface and a dedicated Firefly button for quick access to Amazon services. Unfortunately, the phone was too expensive and lacked the necessary features to compete with other phones on the market.
The Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was a phone released in 2010 that was marketed as a device for social media users. It featured a unique design and a dedicated button for quick access to social media. Despite its features, the phone was too expensive and lacked the necessary features to compete with other phones on the market.
The Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was a gaming phone released in 2003 that attempted to combine a phone and a gaming console. It featured a unique design and a dedicated button for quick access to gaming. Unfortunately, the phone was too expensive and lacked the necessary features to compete with other phones on the market.
The LG DoublePlay
The LG DoublePlay was a phone released in 2011 that attempted to combine two displays into one device. It featured a unique design and a dedicated button for quick access to messaging. Unfortunately, the phone was too expensive and lacked the necessary features to compete with other phones on the market.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was a phone released in 2016 that was marketed as a device for productivity. It featured a unique design and a dedicated button for quick access to productivity features. Unfortunately, the phone was plagued by battery issues and had to be recalled due to safety concerns.
The BlackBerry Storm
Vine was acquired by twitter in 2012, and while it was a great acquisition, it wasnt given the attention it needed to grow and compete with other social media platforms.
HTC’s U25G
The HTC U25G was a mid-range smartphone released in 2020, with specs comparable to the OnePlus Nord, but at a higher price point. The device was met with a mixed reception, as many felt that the phone was overpriced and underwhelming. Despite the fanfare surrounding the release, the U25G failed to make a lasting impact in the market, and HTC has since shifted its focus to other markets.
Vine
Vine was a popular smartphone-focused social media platform where users could share six-second looping videos. The platform was acquired by Twitter in 2012, but failed to gain the traction of its competitors, such as TikTok. Despite being the first to the market, Vine was unable to keep up with the competition, and was eventually shut down in 2016.
Microsoft Kin
Microsoft Kin was a smartphone released in 2010, aimed at the younger generation. The device was met with a lukewarm reception, as it lacked the features of other smartphones on the market. The device was discontinued after just two months, and is now remembered as one of Microsoft’s biggest flops.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was a smartphone released in 2014, and was met with a tepid response. The device was heavily criticized for its lack of features, and its reliance on Amazon’s own services. The device was eventually discontinued in 2015, and is now remembered as one of Amazon’s biggest failures.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm was a touchscreen smartphone released in 2008, and was met with a mixed reception. The device was heavily criticized for its lack of features, and its reliance on BlackBerry’s own services. The device was eventually discontinued in 2011, and is now remembered as one of BlackBerry’s biggest flops.
Palm Pre
The Palm Pre was a smartphone released in 2009, and was met with a lukewarm reception. The device was heavily criticized for its lack of features, and its reliance on Palm’s own services. The device was eventually discontinued in 2011, and is now remembered as one of Palm’s biggest failures.
Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was a gaming-focused smartphone released in 2003, and was met with a tepid response. The device was heavily criticized for its lack of features, and its reliance on Nokia’s own services. The device was eventually discontinued in 2005, and is now remembered as one of Nokia’s biggest flops.
Apple Newton
The Apple Newton was a personal digital assistant released in 1993, and was met with a lukewarm reception. The device was heavily criticized for its lack of features, and its reliance on Apple’s own services. The device was eventually discontinued in 1998, and is now remembered as one of Apple’s biggest failures.
Motorola ROKR E1
The Motorola ROKR E
Vine’s Rise and Fall
Vine was a revolutionary platform that allowed users to create and share six-second videos with their followers. It was a unique concept that quickly caught on, and soon the platform was filled with creative content. However, the success of Vine was short-lived. As soon as other social media platforms began offering video capabilities, Vine’s user base began to dwindle. Instagram, for example, allowed users to create longer videos and take advantage of its filters and larger user base. On top of that, Snapchat came in with their stories, which provided a similar functionality to what Vine initially intended.
No Way to Monetize
The final nail in the coffin for Vine, however, was the lack of a way for creators to make money. If Vine wanted to attract creators, they needed to provide them with a way to monetize their content. Brands were willing to pay Instagrammers for sponsored posts, and YouTubers earned ad revenue, but no one was willing to pay for sponsored Vine videos. As a result, creators moved to other platforms where they could monetize their content.
TikTok’s Success
The success of TikTok can be attributed in part to the lessons learned from Vine’s failure. TikTok provides creators with a way to monetize their content, as well as a variety of tools and features to help them create engaging content. It also has a large user base, which makes it easier for creators to reach a wider audience.
Vine
Vine was a short-lived experiment in the world of social media, launched in 2012 and shut down in 2016. Despite its short lifespan, it had a significant impact on the industry, and many people lost their careers and money as a result. It was an ambitious idea, but one that ultimately failed to deliver on its promise. The concept of Vine was to provide users with a platform to create and share short, looping videos. It was a novel idea, but one that was quickly overshadowed by the likes of TikTok, which has since become the go-to platform for short-form video content.
Motorola
Motorola was once a giant in the world of mobile phones. It was the first company to transmit a signal from the moon, and its products were synonymous with communication. In 2004, it released the Razr V3, one of the most successful mobile phones of all time. It sold for 450 (the equivalent of 600 today), and 130 million units were sold – as much as the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 10s and 10s Max combined. The Razr was arguably the first device to make phones fashionable, and its sleek aluminium and glass design was a stark contrast to the bulky, plastic designs of other phones at the time.
Nokia
Nokia was another mobile phone giant that dominated the industry in the early 2000s. It was renowned for its durable, reliable phones, and its iconic 3310 model was one of the most popular phones of all time. However, Nokia’s failure to embrace the smartphone revolution saw it fall behind its competitors, and its market share dwindled rapidly. Nokia’s last attempt to reclaim its former glory was the Nokia N-Gage, a gaming-focused smartphone released in 2003. Unfortunately, the N-Gage was a commercial failure, and it was discontinued in 2005.
Blackberry
Blackberry was once the leader in the smartphone market, but its failure to keep up with the changing trends saw it fall behind its competitors. Its iconic physical keyboards were a hit with business users, but its lack of apps and features meant it was unable to keep up with the likes of Apple and Android. Blackberry’s last attempt to stay relevant was the Blackberry Priv, a high-end Android-powered smartphone released in 2015. Unfortunately, it was too little too late, and Blackberry’s market share continued to decline.
Microsoft
Microsoft was a late entrant to the smartphone market, but its Windows Phone platform was initially well-received. However, its failure to keep up with the competition meant it was unable to compete with the likes of Apple and Android. Microsoft’s last attempt to stay relevant was the Windows Phone 8, released in 2012. Unfortunately, it was too little too late, and Microsoft’s market share continued to decline.
Amazon
Amazon entered the smartphone market in 2014 with the Fire Phone, a device designed to integrate with Amazon’s other services. Unfortunately, the Fire Phone was a commercial failure, and it was discontinued in 2015. The Fire Phone’s failure was due to its lack of features, high price, and limited app selection.
Huawei U.S Ban
The U.S government stepped in and blocked the deal, citing security concerns. This was the beginning of the end for huawei in the U.S. market, as the government then began to put pressure on other countries to follow suit. The U.S then went on to ban huawei from using U.S technology, such as Google’s android operating system, and even banned U.S companies from doing business with huawei. This has had a devastating effect on huawei’s ability to compete in the U.S market, and it looks like it will be a long time before they can make a comeback.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the most highly anticipated smartphones of 2016, and it was set to be a real game-changer. Unfortunately, it was also one of the biggest smartphone fails of all time. The phone was released to great fanfare, but it quickly became apparent that there were some serious issues with the device. Reports started to come in of the phone’s battery exploding, and it soon became clear that the phone was a fire hazard. Samsung was forced to recall the device, and it was eventually discontinued. This was a huge blow to Samsung’s reputation, and it took them a long time to recover from the debacle.
Google Pixel 2 XL
The Google Pixel 2 XL was one of the most hyped smartphones of 2017, and it was supposed to be Google’s answer to the iPhone. Unfortunately, the phone was plagued with issues, from a poor display to terrible battery life. Google tried to fix the issues with software updates, but it was too little too late. The phone was a huge disappointment, and it was a major setback for Google’s smartphone ambitions.
Sony Xperia Play
The Sony Xperia Play was supposed to be the ultimate gaming phone. It was released in 2011, and it was the first phone to feature a dedicated gaming controller. Unfortunately, the phone was a massive flop. The controller was clunky and uncomfortable, and the games were limited. It was a huge disappointment for Sony, and it was a sign that they were not yet ready to compete in the smartphone market.
Apple iPhone 4 Antenna
The iPhone 4 was one of the most successful smartphones of all time, but it was also one of the most infamous. The phone was released in 2010, and it quickly became apparent that there were serious issues with the phone’s antenna. The phone would lose signal if it was held in a certain way, and it caused a huge uproar. Apple eventually had to issue a software update to fix the issue, but it was too late to save the phone’s reputation.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm was supposed to be the device that would save BlackBerry from its decline. It was released in 2008, and it was the first BlackBerry to feature a touchscreen. Unfortunately, the phone was a disaster. The touchscreen was slow and unresponsive, and the phone was plagued with bugs. It was a huge disappointment for BlackBerry, and it was a sign that the company was in serious trouble.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was one of the most ambitious smartphones of all time. It was released in 2010, and it was supposed to be a social media-focused device. Unfortunately, the phone was a complete failure. It was too expensive,
Huawei’s Exclusion from the US Market
Huawei’s exclusion from the US market came as a major shock to the company, as it was one of the most lucrative smartphone markets in the world. The US government’s decision to put Huawei on their entity list meant that the company could not only not sell in the US, but also could not do business with any US companies. This meant that Huawei phones would no longer come with core Google services like Google Maps and Gmail.
Huawei’s Supply Chain Disruption
The US ban had a major impact on Huawei’s supply chain, as the company that builds Huawei’s chipsets, TSMC, could no longer do business with them. This was due to the fact that some of their equipment was from the US, and thus still counted under the ban. This meant that Huawei had no access to the necessary chipsets to build its smartphones.
Organizations Pulling Out
The US ban had a domino effect, as organizations such as the Wi-Fi Alliance, the SD Card Organization, and many others pulled out of their partnership with Huawei. Additionally, 130 companies who had applied for licenses to work with Huawei were all denied. This further compounded the issue, as Huawei had no access to the necessary components to build their smartphones.
Countries Blocking Huawei
The US ban also meant that countries around the world started blocking Huawei from having anything to do with their 5G infrastructure. This was a major blow to Huawei, as they had been focusing on building networking equipment. With countries blocking Huawei, the company may only have a year or two left in the smartphone market.
The smartphone industry has seen its fair share of fails over the years. From the infamous Huawei ban to the ill-fated Nokia N-Gage, here are 14 MEGA Smartphone Fails well never forget.
Huawei Ban
The Huawei ban has been one of the most significant smartphone fails of all time. The US government imposed a ban on Huawei in 2019, preventing the company from doing business with US companies. This has had a devastating effect on Huawei’s ability to produce and sell smartphones in the US. The only potential silver lining is that they may start buying in chips from Mediatek or even potentially Qualcomm. Qualcomm recently made a pledge to the US government saying they would bring more money into the US economy if they were allowed to work with Huawei. Whether this will go anywhere remains to be seen.
Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was one of the most infamous smartphone fails of all time. Released in 2003, the N-Gage was a hybrid gaming console and smartphone that failed to capture the public’s imagination. The device was bulky and awkward to use, and its games library was limited. The N-Gage was quickly discontinued, and Nokia had to write off millions of dollars in losses.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was another smartphone fail that will live long in the memory. Released in 2014, the Fire Phone was Amazon’s attempt to break into the smartphone market. Unfortunately, the device was underpowered and lacked the features and apps that consumers wanted. Amazon was forced to discontinue the Fire Phone after just two years, and the company had to write off $170 million in losses.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was another smartphone fail that will never be forgotten. Released in 2010, the Kin was Microsoft’s attempt to break into the smartphone market. Unfortunately, the device was underpowered and lacked the features and apps that consumers wanted. Microsoft was forced to discontinue the Kin after just two months, and the company had to write off millions of dollars in losses.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm was another smartphone fail that will never be forgotten. Released in 2008, the Storm was BlackBerry’s attempt to break into the touchscreen market. Unfortunately, the device was underpowered and lacked the features and apps that consumers wanted. BlackBerry was forced to discontinue the Storm after just two years, and the company had to write off millions of dollars in losses.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the most infamous smartphone fails of all time. Released in 2016, the Note 7 was Samsung’s flagship device. Unfortunately, the device was prone to overheating and exploding, leading to a massive recall. Samsung was forced to discontinue the Note 7 and the company had to write off billions of dollars in losses.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps was one of the most infamous smartphone fails of all time. Released in 2012, Apple Maps was Apple’s attempt to break into the mapping market. Unfortunately, the app was plagued with errors and inaccuracies, leading to a massive backlash from users. Apple was forced
Xiaomi’s Alpha Mix smartphone was an ambitious concept, but ultimately failed due to poor execution and a lack of communication from the company. The device was also overshadowed by the competition from Samsung’s Galaxy Z4, which boasted similar features and a much more polished execution. Despite the failure of the Alpha Mix, the concept still holds promise, and could be revisited in the future.
Vine’s failure is a cautionary tale for other social media platforms. It’s important for platforms to provide creators with a way to monetize their content, as well as a variety of tools and features to help them create engaging content. If they don’t, they risk losing their user base to other platforms.
