Too Many Models
Launching too many models can be detrimental to a company’s success. It can lead to a pool of customers becoming confused as to which model best suits their needs. With multiple models, each individual model loses its memorability and significance, and the company has to spread its support across a wide range of phones. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of support.
Samsung’s Lineup
Samsung is a prime example of this. In 2019, they released approximately 40 smartphones, making it difficult for customers to navigate the lineup. The Galaxy Note series used to be one phone, and it was the best phone the company made. However, in 2019, Samsung went from making one Note phone to making four different variants, and then a fifth one a few months later. This fifth phone had very little to do with the other four phones in the lineup. While these phones are not bad, they are confusing.
Splitting Resources
The confusion caused by too many models is one thing, but the splitting of resources is another. With so many models, the company’s resources are spread too thin. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the phones, as well as a decrease in the quality of customer support.
The Solution
The solution to this problem is simple: focus on fewer models. By focusing on fewer models, the company can ensure that each model is of the highest quality, and that customer support is of the highest quality. This will help to ensure that customers are not confused, and that they are able to purchase the phone that best suits their needs.
The Need for Long-Term Upgrades
Smartphone makers need to prioritize long-term upgrades to their devices. Companies such as OnePlus have set a good example by providing three years of guaranteed updates for every model of their phones. On the other hand, Samsung has developed a reputation for offering only one year of updates to many of its mid-range phones, and even then, the updates are often delivered late. Apple has adopted a different approach, focusing their efforts on a limited number of models each year. This approach allows customers to easily keep track of the current iPhone lineup and ensures that each of these phones is kept up to date for five years after launch.
Avoiding Price Cuts
Price cuts may seem like a great idea, as customers can purchase a product for less than its original price. However, this strategy can become a trap. For example, LG has been known to launch a phone at a price of $900, only to reduce it to $400 just four months later. While this may seem like a great deal, it can lead to customers expecting to pay a lower price for the phone in the long run.
Focus on Quality
Rather than focusing on price cuts, smartphone makers should focus on providing quality products. This means investing in research and development to create innovative features and designs that will appeal to customers. It also means providing excellent customer service and support, as well as ensuring that their phones are compatible with the latest software and hardware. By focusing on quality, smartphone makers can create a loyal customer base that will remain loyal for years to come.
It still tells you that youre not using the latest and greatest, and this kind of marketing is just a bit too much.
LG’s Implicit Devaluation
LG has been guilty of implicitly devaluing their own products, which has been a major contributing factor to Apple’s success in maintaining a consistent price point for their devices. This is due to the fact that Apple is able to keep their production costs low, as components become cheaper over the course of the year. This has been evidenced by the fact that iPhones tend to retain their value far better than Android equivalents.
Hyper-Competitive Marketing
The last few years have seen small phone companies become increasingly savvy in their marketing strategies, with social media playing a larger role than ever in generating hype. However, some companies have taken this too far, with their marketing campaigns focusing on how their product is superior to the competition, rather than the quality of the product itself.
Yamis Poker’s Shameful Marketing
Yamis Poker’s recent campaign for their X2 smartphone, which boasted a 120 Hertz display, was particularly egregious in this regard. They created a website which checked the refresh rate of the user’s current device, and then proceeded to shame them for having a standard 60 Hertz refresh rate, claiming that it was two decades old. Even if the user had a 120 Hertz refresh rate phone, they were still told that they were not using the latest and greatest. This kind of marketing is not only unnecessary, but also damaging to the reputation of the company.
The Hyper-Competitive Smartphone Market
The smartphone market is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Companies are constantly trying to one-up each other with new features, better specs, and more attractive designs. This competition has led to a situation where companies are often making bold claims and engaging in hyper-competitive marketing tactics. This can lead to a situation where companies end up eating their own words and making fun of themselves.
Apple’s Dominance
Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market is undeniable. Despite shipping less than 15% of global smartphone units in 2019, they made over 60% of global smartphone profits. This is largely due to their effective marketing strategies and their ability to create a sense of exclusivity and luxury around their products.
The Dangers of Hyper-Competitive Marketing
The dangers of hyper-competitive marketing are twofold. Firstly, companies can often make bold claims that they cannot keep. This can lead to a situation where they end up making fun of themselves. Secondly, it can lead to a situation where companies are spending too much money on marketing and not enough on product development. This can lead to a situation where consumers are spending too much money on products that are not as good as they could be.
The Need for Balance
It is important for smartphone makers to strike a balance between marketing and product development. Companies should focus on creating products that are of the highest quality and that offer the best value for money. They should also focus on marketing their products in a way that is honest and that does not resort to hyper-competitive tactics. This will ensure that consumers are getting the best products at the best prices.
The Need for an Ecosystem
In 2020, a smartphone needs to have more than just a good screen, battery, and camera; it needs to be part of an ecosystem. This ecosystem should not only fit into the existing tech products owned by the user, but also complement them. OnePlus is one of the few Android companies that offers a smartphone that fits nicely into the user’s existing product lineup.
A Killer Feature
Android users are looking for a feature that allows them to send stuff as easily as Apple’s AirDrop, and Samsung is delivering with Quick Share. Imagine if this could work not only between Samsung phones, but also between Samsung phones and Windows laptops. This would be a killer feature, and Samsung has already announced a partnership with Microsoft that could make this possible.
Unlocking New Possibilities
The possibilities are endless with this new partnership. For example, what if users could use their Galaxy Note smartphone as a literal stylus input for their computer instead of spending $200 on a drawing slate? If this phone can replicate that functionality, it drastically improves the value proposition of buying Samsung phones. Samsung already has their own Galaxy Buds, and this new feature could be the perfect complement.
The Profit Potential
Smartphone makers should not overlook the potential profit of creating an ecosystem that fits into and complements the user’s existing tech products. By creating a feature that allows users to send stuff easily between devices, and unlocking new possibilities with a partnership with Microsoft, Samsung has the potential to increase their profits significantly.
But then I remember that the software experience is going to be different, and so I end up recommending something else.
The Need for Customization
Smartphone makers need to recognize the importance of customizing their products to suit the needs of different regions. Many Chinese companies, for example, create both a China version and an international version of their phones. Xiaomi, for instance, released the Redmi K20 in Asia and then the exact same device in the West as the Mi 9T. This move was confusing to many people, as it was evident that the phone was intended for Asian markets.
The Internet Age
We are living in the age of the internet, and so when companies release regional variants, it is important to tailor the software to Western tastes. This is especially true when the same phone is being released in different markets. People in the West may not be familiar with the software experience of a Chinese brand smartphone, and so they may be hesitant to purchase it.
Increasing Value
Smartphone makers can increase the value of their products by pushing to make their earphones, laptops, and tablets fantastic standalone products. If these products work well with their phones, then this will drastically increase the value of their products together.
The Power of Image Processing
Smartphone makers have long been aware of the power of image processing, particularly in the Chinese market. Many Chinese phones are designed to smooth skin, add saturation and make eyes appear brighter than they actually are. Even when all beauty modes are turned off, the images produced by these phones can still be of a high quality. On a technical level, the camera hardware and software of Chinese phones is often amongst the best on the market.
The Need for Familiarity
When releasing a product in a foreign country, it is important that it feels native and familiar to the users. Instead of relying solely on the software scheme that originated from China, it would be beneficial to create something that better aligns with what Android users want to see. Samsung is an example of a company that has done this well. Customers in the UK and US feel right at home on a Samsung device.
The Importance of Haptics
Haptics are an often overlooked but essential part of what makes a premium phone feel premium. Haptics refer to the simulated sense of touch created by small vibration motors on the inside of the phone. This can be used to create a more tactile experience for the user.
Haptics
The haptic feedback on a smartphone is an often overlooked aspect of the user experience. While it may not show up on a spec sheet, the quality of the haptics can make a huge difference to the overall user experience. A good haptic feedback system can provide a more tactile and responsive experience, while a poor one can make typing and other interactions feel mushy and unresponsive. Smartphone makers should invest in providing a better haptic feedback system, as it can make a transformational difference to the user experience.
Glass Backs
Glass is a popular material for the back of a smartphone, as it feels premium and does not interfere with wireless charging. However, glossy glass can be a major fingerprint magnet and can also be slippery. To combat this, some companies have adopted a textured matte finish towards the base of the phone, which transitions into glossy at the top. This provides a better grip and also looks aesthetically pleasing. The Huawei Mate 30 Pro is a great example of this, with its emerald green colour and textured matte finish.
Mapped Coating
OnePlus has come up with a great solution to the problem of glossy glass, by introducing a mapped coating on their glass smartphones. This coating provides a better grip and also reduces the amount of fingerprints that appear on the back of the phone. Apple has also adopted this approach with their new iPhone 11 Pro, and it is likely that other companies will follow suit.
But the end result is still far from perfect.
The Need for Durability
It would be amazing to see a flagship smartphone that can safely be used without a case. Surveys conducted in the US show that a staggering 80% of smartphone users feel uncomfortable without a case. This is likely the highest of any product group in existence. If phone makers could incorporate more advanced technologies seen in cases into the design of the phone, they can ensure that the end product still feels premium and have control over how end users experience their products. Protective components need not be overly conspicuous; a subtly placed rubber ring around the camera module or padded dots in each corner of the back would suffice.
Call Quality Improvement
We are in the year 2020, yet call quality still leaves much to be desired. Many times, conversations are plagued by poor sound quality, random cut-offs, and lags that make it feel like a game of trying to time words correctly. Modern smartphones attempt to address this issue with multiple microphones and noise reduction, but the results are still far from satisfactory.
Battery Life Optimization
The battery life of smartphones is another area that needs improvement. While manufacturers have made strides in this regard, the battery life of most phones still falls short of expectations. It would be great to see phones that can last for days on a single charge, with the option to quickly charge the device when needed.
Ease of Use
Smartphones are becoming increasingly complex, with a plethora of features and settings that can be overwhelming for the average user. It would be great to see phones that are intuitive and easy to use, with a user interface that is straightforward and user-friendly.
Affordability
It would be great to see phones that are more affordable. Flagship phones are becoming increasingly expensive, with prices reaching astronomical levels. It would be great to see phones that offer the same features and performance at a fraction of the cost.
The Need for Improved Voice Quality
The modern smartphone is a marvel of technology, capable of performing a myriad of tasks with ease. However, one area where it falls short is in the quality of voice calls. Despite advances in technology, such as Algorithms and HD Voice, the audio quality of phone calls is still far from perfect. This is due to the fact that the audio is compressed to be sent through traditional voice networks in real time, resulting in a significant degradation of sound quality.
The Limitations of Current Solutions
The current solutions available to smartphone makers are limited. For example, technologies such as Volte have potential, but they still suffer from poor audio quality. Additionally, the use of materials such as metal on the back of phones can interfere with signal strength, resulting in unreliable connections.
A Possible Solution
One possible solution for smartphone makers is to work directly with companies such as Qualcomm to create phones with the best possible signal reliability and strength. This could involve using less metal or different types of materials on the back and using more antenna inside for consistency. Additionally, a software solution that either doesn’t compress the voice as much or compresses it in a way that doesn’t damage it as much could also be developed. This would ensure that phone calls are of the highest possible quality, as most internet connections are now more than fast enough to support crystal clear conversations.
The Benefits of Improved Voice Quality
The benefits of improved voice quality are clear. Not only would it make phone calls more enjoyable, but it would also make them more reliable. Additionally, it would make it easier for people to communicate with each other, as they would no longer have to worry about poor audio quality. , it would make it easier for people to stay in touch with their loved ones, as they would be able to have clear conversations regardless of where they are.
The Need for Customization
The modern smartphone market is a highly competitive one, with manufacturers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out from the crowd, smartphone makers must offer something unique and innovative. Customization is one such avenue that can be explored. By creating devices that are tailored to the specific needs of users, manufacturers can provide a superior experience that is not available with generic, off-the-shelf models.
The Benefits of Customization
Customizing a smartphone to the user’s needs can provide a number of benefits. For example, it can improve the audio quality of the device by allowing manufacturers to tune the device from the ground up to take advantage of the microphone placement and antenna type used by the manufacturer. This can result in a more immersive sound experience. Additionally, customizing the device can also improve the performance of certain apps, as they can be optimized for the specific hardware of the device.
The Challenges of Customization
While customization can offer numerous benefits, it does come with its own set of challenges. For example, customizing a device requires a significant amount of time and resources, which can be difficult for manufacturers to manage. Additionally, customizing a device can also lead to compatibility issues, as certain apps may not be able to run on the device due to the hardware differences.
Smartphone makers need to prioritize long-term upgrades, avoid price cuts, and focus on providing quality products. By doing so, they can create a loyal customer base that will remain loyal for years to come.
Smartphone makers need to recognize the importance of customizing their products to suit the needs of different regions. They should also strive to make their earphones, laptops, and tablets fantastic standalone products that work well with their phones. By doing this, they can drastically increase the value of their products together.
Smartphone makers should pay attention to image processing, user interface design and haptics in order to create a product that is both technically advanced and familiar to users. By taking into account the cultural norms of the target market and creating a product that is tailored to their needs, smartphone makers can ensure that their products are successful in the global market.
Smartphone makers should invest in providing a better haptic feedback system, as it can make a transformational difference to the user experience. They should also consider using a textured matte finish on the back of their phones, which transitions into glossy at the top. This provides a better grip and also looks aesthetically pleasing. , they should consider using a mapped coating on their glass smartphones, as this provides a better grip and reduces the amount of fingerprints that appear on the back of the phone.
Customizing a smartphone can provide users with a unique and superior experience, but it is not without its own set of challenges. Manufacturers must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of customization carefully before deciding whether or not to pursue it. Ultimately, it is up to the manufacturers to decide if the potential benefits of customization outweigh the potential risks.