Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and decline of various Chinese mobile phone brands, highlighting the competitive landscape and the challenges faced by companies like Waveguide, Gionee, and Meitu, while also emphasizing the rise of new leaders in the industry. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Huawei and Apple are in direct competition, with Huawei's Mate XT and Apple's iPhone 17 series launching in September [6][10] - The latest IDC report indicates that by Q2 2025, Huawei is expected to regain the top position in the domestic market with an 18.1% share, followed closely by Vivo and OPPO [9][10] - The combined market share of Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo accounts for approximately 66% of the Chinese smartphone market, indicating a strong domestic presence [10] Group 2: Historical Context - Over the past 20 years, more than 87 mobile phone brands have disappeared in China, with a survival rate of less than 15% [11] - Waveguide was the first Chinese brand to gain significant market share in the feature phone era, achieving sales of 700,000 units in 2000 and becoming the top domestic brand for four consecutive years [19] - The launch of the first iPhone in 2007 marked a significant shift in the mobile phone industry, leading to the decline of feature phone giants like Nokia [21][23] Group 3: Brand Decline - Gionee, once a leader in the market, faced a decline due to late entry into the smartphone segment and poor product reception, leading to its eventual bankruptcy in 2018 [27][28] - Meitu and Douwai targeted the female market but failed to maintain their competitive edge as other brands improved their camera technology and overall value [30][37] - The entry of cross-industry players like Haier and Gree into the smartphone market was marked by poor performance and eventual exit due to lack of market presence [40][41] Group 4: Lessons Learned - The article emphasizes that successful marketing and distribution strategies alone are insufficient; companies must also focus on technology and innovation to survive in the competitive landscape [28][49] - The experiences of brands like Meizu and Smartisan illustrate the risks of prioritizing product aesthetics over market demands and operational capabilities [50][57] - The evolution of the smartphone industry in China reflects a shift from following global trends to establishing new standards and innovations [66][67]

Group 1 - The smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like Huawei and Apple launching new high-end devices [2][3][7] - Huawei's market share is projected to reach 18.1% by Q2 2025, reclaiming the top position in the domestic market, followed closely by Vivo and OPPO [7][8] - The combined market share of Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo accounts for approximately 66% of the Chinese smartphone market, indicating a strong domestic dominance [8] Group 2 - The history of the Chinese smartphone industry has seen over 87 brands disappear, with a survival rate of less than 15% [9] - The transition from feature phones to smartphones has been marked by significant technological advancements and fierce competition among domestic brands [10][30] - The rise and fall of brands like Bird and Gionee illustrate the challenges faced by companies that failed to adapt to the smartphone era [38][37] Group 3 - Brands targeting niche markets, such as Doro and Meitu, initially gained traction but ultimately struggled to maintain their market positions due to lack of technological innovation [40][50] - The entry of cross-industry players like Haier and 360 into the smartphone market has often resulted in failure due to inadequate market understanding and execution [51][53][60] - The experiences of companies like Meizu and Smartisan highlight the importance of balancing product quality with market demands, as both faced significant challenges due to misalignment with consumer expectations [71][84] Group 4 - The evolution of the smartphone industry in China reflects a shift from marketing-driven strategies to a focus on technology and innovation [70][91] - The current landscape is characterized by a new generation of leaders aiming to redefine the rules of the smartphone market, moving away from being mere followers [92][93]