Group 1 - Sony has officially withdrawn from the smartphone market in mainland China, marking the end of its mobile phone era in the region after over a decade [1][4][6] - The decision to exit the market was confirmed by a Sony employee, although the specific reasons remain unclear [1][4] - Sony's smartphone sales have drastically declined, with global sales dropping from approximately 25 million units in 2015 to just over 3 million units by 2019, representing an 88% decrease [4][6] Group 2 - Sony's mobile division was once a strong player, with the Xperia series achieving a peak global sales figure of around 40 million units in the 2014 fiscal year [4][6] - The company's focus on hardware technology became a liability as it failed to adapt to changing consumer preferences in China, leading to a disconnect with local users [4][6][12] - Despite attempts to improve localization, such as partnerships with Meizu, these efforts did not significantly enhance user experience or market performance [6][12] Group 3 - Sony's strategic shift emphasizes its core businesses in gaming, music, and film, which account for over 60% of the company's consolidated sales revenue [9][11] - The company has seen success in other areas, such as audio and imaging, where it holds significant market shares, contrasting sharply with its mobile division's struggles [11][12] - The exit from the smartphone market reflects a broader trend in the Chinese consumer electronics landscape, where understanding user needs is crucial for sustained success [12]