I've been using phones for quite awhile now, and I remember the days when Nokia's were everywhere hands down with a bit of Motorola here and there.
Lately it seems that Nokia has been losing market share, while other manufacturers are coming out with newer, flashier, and better phones. Samsung is one that stands out to me with 40 tone polyphonic ring tones and 65000 color screens.
While other manufacturers are improving their phones with each new release, it seems that Nokia has stuck with the same 4 tone polyphonic, 4096 color standard it's been using for previous models. It's like they just have a bin of parts they use to make a new phone... "I'll take one of those radios, a 4096 color screen, throw in some software used in the 6610 and 7210, and design a new case for it." *Poof!* A new phone release.
I know other manfactuers like Sony Ericsson release different phone models for the same phones (T610/T616, T310/T316, T300/T306, etc.) but it's the same phone with different frequency bands depending on region. Nokia repackages parts and releases it as a completely new phone.
I'm not a huge supporter of any one manufacturer but I've just noticed this trend. Perhaps its more widespread than just Nokia, but that stands out in my mind.
If Nokia continues this trend, I think that other companies like Samsung and Sony Ericsson are going to have a good shot at taking over the top spot. Any thoughts?
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jinkazama Posts: 15
Phone Model: Nokia 6610
Service Provider: 02 UK
Sat Jul 12, 2003 1:43 pm
yeah u maybe right although samsung are slightly better than nokia in ways that u mentioned but nokia have kept it the same there by improving slowy. samsung however jump from here 2 there with thier phones and r not as good quality as nokia. This is because samsung r trying to race for the top spot with bad quality phones.
hihi Posts: 26
Sat Jul 12, 2003 1:53 pm
jinkazama wrote:
yeah u maybe right although samsung are slightly better than nokia in ways that u mentioned but nokia have kept it the same there by improving slowy. samsung however jump from here 2 there with thier phones and r not as good quality as nokia. This is because samsung r trying to race for the top spot with bad quality phones.
I think I have to disagree with that. Nokia has a reputation for making defective phones with buggy software. The main reason why people stick with them is because of the user interface and SMS system which is still the best.
I think Samsung makes extremely high quality phones with far better finishing than anything Nokia has at present. I have both the S300 and V200 and both have proved reliable and fault free (touch wood!)...
Bushy Turtle Posts: 82
Sat Jul 12, 2003 2:40 pm
Quality of phones aren't the only factor in determining market share. For instance, I think Sony Ericsson makes some of the best phones, but they have been in deep financial difficulties.
I'm not sure why this is the case, but I suspect it has something to do with service providers. If they don't want to carry your phone, then you lose out. The cellular phone industry is quite unique. I doubt many people buy phones without plans.
Silversamsung Posts: 3
Phone Model: s100
Service Provider: o2
Sat Jul 12, 2003 4:04 pm
I used to always buy nokia's but now i've change to samsungs and glad i have.
I've had a few problems with my s100 but i like it better then my nokia 7250.
zahn Posts: 39
Phone Model: SonyEricsson T310, Nokia 7110
Service Provider: Plus GSM
Sat Jul 12, 2003 4:16 pm
I was using many Nokia phones [5110, 3210, 3310, 3330, 5510, 9110, 3410, 7110] and if they were saying that there's something new, there were something new. It's really sad what's happening to it now.
But it's also sad what Sony Ericsson did releasing T310, which is actually a T300 with a little bit improved software. But the new design is enough for me to chose it over T300 which is simply ugly :]
GSMDude Posts: 231
Sat Jul 12, 2003 4:23 pm
zahn wrote:
But the new design is enough for me to chose it over T300 which is simply ugly :]
I agree, the T300 reminded me of a block of soap. Good thing they changed it.
As for Nokia's position, I'm sure they'll be #1 for quite some time. Once they see other manufacturers biting into their profits they'll act quicktly. One thing they have an advantage on is brand recognition. Nokia is synonymous with cellular phones. While Samsung, Sony, Panasonic are electronics manufacturers. When people think cell phones they think Nokia, and that is a very powerful tool.
jomari Posts: 28
Phone Model: Nokia 6230i
Service Provider: Cingular
Sun Jul 13, 2003 2:38 am
one reason why nokia still is on top is their user friendly interface, especially when texting someone. firm, sturdy and the learning curve to text is quite small when it comes to their fone.
ive been a nokia user since 5110's came out (asian market) and that is one thing they have always suceeded in.
and THAT is why they still rule the market - building your reputation on something you have established.
of course, theres also the great trick of marketing, mass influence on consumers, and a period of monopoly at some point...
think about it - if nokia wasnt really 'represented' in the market, and no one would say a thing about brand x or brand y, would you still believe that nokia would still be on top?
samsung shall i say have been producing high quality fones, yet not withstanding i can say to the times. its not what i would consider as user friendly as id like it to be, considering that nokia has created a standard.
but then again, my fone rules!
one thing is for sure, they aint no starbucks enterprise!
cheers!
BPNZ Posts: 29
Phone Model: Nokia, SE, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens, Alcatel
Service Provider: Vodafone
Sun Jul 13, 2003 5:08 am
After talking with a few of my friends etc. I came to the conclusion that people are with Nokia due to the menu structure and the fact that you can pick up any Nokia and know how to use it without looking at the manual... so many phones STILL have annoying, complicated user interfaces..
Here in New Zealand we're a little stuck for choices as there are really only 2 network operators Telecom (CDMA, Analogue) and Vodafone (GSM) and we only tend to get SonyEricsson, Nokia and Alcatel. Motorola don't have any representation here anymore and Samsung are only catering for the CDMA market so we're kinda stuck for choice.
I personally think Nokia will always be Number 1 but Samsung and the likes will definatly give them a run for their money...
jomari Posts: 28
Phone Model: Nokia 6230i
Service Provider: Cingular
Mon Jul 14, 2003 12:24 am
as i mentioned before, its just a matter of marketing. nokia has always been a strong force in the world of cellular phones, and it seems that they will be for quite a period of time.
but nonetheless, competitors are as we speak learning from their mistakes, from forums like this (anyone listening!?! ) and from other sources as well.
its a big game of catching up to each others quirks and successful ideas, better yet, maybe companies would consider helping each other instead...
) and from other sources as well.
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