Android OEM, original equipment manufacturers, are well-built, powerful and competitive. But why are some brands not performing according to some expectations?
HTC, one of the best Android OEM, launched HTC 10 this year. It was a promising smartphone with great audio and powerful camera that comes in a price of $699. It did not get a very good review from The Verge. Moreover, a Chinese alternative, Desire 530 and 630, was also available that have the same specs at a lower price.
Just this month, HTC launched One A9s, a slightly inferior smartphone from One A9 of last year but has a premium aluminium unibody. But just minutes after the announcement, Huwaei released their own Nova smartphones packed with extra batteries and top of the line processors.
Currently, HTC is busy promoting their Vive VR headset. Is this a sign that this Android OEM will finally quit from the smartphone arena?
Sony, another Android OEM, has made premium smartphones. The Xperia Z series has evolved from Z1 to Z5 in the last three years. Rumours had it that in addition to mineral black, platinum and forest blue colors, Sony will launch another shade in deep pink. Critics say that even the Sony's latest XZ series do not have impressive camera software and out-dated Android OS.
What undermines this Android OEM is its competition with Xiaomi Mi 5 and OnePlus 3. Both have similar specs and software but their prices are way too far. Sony's high-end smartphones are also left behind by Apple's iPhone. The latest iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have just launched and mobile users have been eager to place their pre-orders.
Some Android OEM reviews are also not favourable for the Sony Z5 smartphones, citing its lack of optical image stabilization or OIS and inability to record 4k videos. However, some users remain loyal to their favourite Android OEM brands. Let us hope that Sony and HTC smartphones will still be around in the next three years.
