Retina Display Competitors Are Essential
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5. A Retina competitor is a must
The
Retina display could be one of the
most appealing features found in Apple's iPhone 5. When using that screen,
going back to one with fewer pixels per inch and a lower resolution is
unfathomable. So, competing vendors need to match the Retina display. Samsung
was able to do it with its 4.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S III screen. Now, the rest
of the market needs to follow suit.
6. Bring on the beefed-up cameras
Companies
like Nokia and Samsung have rightfully realized that delivering a better camera
than what can be found in the iPhone is a great way to win over customers. Now,
though, the companies' competitors must do the same. Apple's iPhone 5 has a
slightly improved rear camera, compared with the iPhone 4S, making it a bit
more difficult to beat. But if Nokia can do it with its PureView, every other
vendor should be able to do the same.
7. Major updates are an opportunity
As
nice as the iPhone 5 might be, the new model can't really be called a major
update. The handset is only taller, thinner and lighter than its predecessor,
and the internal components are next-generation improvements over those found
in the iPhone 4S. In some ways, the update is a bore. To attract customers, therefore,
maybe competitors can deliver major updates. Such upgrades typically attract
attention, which in turn, creates stronger sales.
8. Timing is everything
If
Apple has taught its competitors anything, it's that timing is extremely
important. The company didn't get caught up in the summer smartphone craze,
like Samsung, but it also didn't want to launch its smartphone too close to the
holiday to hurt its other products. September seems to be the smartphone sweet
spot. Now, how long will it take smartphone vendors to realize that?
9. Follow Apple's price lead
Apple's
iPhone has held steady at its starting price of $199 with a two-year agreement.
With that in mind, competitors shouldn't even consider pricing their products
any higher. Consumers are still very price-conscious. And if they see a device
with a price that's higher than the iPhone 5's, they'll buy Apple's product.
10. Ditch exclusivity
Although
most Android vendors sell several devices available on multiple carriers, many
of them offer a single device exclusively on one carrier. AT&T was
initially the only carrier that sold iPhones, but Apple gradually expanded the
list of carriers that sell the iPhone. At this time, it's a mistake for a
competing smartphone carrier to restrict sales to a single mobile service
carrier. If vendors offer up a flagship device, it should be offered to every
carrier. Apple, for example, sells its iPhone on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon
networks in the U.S. The company also offers its devices on regional networks.
More vendors should do the same.
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