Abstract

MIC Perspective

Quad-core to Become Market Mainstream; HTC Expected to Lead Android Team in 1H 2012

Several quad-cord models were released at MWC 2012. Samsung's next generation flagship model tentatively named "Galaxy S3" is also projected to adopt an Exynos quad-core CPU developed by the company itself. Even though it is still unknown what type of CPU will Apple adopt for its next products, it is forecasted that quad-core CPUs will become the market mainstream in 2012.

At MWC 2012, Android quad-core products rolled out by respective vendors have very similar hardware specifications. Nevertheless, HTC's products still captured high-level of attention due to high system performance and the product strategy focusing on both software and hardware development. HTC's products feature a high-resolution camera, headset, and the HTC Sense 4.0 user interface, indicating HTC's efforts to bring together applications and high-specification hardware. Despite of the comments that no major breakthrough in product innovation was seen at MWC 2012 compared to the past, HTC successfully distinguished itself from other vendors. Huawei, ZTE, and Fujitsu have made relatively late forays into the high-end Smartphone markets in Europe and the United States, where HTC still dominates due to its advantage as a forerunner. Meanwhile, HTC has been working on the enhancement of its software and hardware capabilities and at the same time on the establishment of partnerships with various telecom operators. Since Samsung's new products will be launched no sooner than May this year, it is anticipated that the market will face the situation for around a quarter in the first half of 2012 where not much new products will be launched. Therefore, HTC is projected to stand out in the Android team during this period.

Appendix

Glossary of Terms

List of Companies