Telecom Lead Asia: ZTE on Tuesday said it is working with Intel to develop smartphones based on the Intel Atom Z2580 processor.
The platform’s dual-core processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology provides double the compute performance and up to 3x graphics capabilities over the previous generation Intel Atom Z2460 processor while delivering the same competitive battery life.
The partnership with ZTE, the No. 4 mobile handset manufacturer in the world, is significant for Intel which is trying to gain market share in the mobile processor market.
Recently, IHS said top vendors in core IC market include Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, Intel, Skyworks, Texas Instruments, ST-Ericsson, Renesas, Spreadtrum and Broadcom.
“As smartphones and the next-generation wireless standard known as 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) have gained popularity, the corresponding influences from both forces have created paradigm shifts that transformed competition in the mobile handset core IC market,” said Brad Shaffer, analyst for consumer & communications at IHS.
“The arrival of Apple Inc.’s iPhone five years ago changed the game and paved the way for the current market rankings. This change is dramatically illustrated by looking at the major differences in the cellphone core IC rankings from 2007 to 2012. The companies that benefited from the shift in market orientation rose to domination while others that were caught between changing market environments were left in limbo,” Shaffer added.
ZTE’s strategic collaboration with Intel is an important part of the Chinese ICT solutions provider’s strategy for product development, both in terms of time-to-market and in providing customers’ with a great handset experience.
Recently, ZTE and Intel launched ZTE Grand X IN, ZTE’s first smartphone with Intel Inside.
The ZTE Grand X IN was one of the best-selling smartphones in Austria during 2012. The Android-based device is also available in Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovakia, Moldova, Greece, Sweden and Norway. It will also soon be available in France.
“Our work with ZTE has been instrumental as we work to expand our portfolio of mobile products and bring to market exciting new designs with Intel Inside,” said Hendrik Unkel, director for Marketing and Business Development at Intel.
