Retina Display Competitors Are Essential

By Don Reisinger  |  Posted 2012-09-20 Email Print this article Print

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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