English for Professional Development and Communication in Business
English for Professional Development and Communication in Business
INTRODUCTION
Mobile phones have been playing essential roles in people’s lives. Many individuals, especially the working population, may not be able to achieve their personal and economic roles without using mobile phones. Thus, many of the mobile phone customers are particularly looking into a brand that will suite their mobile phone needs. The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive evaluation about the different characteristics of the three major mobile phone brands in Oman, hence, around the world. Samsung, Apple, and HTC have been doing a competitive business in the mobile phone industry, which made their brand names to be in a competitive position due to their good market penetration. In addition, this paper also aims to provide a written report, which is entitled “A Comparative Study of Big Mobile Brands: Apple, Samsung, HTC”, as requested and appointed by Dr. Sultan Mubarak Al-Harthy, the Director Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Sultanate of Oman. Based on the reviewed mobile phone brands, it shows that every phone model has its own advantages. Although one can be better than the other, the general public’s decision in purchasing a mobile phone may still depend on how they intend to use the device. The recommendation for any potential issue is through customers’ proper evaluation of each mobile brand’s specifications. In that case, they will be able to make better decisions in terms of how specific brand can provide their mobile phone needs. The only limitation that was encountered in the development of this report is the customers’ mobile phone needs and wants. Apple, HTC, and Samsung are all striving for best possible phone model, but still, everything depends on the public’s decision as to whether one can better than the other.
DISCUSSION
As previously mentioned, the goal of this report is to provide various analyses about the competitive characteristics of three of the major mobile brand in Oman. The sultanate aims to provide extensive information that will let the mobile users and customers to compare and contrasts the features of these mobile brands. This will also lead to a better decision-making in relation to how they how the customers will choose, why the specific mobile model or brand may be chosen, and what characteristics do people look for in a mobile phone. The customers’ choice depends on the characteristics of each mobile phone brand, thus, may also depend on their needs. The following sub-categories entail the comparison between these brands that will enable the increase in public awareness when it comes to dynamic nature of the mobile industry market.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is one of the most important factors that every business is taking care of. This factor is a measurement that businesses use in order to identify the product’s specific weaknesses and opportunities towards further improvement. When it comes to Apple’s products, the iPhone 6S is one of their latest products that has emerged the market few months ago. The reviews about this product serve as the level of the customers’ satisfaction, especially for those who have purchased the product. The TRA can use several product reviews about the iPhone 6S for the purpose of providing additional information to the general public. Based on the 2015 report, the Aplle was just second to Samsung phone, an Android-powered mobile phone of the company, in terms of customer satisfaction (Sherman, 2015). Although the popularity of Apple clearly showed that it was able to attract more customers during this year, the issue of how the company was able to satisfy their customers’ needs is a different concern. On the other hand, Samsung, which garnered more satisfactory feedbacks from their customers, was labeled as the most satisfying smartphone that is currently being sold in the market (Mihai, 2015). This is due to Samsung’s versatility in terms of its usage and many other aspects. On the other hand, popularity may have affected the satisfaction rate of HTC products. This is the reason that HTC ranked third in comparing these three mobile phone brands in terms of satisfaction (American Customer Satisfaction Index, n.d.)
There are similarities and differences when it comes to style and the looks of these brands. Apple may have been I little bit different due to its screen appearance. This brand shows its own iOS flagship, which differs from its two competitors. On the other hand, both Samsung and HTC have a similar screen appearance due to its Android OS that made their functionalities similar to each other. However, both Samsung and HTC’s screen can be modified using third-party applications that can be downloaded directly onto the phone.
Weight
In comparing and contrasting these mobile phone brands, this report used three different phone models, one from each brand, which are the iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and HTC One A9. The iPhone 6 Plus weighs 6.07 ounces or 172 grams, the Galaxy Note 4 weighs 6.2 ounces or 176 grams, and the HTC weighs only 5.04 ounces or 143 grams (Dolcourt, 2015). Of all the three brands, HTC offers the lightest mobile phones. This information will help in deciding whether or not the buyer may opt to use a phone that is a little bit lighter.
Versions
Apple’s latest version is the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. There were many differences that these versions have compared to its older versions (apple.com). On the other hand, HTC One A9 is the latest version of HTC, with upcoming new model, which is the HTC Desire 825. Samsung is ready to launch its latest version, which is the Samsung Galaxy S7.
Camera
The camera resolution of these three brands is fairly competitive. Apple’s iPhone 6S has 12 megapixels camera, while HTC has 13 megapixel resolution (htc.com). On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 holds the highest resolution among the three with 16 megapixels (samsung.com).
Apps
The applications that can be downloaded on each phone depend on the software of each brand and model. While the Apple apps can only be downloaded through AppStore, both HTC and Samsung, which are powered by Android technology, can download their apps through Google’s PlayStore. The ease of downloading mobile phone applications across all three brands is equal. The only difference is the manner of downloading and point of download.
Battery Life
Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus has a talk time of up to 24 hours, with internet use of up to 12 hours. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has almost similar performance with Apple, but its battery pack is powered by 3220mAh for fast charging (samsung.com). On the other hand, HTC One A9 performs fairly well when it comes to battery life as its talk time can reach up to 16 hours and 9 hours of internet activity.
Software
Software differs from each of these brands. Apple’s latest software version is already iOS 9, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. On the other hand, HTC One A9 is running on the latest Android version, which is Android 6.0.
Processors
Processors or CPU plays essential roles in each these models. For HTC One A9, it runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, with a 64-bit Octa-core CPU (htc.com). The Galaxy Note 4 also has an Octa-Core processor, while the iPhone 6 Plus runs on Apple’s 64-bit A9 chip (apple.com). These processors are all fairly good in terms of the mobile phone’s fast performance.
Memory / Storage
Memory and storage is another important feature of every mobile phone brand. This normally provides the limitations in terms of how much photos, songs, and applications can be downloaded and stored in each device. The iPhone 6 Plus’ memory capacity varies. It comes with 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB of memory. On the other hand, the Galaxy Note 4 is capable of expanding the phone’s memory of up to 128GB with the help of micro SD. HTC One A9 has an internal storage of 16GB, but can be expanded for up to 2TB. Therefore, in comparing these brands, iPhone is capable of storing multiple files using its internal memory, but the HTC brand is better in terms of expandable memory storage.
Ease of Use
Many customers consider the ease of use when it comes to choosing their phone brands. This factor enables them to measure their experience with any specific device depending on how they normally use their mobile phones. A person who uses an Apple product may find hard to use an Android-powered mobile phone, such as HTC and Samsung phones. However, a first-time mobile phone user may find similar experience in relation to knowing how every phone model works. The difference is how they will learn every product’s use. That is because; Android and iOS phones have different layouts and apps icon, but to provide a conclusive view of these brands. All of the three brands are easy to use.
CONCLUSIONS
Apple, HTC, and Samsung are major mobile phone brands that dominate the mobile phone industry for many years now.
Despite the existence of various competitors, these three mobile phone companies continue to develop their products that increase the competition among different mobile phone companies.
Different features and specifications make one better than the other, but the general public’s needs and wants serve as additional measurement of each brand’s performance.
Specifications, features, and characteristics of each product suggest that technology is a constant innovation that supports the public’s demand.
Customer satisfaction is the most important goal that these HTC, Samsung, Apple strive for. This affects not only their popularity, but also the profitability of their products.
The style and the weight of every phone is just a minor aspect of every mobile phone model, but they still affect the customers’ decision-making in purchasing the products.
The camera, apps, memory, and battery life are three key features that every brand develops. These are the usual features that most of the mobile phone users consider in a product.
The ease of use also helps in making decisions, thus, must be considered in order to have a good experience in terms of using the mobile phone’s features.
Key features and characteristics are combines factors that greatly influence the product purchase
RECOMMENDATIONS
The constant development of each brand’s technological advancement benefits the public, as there will be more options to choose from in terms of their usability.
This written report recommends that prior to the actual purchase of the product, one must consider various aspects to make sure that the public purchase the product that suites their needs and not just their wants.
The style and look of every mobile phone model must be according to the user’s needs. For example, a thinner model is what a person needs that normally puts his or her phone inside the pocket. The thin feature will prevent any feeling of irritation once the phone is put inside the pocket.
With people’s active lifestyle, it is important to choose a mobile phone that will best provide their mobile phone needs in terms of photo shooting and listening to the music. One should purchase a mobile phone that has a longer battery life if such activities are involve in the normal use of the phone.
Lastly, this report recommends that before purchasing the product, make sure that the ease of use meets the user’s mobile phone familiarity, such as, but not limited to SMS Texting, Multimedia Messaging, E-mail, and making and receiving phone calls. These are the usual usages of a mobile phone regardless of its manufacturer. Therefore, it is better ask the seller, if available, as to whether one may experience hard time using the mobile phone.
References
Apple. (2016). iPhone 6s - Technical Specifications - Apple. [online] Available at: http://www.apple.com/iphone-6s/specs/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
Dolcourt, J. (2015). Stylus-slinging Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has all you want in a 'phablet' and more (review). [online] CNET. Available at: http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-note-4/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
HTC. (2016). HTC One A9 Specs and Reviews | HTC Singapore. [online] Available at: http://www.htc.com/sea/smartphones/htc-one-a9/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
Mihai, A. (2015). iPhone 6 and 6 Plus rank below the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in US customer satisfaction survey. [online] Phone Arena. Available at: http://www.phonearena.com/news/iPhone-6-and-6-Plus-rank-below-the-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-in-US-customer-satisfaction-survey_id70005 [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
Samsung.com. (2016). Samsung GALAXY Note4. [online] Available at: http://www.samsung.com/th/galaxynote4/note4_specs.html [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
Sherman, E. (2015). Samsung tops Apple in customer satisfaction. [online] Cbsnews.com. Available at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samsung-tops-apple-in-customer-satisfaction/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
Theacsi.org. (n.d.). The American Customer Satisfaction Index Smartphone Brand Satisfaction Benchmarks. [online] Available at: https://www.theacsi.org/customer-satisfaction-benchmarks/benchmarks-by-brand/benchmarks-for-smartphones [Accessed 15 Mar. 2016].
