Two of China's formidable smartphone contenders, ZTE and Xiaomi, have set their sights on the large Indonesian market as part of their international growth ambitions.
ZTE yesterday announced the launch of three of its smartphone models in the nation, the ZTE Nubia Z5S Mini, Blade L2 and KIS 3.
All three of the recently-launched handsets use Android. The full specifications are listed here.
ZTE president of mobile devices Jacky Zhang commented that Indonesia is an attractive market for the company. “Asia Pacific is a primary target market for ZTE, and Indonesia is one of the biggest potential markets in the region,” he said.
“ZTE had focused on B-to-B business in the past. But now, we are ready to establish our brand in the retail market, and we are confident that our products will appeal to users in Indonesia.”
Xiaomi meanwhile plans to add Indonesia to its growing list of international markets, following its debuts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia this year.
Xiaomi Global vice president Hugo Barra told Indonesian media that the company's devices are already undergoing certification in the nation, and that this process should be finished in a few months, Tech In Asiareported.
The company is likely to launch its first smartphones in the market in August. The devices will be localized for the Indonesian language, and will at first be exclusively sold online through participating distributors.
According to Barra, the company is considering also launching in Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and India this year, and could enter North America in 2015.