Project #4

Nokia vs. Samsung

There are many companies that are capitalizing on the ever growing need of people to keep in touch wherever they are. There are many methods for people to do this. People can use email, snail mail, online chat, blogging and more. However, the most popular and the most convenient way to keep in touch is through the use of mobile phones. These days it is rare to meet someone that does not own at least one mobile phone. The mobile phone in the past few years has become a necessity. A company that has been active for a long time in fulfilling this need is Nokia. However, Nokia’s reign has been constantly challenged and now some might say that Samsung has been making rapid progress in their mobile phone program.

It would be unfair to compare these two companies if the comparison started from when they started. Samsung has only come into the scene in the past few years but to its’ credit they have come out strong. The Philippines will be a good place to obtain a good snap shot of the popularity of each brand and see indeed how people react to their products. Filipino people display a more than average obsession with mobile phones. It is common for Filipinos to change their mobile phone as soon as a new model comes out.

Knowing that the Philippines are quite ahead when it comes to mobile phones I went to the places where you can purchase a mobile phone for a good bargain. I asked the vendors there what brands are most popular currently. They said that although Nokia is still the favorite of most customers, Samsung has created quite a buzz as well.

The most important feature for a mobile phone is the design. I say this because upon looking at the features of the phones offered by both companies there were not many differences, given the same price range. What really makes a phone stand out from the other is the design. Consumers may buy a Samsung phone over a Nokia because the Samsung phone looks sleeker than the Nokia or vice versa.

Price is also a major factor for consumers. Samsung and Nokia have relatively the same pricing scheme. It is pretty much you get what you pay for. If you want more features in the phone then you will have to pay extra for it. However, since Samsung is trying to successfully compete with Nokia, Samsung has enticed buyers with freebies. This slightly gives an edge to Samsung.

Another strategy that both companies use that might not be as obvious in the stores is advertising. Even though Nokia is an established brand they keep advertising their phones strongly. It is common to see a Nokia commercial on TV or even in movie houses. Samsung does advertise their phones but not as aggressive as Nokia because Samsung commercials are seen as often.

Overall, I would give the advantage to Samsung. Samsung is a new player in the mobile phone market. They are faced with very strong competitors and established brands such as Nokia. However, despite all this they have come out strong and proved that their mobile phones can indeed compete with the best of them. They also push mobile phone design. This sheer determination of Samsung to succeed in this market pushes it ahead even though Nokia has maintained their position in the market in a believable manner.

References:

http://www.nokia.com.ph/www.nokia.com

http://www.samsung.com/ph/products/gsm/index.asp

Mobile phone vendors