ZTE plans to make Windows Phone devices again in 2014

We can expect ZTE to continue making Windows Phone devices again in 2014. He Shiyou, executive vice-president and head of the handset business of Shenzhen-based ZTE, tells the Financial Times the company would again begin producing phones using Microsoft’s Windows platform after the acquisition of Nokia is completed.

He Shiyou says:

Initially we were hesitant [but] after clarification from Microsoft about industry support we are willing to commit to Windows platform again.

ZTE only made two devices running Windows Phone. There’s the ZTE Tania, and the ZTE Render (also known as Orbit) that were picked up by US Cellular. The two handsets both target the low-end market.

The ZTE Tania features a 4.3-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, and 4GB of storage. The ZTE Render features a 4-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, and 4GB of storage.

We were expecting a new device from ZTE earlier this year, but it did not materialize. It looks like we’ll be hearing more from them next year. The Chinese handset maker is also working on brand awareness to western phone buyers through improved distribution as well as sponsorships and advertising.

If ZTE is planning to release new low-cost Windows Phone devices, they need to take a close look at the Nokia Lumia 520. Nokia’s most affordable Windows Phone is selling like hotcakes globally in emerging markets. The Lumia 520 features a 4-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and 8GB of storage. It also runs Windows Phone 8. The Lumia 520 can be bought for about $80-100 without any contract.

ZTE also needs to be wary of the Nokia Lumia 520’s successor, the Lumia 525. The device is rumored to have 4-inch IPS LCD WVGA (800x480) display, 5-megapixel camera, dual-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage with microSD support.

If ZTE is going to be a company to watch in the Windows Phone space, we’ll make sure to keep our eyes wide open. Have you purchased any ZTE devices? Let us know your feelings about them in the comments!

Source: Financial Times