Chinese companies are gaining a larger share in the global tablet computer market following their successful encroachment of the smartphone market.
Backed by low- and mid-priced product lineups, the Chinese companies are gradually increasing their presence in the global tablet PC market which has been dominated by Apple and Samsung Electronics.
According to U.S. market strategy firm Strategy Analytics on May 18, white-box products accounted for the largest share of 28.4 percent or 14.7 million units in the global tablet PC market in the first quarter of this year.
White-box products refer to ones which are packaged in a white box without brands after customized assembly. These products are produced and sold mainly by Chinese companies on a turnkey basis.
The combined market share of Apple and Samsung fell to 41.3 percent in the first quarter of this year, down more than 10 percentage points from 51.5 percent a year ago. Apple sold 12.6 million tablet PCs in the first quarter, down 23 percent year on year, while Samsung suffered a 31-percent decline to 8.8 million units.
By Chun Go-eun
