Meizu

Introduction

Meizu is a Chinese consumer electronics brand working in the competitive smartphone market. It is famous for offering
affordability with performance. The company has grown from an MP3 player manufacturer to a notable smartphone
manufacturer and Flyme OS, a modified Android operating system. Meizu retains a loyal user base, particularly in China,
despite fierce competition.

History & Milestones

Jack Wong founded Meizu in 2003. Meizu initially gained fame for its MP3 players. It
shifted focus to smartphones by 2008 and launched the Meizu M8, one of China’s first touchscreen phones. Meizu sold
20 million smartphones in 2015 and became the world’s 11th-largest vendor. In 2022, Geely (Volvo’s parent company)
acquired a majority stake, signaling a push toward smart devices and automotive tech.

Products & Services

Meizu offers a wide range of products. Here is a tabular view:

Business Model & Strategy

Meizu operates on a hybrid model:  

• Hardware Sales: Mid-range smartphones with premium
  designs.
• Ecosystem Expansion: Smartwatches, earbuds, and IoT
  devices.
• Software Monetization:
  Flyme OS integrates ads and paid themes.
  

Market Presence & Financials

Meizu collected revenue of $750M in
2024. It gained this revenue by attaining strong global reach in China, Russia, and Southeast Asia. But
it has a limited presence in the West. In 2024, Geely’s backing could revive growth, especially in smart
vehicles. 

 Leadership & Culture

1. Jack Wong (Founder): Focuses on innovation.
2. Aber Bai (CEO): Drives software-hardware
   integration.
3. 
   Flyme OS team: Prioritizes user experience over
   bloatware.
   

Controversies & Challenges

1. Patent Disputes: Meizu clashed with Qualcomm for
   royalties.
2. Declining Market Share: Outpaced by Xiaomi and
   Oppo in budget segments.
3. Software Criticism: Flyme OS has been accused of
   aggressive ad placements. 

Future Outlook

Meizu’s next moves include:  

• 5G Expansion: More affordable 5G phones for
  emerging markets.
• AI & Automotive Tech: Deploying Geely’s
  resources for smart car integrations.
• Global Push: Targeting India and Europe with
  competitively priced devices.