The ZTE Grand S Wins the 2013 iF Design Award

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices, today announced that the ZTE Grand S – 5.0 FHD LTE was honored with the 2013 iF International Design Award. Representing a breakthrough in traditional design concept, the ZTE Grand S was favored by 49 top international designers and stood out amongst 4,325 entries from 51 countries. The well-respected design award highlights the caliber of industrial design and high precision technology behind the ZTE Grand S and proves that the brand has reached a distinguished international stature. The device was officially launched at CES 2013 in Las Vegas yesterday.

“The inspiration for the Grand S is truly a fusion of modern technology and human needs”

Design philosophy: Friendly, innovative, pure & thoughtful.

The ZTE Grand S has been described as “pure” and “simple” with its white porcelain-finish 5-inch screen and the appearance of black water drops on the upper part of its curved back. “The inspiration for the Grand S is truly a fusion of modern technology and human needs”, said Mr. Hagen Fendler, Global Chief Design Director, ZTE. “The device not only provides customers with the latest in technological advancements, but is able to capture true user demands.”

Inside-out: the beautiful integration

The ZTE Grand S not only boasts style, but it breaks records with the world’s thinnest touch screen – 0.55mm, 3.14mm narrow rims and 6.9mm super slim body. The protruding area on the back accommodates both the camera and most of the other key components within the phone, while providing a visual focus from the back side that will be continued in future ZTE products as part of the design identity.

The “Inside Out” concept creates the ideal combination of aesthetics and functionality in the ZTE Grand S. As a consequence, the ZTE Grand S uni-body design enables this ultimately beautiful integration.

An international design team with an international vision

Good products cannot be made without talent and vision. In an effort to create more flagship products like the Grand S, ZTE has invited Mr. Hagen Fendler and other first-class international designers to join ZTE. The company promotes international vision and encourages innovation and passion in its team, a strategy that surely contributed to the ZTE Grand S being awarded with this prestigious design award.

Due to increased global competition, brands have had to catch up to international hardware advancements, which often cause design to come second for many cell phones. However, with the iF International Design Award win for the ZTE Grand S, it is clear that national brands are posing a fierce competition with international brands in cell phone design.

ZTE boasts a history of over 15 years in cell phone design and has won more than 20 international design awards to-date. With a strong design team of nearly 400 members, ZTE has established a marketable and user-oriented design process. It has four design centers in mainland China and one workshop in Germany, with plans to set up design centers in the United States and Europe in 2013 in an effort to build an international design team to accelerate the internationalization of its designs.

About iF International Design Award

With a 60-year history, the iF International Design Award is recognized as one of the most important design contests and is considered the “Design Oscar.” Along with the German Red Dot Award and US IDEA Award, it is regarded as one of the three best design awards. The contest attracts entries from many countries every year and is known for its strict judgment. The jury is composed of top international designers, who lay emphasis on product design and innovation, practicality, security, and environmental friendliness. The contest has set clear standards on user experience-related security and durability. Previous award winners have included international brands such as BMW, Audi and Apple.

About ZTE

ZTE is a publicly listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to more than 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21 percent increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.