China Mobile has launched two self-branded smartphones
today, with one that is retailing at a mere RMB499 ($81), becoming the
first-ever Chinese operator to manufacture phones as it seeks to increase its
diversity and make up for not offering the iPhone on its network.
The world’s largest operator announced the launch of its
phones on its official Sina Weibo page. The phone that is priced at RMB499 is a
4-inch smartphone called M601, which is powered by a MARVELL dual-core A9 1.2G
high-speed processor and features a 3-megapixel rear camera.