This case explains the technological changes in mobile communications, with a special focus on the fifth generation (5G). It describes the evolution from the first generation (1G) to the 5G; core technologies, distinct capabilities, key products, and major players in the 5G era. It can be used to illustrate how each generation of technological change offers opportunities for different types of firms and how they respond. It can also be used to discuss the technological, market, and institutional uncertainties associated with emerging technologies, as well as how firms and entrepreneurs can mitigate such uncertainties and exploit emerging opportunities. The case can also be used to debate first-mover vs. late-mover advantages in the 5G era.

The case focuses on China's 'furious five' smartphone makers - Huawei, Xiaomi, Lenovo, and OPPO/Vivo, charting the history of the industry and the changing dynamics of the global market. It explains the emerging market context in which these companies operate, its distinctive features, opportunities and challenges, and the various ways they have triumphed over established global brands. The case provides a detailed introduction to the respective Chinese smartphone makers and their products. It discusses their current strategies and how they were influenced at the formative stage by the background and experience of the respective founders. It examines their development trajectories to shed light on their global strategies in the future. Given its dynamic growth and intense competition, China's smartphone market offers an ideal setting to analyse the competitive heterogeneity of firms in an emerging market context.

The case sets China's Huawei Technologies in the context of the evolving global smartphone industry, notably its positioning and the links between its competitive strategy and its corporate (global) strategy. It describes the origin, growth and structure of the smartphone industry, evolving industry trends and dynamics, and profiles the major players including Apple and Samsung (originally hardware manufacturers), Google and Microsoft (originally software developers), and new entrants such as HTC and Xiaomi. It focuses on the factors behind Huawei's stunning success-from a traditional telecom equipment provider to the third largest smartphone maker in the world (after Samsung and Apple), while pointing to the challenges that lie ahead. The unique characteristics of smartphones- multi-functionality, high degree of technology integration, and fast-moving ecosystems-make them an ideal choice for analysis of industry change. The tale of Huawei-a Chinese telecom giant-entering and succeeding in the highly competitive global smartphone industry allows for discussion of the competitive strategy and organizational transformation of an emerging economy multinational enterprise.