Why brands give their smartphone complicated names?

The naming convention for most of the handsets often takes a confusing route, courtesy the marketing department

If you are in the market for a new smartphone, you will notice that there’s saturation in the portfolio of all manufacturers. You get a wide variety of silicon chipsets in a particular price range. However, that variety of smartphones is often complicated by the most important thing – names for models.

Take any smartphone brand and go through the catalogue of their line-up. Despite their identical looks, colours, features and price tag in particular range, the only differentiating factor is probably the brand name engraved on the back and the model number. But, the naming convention for most of the handsets often takes a confusing route – courtesy the marketing department of the manufacturers. For example, Asus calls their latest selfie-oriented smartphone the Zenfone Live, which doesn’t justify its USP. As another example, the only way you differentiate between Xiaomi’s affordable Redmi series is by going through its specification sheet – Redmi Note for a 5.5-inch screen and Redmi only for screens with 5-inches.

In a market where a manufacturer has many similar models and highly confusing model portfolio, it is the consumer who suffers. The simple experience of smartphone buying, which could be a joyous one, becomes a task to basically understand what a specific model offers differently than the competition with just the model number at his disposal. Instead of simplifying the process, manufacturers tend to complicate the issue further. Samsung’s promise of sorting its line-up goes for a toss with four variants of the Samsung J7 and 10 similarly named J-series smartphones in the sub`10,000 category. Then again, Moto is about to add a G5S Plus edition to its mid-range series.

Why can’t all manufacturers follow Apple’s naming convention? They have a simple and elegant line-up for this year - the iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. It’s simple, sweet and easily distinguishable. Similarly, the new Nokia under HMD Global has three smartphones as of now Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6. You look at the names and you can distinguish between the entry-level model and the range topper.

To make is easier on the consumer, we have tried to explain some of the popular brand’s confusing line-up in a simple way. Each brand and its line-up series has been shortened so that you can choose your pick quickly.

Samsung J-Series – The entry to mid-range, value for money smartphones with average specs.

A-Series – The midrange series with premium glass-metal build quality.

C-Series – The midrange series with a focus on performance and specs.

S-Series – The flagship line-up with every possible feature thrown into their phone.

HTC Desire-Series – The midrange line-up with average specifications, camera and build. U/10/One-Series– Flagship line-up with the best hardware crammed inside.

Xiaomi Redmi Series – The budget/entry-level lineup with premium build, respectable performance.

Redmi Note-Series – Mid-range line-up with large screens, big battery, premium build and commendable performance.

Mi-Series – Flagship or high-end models promising exceptional build, topnotch performance and all the bells and whistles.

Moto E-Series – The no-frills entry-level smartphone

G-Series – The midrange line-up with medium specs and a decent camera.

M-Series – The mid-range line-up with a metal build.

Z Play series – The high, mid-range-level with great build, good performance and Moto Mods compatibility.

Z-Series – Flagship range with the best of Moto’s smartphone making knowledge and Moto Mods compatibility.

A lookup online and you will find similar help on other smartphone brands to make your life less complicated when hunting for a smartphone for your needs.