Our surveys show that Apple’s popularity among Chinese smartphone buyers has rebounded since mid-2013, while heightened consumer expectations for a larger-screen iPhone 6 should boost future sales.

The domestic smartphone maker’s growing range of low-cost 4G handsets and its strategic partnership with online retailer JD.com should continue to drive further strong growth despite mounting competition.

Lenovo continues to record strong sales in China, but is struggling to make much headway in the premium market, while sluggish development of 4G handsets and its weak online marketing presence raise concerns over its future performance.

The South Korean giant faces increasing pressure, with our survey data showing declining popularity as competition ramps up in both the premium and lower-end markets.

Our consumer and retailer surveys suggest that smartphone manufacturers at both ends of the market will find it harder to outperform amid slowing sales and intensifying competition.

DANWEI – Although we would question its out-of-home advertising business model in the age of smart phones, Focus Media may soon list in Hong Kong. Also this week: 100.com is trying to challenge New Oriental in online education, and more. In the Mai-Mai Index we look at the battle between China’s two leading taxi-hailing apps on social media.

DANWEI – The Chinese education services company Tarena is set for a Nasdaq IPO. This week we consider online complaints about the company that suggest important lines of enquiry for potential investors. Also this week, new players are set to threaten the big three Chinese telecom operators, and in the Mai-Mai Index we look at Chinese sportswear brands on Weibo.

DANWEI – In this edition of the Danwei Bulletin we launch a new section that will track China’s low-entry Internet investment products. We also look at Tencent’s WeChat: some Chinese media commentary suggests its popularity has peaked. Lastly this week: dodgy dealings in online dating and real estate classifieds.