China Mobile has expanded its 4G handset range to 13 devices, from four when it launched the service three weeks ago. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 is available for CNY 5,399 (USD 892) before subsidy at China Mobile's store at the carrier's Beijing headquarters, in addition to the Note 2 that went on sale earlier this month. The Note 3, the most costly device offered on the 4G network, is available free with China Mobile’s most expensive monthly service plan of CNY 488, Bloomberg reports.
Other vendors offering 4G phones at China Mobile include Sony, Huawei and Coolpad. While Apple and China Mobile announced a distribution agreement for the iPhone last week, the devices won’t be available in the carrier’s stores until 17 January. Coolpad is offering the widest range of devices for the 4G network, with three handsets. It also features the least costly smartphone, priced at CNY 1,250 before subsidy. It’s available free with monthly service plans as low as CNY 88.
Samsung, Sony and Huawei all now offer two handsets for China Mobile’s 4G service. Sony added the Xperia Z1 handset for CNY 4,799 to the carrier’s lineup. It’s also available free with the 488-yuan-a-month service plan.
