Benefiting from an explosive growth in demand for smartphones in China since 2012, Huawei Device, ZTE and Lenovo have managed to outperform rivals in terms of shipment volumes in the local market; they are now eager to expand their overseas sales by showcasing their latest mobile devices at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013, according to Digitimes Research.

At MWC 2013, Huawei highlighted its high-end model, the Ascend P2, which supports LTD Cat4 technology and is equipped with a 4.7-inch display compared to models with 5-inch or larger displays exhibited at CES. Huawei shipped slightly over 30 million smartphones or 50% of the 60 million units set for 2012 and is expected to ship over 40 million units in 2013.

ZTE showcased the first Firefox OS-based smartphone, the ZTE Open, at MWC, in addition to a flagship Android-based model, the Grand Memo, which boasts a 5.7-inch display. ZTE's smartphone shipments in 2012 reached almost 30 million units as targeted. The vendor is likely to ramp up its shipments to 37 million units in 2013, Digitimes Research estimated.

Despite slower than expected sales of its Intel-based K800, Lenovo has continued to move forward with Intel and unveiled its Aton Z2580-based K900 at MWC 2013. Having seen its smartphone shipments expand by 10-fold to 25 million units in 2012, Lenovo aims to ship 35 million units in 2013.