HTC and Samsung Electronics have both launched new 4G smartphones with high hardware specifications at low prices in the Taiwan market in order to cope with increasing competition from China-based vendors, according to sources from local retain channels.

HTC's new model, the Desire 626 dual-SIM, features a 5-inch display, 8-core processor, 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, priced at NT$5,990 (US$183) unlocked.

Meanwhile, Samsung is rolling out the Galaxy J5, which comes with a 5-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, also priced at NT$5,990.

It appears that both HTC and Samsung are applying to the same strategy to strengthen their presence in the NT$5,000-10,000 segment in order to maintain market share, said the sources.