Analysts say low cost of devices playing 'very important' role in lifting demand

Nearly seven out of 10 mobile phone owners in China were using smartphones in 2012, surpassing developed economies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, a Nielson report said on Tuesday.

The smartphone penetration rate in China reached 66 percent while the proportion in the US was 65 percent, said Nielson after the company conducted research in more than 20 Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.