Significant differences in performance between the TD-SCDMA handsets of different brands are being reported in Guangzhou.

One user of a New Postcom device complained of a poor signal and a failure to connect calls. Video calls suffered from blocky images, and almost completely drained the battery after only ten minutes.

Users generally felt that Lenovo offered best value for money in handsets around the RMB 1,800 mark, and that this price is similar to that for equivalent 2G phones.

However one user of a ZTE (0763.HK; 000063.SZ) phone did not report these problems, and found call quality to be good.

Some consumers commented that they had become used to using Nokia, Motorola and Sony-Ericsson phones - but these brands do not yet have 3G phones on the market in China.

When asked, Sony-Ericsson China's marketing directory, Zheng Shuren, said that the release of TD-SCDMA phones would depend on how current commercial trials go. Motorola made no comment on when it would start supplying customized TD-SCDMA phones, while Nokia said it is planning TD-SCDMA handsets but has no actual timetable.