Introduction to Tetraphobia
Tetraphobia, the aversion to the number 4, has deep roots in Chinese culture. The superstition arises from the phonetic similarity between the Mandarin word for four and the word for death. This cultural belief significantly impacts various industries, especially mobile technology.
The Journey from Find N3 to Find N5
Take, for example, the well-known smartphone brand Oppo. They made headlines by skipping the Find N3 and then introducing the Find N5. Similarly, the OnePlus series didn’t see the OnePlus 4, as the series transitioned directly from OnePlus 3 to OnePlus 5. Such patterns are not unusual in the competitive smartphone market within China.
Honor Magic V4: A Change in Naming
Recent rumors suggest a similar fate for the Honor Magic V4, which is expected to be renamed to Honor Magic V5. This decision aligns with the cultural practice of avoiding the number four in product names. Given the strong association with bad luck, manufacturers commonly skip the number 4 to cater to consumer beliefs and preferences.
Ultimately, understanding these cultural nuances offers valuable insights into marketing strategies in the mobile tech industry. As brands aim to resonate with their audiences, they often align their product naming with cultural sentiments, ensuring their acceptance and success in markets like China.
