[Summary] Finding the OEM for so-called "local" brands (PCs, Monitors, TVs and More)

[jasonwsc]

Purpose of this thread is to provide information on the OEMs for products sold here in SG and make it easier for everyone to find actual reviews for them.

Recently wanted to buy a nice monitor arm, and thought all the designs on Prism+ site look very familiar to the ones on Taobao for obvious reasons. Also a bit too free these few days.

First some background on what is OEM. From Wikipedia:

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is generally perceived as a company that produces non-aftermarket[1]parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. It is a common industry term recognized and used by many professional organizations such as SAE International,[2] ISO,[3] and others.

Aka some factory in China makes the product, and then companies slap their brand on it and sell.

So how do you spot these kind of brands?

First they have a lot of presence on social media, with multiple influencers proclaiming their love for any new products (aka shilling). In some cases they might sponsor larger review channels, but generally those types of products are better and might actually be worth a look.

Note: Overviews are not the same as reviews, the former is a quick look type of video with mostly subjective opinions and are usually sponsored, reviews should be backed by data and the manufacturer should not have any input even if they are sponsored.

Eg. PRISM+ Flow vs. Symphony on YouTube. Symphony is the one being unboxed and given a quick overview by the larger channels, while the Flow is the one getting "shilled".

Actual reviews with data are basically non-existent, since all the local tech channels have already been sponsored so you will have to buy them to test them yourself.

Again, no hate to the reviewers, as long as they make the sponsorship clear and it helps them pay the bills. The products themselves are probably fine.

These companies will also have their own website where the negative reviews are non-existent.

Of course the other obvious point is that reviewers overseas will often showcase a product from another brand that looks exactly the same.

First post is mostly about PC hardware, second will TVs/soundbars, then last post is mostly furniture and other household electronics + accessories.

Custom PCs

Cases: Won't be talking much about custom built PC cases since all brands are mass market models. The usual NZXT H5/510 series, Corsair 5000D airflow, Lian Li O11D, Sama ITX cases branded as Tecware etc.

AIO: Most AIOs from Corsair, NZXT etc. use Asetek. Some other companies might use Coolit.

SSDs: Most SSDs are rebrands. There are only a few major memory controller manufacturers (Phison, Silicon Motion, Samsung, Innogrit, Realtek, Marvel etc.), and a few NAND manufacturers (Samsung, Micron, Hynix, Kioxia(Toshiba), YMTC). If the SSD you are buying is not from one of the above companies, then it is probably a rebrand.

PSUs: Major OEMs are Seasonic, Superflower, FSP, CWT and HEC. But just because 2 PSUs have the same platform from the same OEM doesn't mean they have the same quality. Please read reviews before buying anything. Gigabyte had a bunch of 80+ Gold rated PSUs blow up, those were made by MEIC, a newer PSU company.

Eg. EVGA G+ uses the same FSP platform as Be Quiet Pure Power 10, but the EVGA model is fully modular and uses all Japanese capacitors, so chances are it will last longer.

Laptops

Vast majority of custom laptops are rebranded Clevo or Tongfang chassis. So basically you can find a review for say Eluktronics or Schenker XMG Core 15/Apex 15R and they will be exactly how the Aftershock will perform.

You will know it when you see it. The chassis and specs are basically identical.

 

[jasonwsc]

Monitors

Prism+

Generally rebranded Korean/Chinese monitors, like Microboard, Wasabi Mango etc. Plenty of them on Qoo10 and Taobao.

Honestly just buy a branded one from AOC/Acer/Dell. They cost more or less the same anyway.

Most brands use the same panels, but branded ones often tune them better, with better settings for overdrive, calibrated for colour accuracy etc. Not to mention more reliable warranty.

You are more likely to get a replacement for dead/bright pixels for a brand new monitor from Dell/Acer then Aftershock.

Anyways more info regarding monitors in this thread, started by me (again). Not getting updated anymore.

TV and Soundbar

Prism+

Every single one is a rebranded Skyworth or Hisense product.

Prism+ TV = Skyworth rebrands (credit: amazingone)

Spoiler

Prism+ Q/QE/AL series are not OEM by Skyworth? Always have the impression that it's made by Skyworth, from their remotes being similar to Skyworth to their store display having clues of Skyworth elements.

( Review photo found on Prism+ QE43 2022, Chameleon Extreme 2.0 is a Skyworth spec)

Prism+ Flow soundbar = Hisense HS218
Prism+ Symphony = Hisense HS512

Smartphones

I think this Reddit post explains things pretty well.

TLDR: If you are not buying a flagship model, chances are you are buying an ODM design. Nothing wrong with that, since software is still an important part of the experience. But this also explains why flagship models get Android updates, while lower-end models don't or get delayed.

But just know that your cheap Samsung A series phone is probably designed in the same factory as the low-end Xiaomi/Oppo.

 

[jasonwsc]

Household furniture

Smart Doorlocks

Basically almost every single local brand whitelabels some random Chinese doorlock and sell them under their own brand name.

Credit to TMBagain for the quote below. Link for discussion on all smart doorlocks.

The origin/brand.
I like lock manufacturers' own brand, as opposed to a brand that does not own the design and manufacturing ie. whitelabel arrangement (chop your own brand name). There is more accountability when the brand prides itself in representing it's quality of design and manufacturing. Lockin and Aqara are examples of this.

Many brands in Singapore are "local sales shop brand name" - just a sales brand (just choosing specifications from existing templates and outsource manufacturing to so called ODM). These ODMs are mostly (not all) lower tier manufacturing companies. Examples of such local outfits are Ea***, Star*** (not sure if they are still around), Ze**, Lux**, Ig****** (though they invest on their software layer). Some international household brands are of similar arrangements: Ph****, Haf***.

Of course, door locks are different in the sense that installation is a bit more difficult, so warranty might be important.

Quick summary for smart door locks.

Random local store brand = Tuya compatible lock you can get from Taobao
Yale and Gateman locks have the same internals since they are now the same company, except Gateman locks have no physical backup key (which is damn dumb IMO)
Aqara uses Lockin as OEM. Generally quite well built, but make sure to buy the international version in case you end up with China server and security issues.
Philips locks are made by Kaadas.
Solity is South Korean brand.
I don't trust Anker Eufy after their major security issues.


Ergochairs

Alibaba OEM links

GT Chairs
http://gtchair.com
Foshan AODA
https://aoda-furniture.com/
Kabel
https://zjenjoy.en.alibaba.com/minisiteentrance.html?spm=a2700.details.cordpanyb.2.55183145FODhWY
Eg.
Secretlab Neuechair
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/GTCHAIR-Marrit-New-Mesh-Ergonomic-Chair_60691018298.html
Ergohuman/Hinomi etc.
https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...ce-ergonomic-chair-ergonomic_60596193593.html

Sit-stand desks
I will list a few major OEMs for this category with their common designs, as well as some retail models using them. Easiest way is to find the OEM is check the control box and button controls.

That being said, electronics is only part of the equation for standing desk. The desk surface is also very important (obviously), and even 2 desks from the same OEM may have minor differences with regards to stability due to different frame construction etc.

Linak

Jiecang (all linked inside)

Timotion (all linked inside)

Loctek (link to all models)

Lumi (link to all models)

NBHY

Linak: Ikea Idasen, Okamura SW, Kokuyo Sequence, some older second hand office desks
Jiecang: All Everdesk, Standdesk, Omnidesk (Pro and Ascent), TakeASeat SEIV & VODE, Ikea Uppspel, Haworth HAT Elements
Loctek: All Flexispot (Loctek's retail arm), Squirrey, MyDesk, TakeASeat VELVA, FORTE II, ATLAS & VIGOR, Ergoworks models starting with ET-xxx
Brateck/Lumi: All OfficeHub models
Timotion: Flight, Kokuyo Jigen, Steelcase Migration SE/Pro
Actiforce: some older second hand office desks etc.
Ningbo Yangyang (NBHY): AdapTABLE
Nate: Flujo

Aircon

Prism+
All rebranded Gree units.
Might as well buy direct.
https://www.gaincity.com/brands/GREE
Water Purifier

http://www.ovio.com/en/product/view.php?returnURL=/en/product/list.php?part_idx=1&idx=11

Monitor Arms

Alibaba OEM Link: https://lumi.en.alibaba.com/productgrouplist-906490020/Monitor_Arms.html
Will only be focusing on Prism+, but most other brands use the same OEM.

Arc Lite
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?s...23511897851.20.1dd0c56azJ4CmG&id=638247642133
Arc Lite Duo
TBD

Arc 01
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-b.w4011-22911572073.73.70345eaenFCzn2&id=621506008879
Arc 02
TBD

Arc Stealth
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-b.w4011-22911572073.49.70345eaev7ngp4&id=622008938613
Arc Stealth Dual
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-b.w4011-22911572073.61.6fe31f76cPMlSy&id=632754342999
Arc Stealth Pro
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-b.w4011-22911572073.108.39235eaelwJxmU&id=651353122296
Arc Opus/Opus Dual
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.65.2e527484pn9THu&id=628267494605
Others TBD

 

[Phen8210]

Good for wallet and not support local trash companies

 

[wwenze]

Good for wallet and not support local trash companies

In before IB says

You are paying for the local support or "support".

 

[Entry Level PC]

Sinkie is only good at being middleman.
Nothing new.
Rebrand and markup the price chop the daft carrot head.

 

[jasonwsc]

In before IB says

You are paying for the local support or "support".

Buy from OEM = half the price. I can be my own support and warranty.

You think Instagram influencers free one ah.

 

[watzup_ken]

Sinkie is only good at being middleman.
Nothing new.
Rebrand and markup the price chop the daft carrot head.

I think a lot of brands outside do that, not just locally. Just take PSU or AIO water cooler as an example, a lot of companies basically buy from an OEM, slap their brand on it, and sell you at a marked up price.

 

[jasonwsc]

I think a lot of brands outside do that, not just locally. Just take PSU or AIO water cooler as an example, a lot of companies basically buy from an OEM, slap their brand on it, and sell you at a marked up price.

Companies overseas like Corsair and NZXT at least do some design in-house like for their cases and fans, even if they end up rebranding stuff like PSUs and AIOs.

I think the issue a lot of us have is that Aftershock/Prism+/Omnidesk tries to act like they are some local homegrown company, when it's clear that they do nothing more than rebranding and marketing/finding partnerships. You see those so-called "reviews" on Geek and HWZ? Or some influencer talking about stuff they clearly have no idea about? Paid advertising.

Name me a single product from Prism+ that is not a rebrand. You can't, because they don't exist. That's the problem. And that's why I still have respect for Creative even if they are not doing so well these days.

 

[NightRaven49]

Horizon: Tecware Fusion Steel

tecware is once again a middleman, true oem here is sama (先马), original name is quzao (趣造)/im01. quite a hefty ~40-50% markup over original pricing, though i think shipping costs are partly to blame here.
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=630088555296
quite likely their other cases are also from other oem.

 

[Entry Level PC]

Nowadays everything made in China.
Moi just buy direct from reputable China Brand.

 

[Entry Level PC]

tecware is once again a middleman, true oem here is sama (先马), original name is quzao (趣造)/im01. quite a hefty ~40-50% markup over original pricing, though i think shipping costs are partly to blame here.
https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=630088555296
quite likely their other cases are also from other oem.

i buy tecware once, made of kns plastic.
after that i nolonger buy tecware.
i think become local distributor for reputable ah tiong brand maybe more profitable bah.

 

[NightRaven49]

i buy tecware once, made of kns plastic.
after that i nolonger buy tecware.

the one i had, the nexus m, the main frame was at least metal but still very flimsy. didnt know how flimsy it was until i got a much better case. but the general cooling performance and mediocre design and build quality of the nexus m also really turned me away from buying from them again, even if the case was dirt cheap. i dont think the quzao will have that kind of problem though.

 

[localITguy]

the one i had, the nexus m, the main frame was at least metal but still very flimsy. didnt know how flimsy it was until i got a much better case. but the general cooling performance and mediocre design and build quality of the nexus m also really turned me away from buying from them again, even if the case was dirt cheap. i dont think the quzao will have that kind of problem though.

my tecware keyboard also died out of the blue..

i will avoid this brand from now onwards. Lousy brand

 

[localITguy]

In before IB says

You are paying for the local support or "support".

I tried their support and all i can say. its really an aftershock

 

[Phen8210]

In before IB says

You are paying for the local support or "support".

In these sort of companies, support personnel are lowly paid and have knowledge from another planet, passed down from their ancestors. When they fail to diagnose the problems, they come up funny theories and to try and convince consumers and then get away with it.

When you get your stuffs back after servicing don't be surprised it's still not fix

I rather take off day and fix it myself..

 

[Phen8210]

Aftershock


PC Case models

Rapid: Tecware Forge M (local rebrand)

Horizon: https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=630088555296
Tecware Fusion Steel (local rebrand)

Zeal: Tecware VXR Dual Chamber (local rebrand)

All other models have their cases listed in description.


Accessories

AIO: Custom CPU block with the usual Asetek design, aka same as any normal AIO from Corsair, NZXT etc.

Gen 4 NVMe SSD: Generic Phison E18 NVMe SSD, eg. Seagate Firecuda 530, Gigabyte Aorus 7000s

Fans: TBD


Laptops

All laptops are rebranded Clevo, Tongfang and Intel chassis. So basically you can find a review for say Eluktronics or Schenker XMG Core 15/Apex 15R and they will be exactly how the Aftershock will perform.

You will know it when you see it. The chassis and specs are basically identical.

Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus gen 4 SSD is also Phison E18

https://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll1280/AME8D210309Q86RA.jpg

 

[watzup_ken]

Companies overseas like Corsair and NZXT at least do some design in-house like for their cases and fans, even if they end up rebranding stuff like PSUs and AIOs.

I think the issue a lot of us have is that Aftershock/Prism+/Omnidesk tries to act like they are some local homegrown company, when it's clear that they do nothing more than rebranding and marketing/finding partnerships. You see those so-called "reviews" on Geek and HWZ? Or some influencer talking about stuff they clearly have no idea about? Paid advertising.

Name me a single product from Prism+ that is not a rebrand. You can't, because they don't exist. That's the problem. And that's why I still have respect for Creative even if they are not doing so well these days.

I don't know what is the cause of your hatred for these brands, but the reality as I mentioned is that there are a lot of rebrands out there, and really nothing shocking. It is true that the likes of Corsair and NZXT do design some of their products, but in most cases, it is just a cosmetic change. Casing frame and such can be fixed, and just a face plate change for example. This sort of practice is very common now to keep cost low.

Anyway, you can always avoid these local brands if you are not happy with it. Like I don't think Prism+ monitor is good, I always go for preferred brands like LG , BenQ, etc. If you think the quality from Aftershock is bad, the same will apply even if you buy direct from the OEM even if they cost less.

 

[Phen8210]

Clevo has website too
https://www.clevo.com.tw/index-en.asp

 

[Phen8210]

biggest caveat in this thread...

buy from overseas only if u got time expertise and effort to go deal with the problems urself...

Yeah.. but the thing is don't expect these "support" to be flawless too.

It really sucks to pay for support that is bad.. sure they can fix simple stuffs, when it becomes more complicated then you are left with yourself to rely on.