Dell has reportedly inked a deal to build a smartphone for China Mobile. Multiple reports cited sources within the Chinese firm as confirming that the deal will allow China Mobile to offer a device from Dell known as the Mini3i.

While no details on the specifications of the handset were given, it will reportedly use China Mobile's online service to download music and software.

Apple is also reported to be in talks with mobile carriers in China, although the company has denied the claims.

Dell's latest move is part of an ongoing venture into the smartphone market. The company was gearing up for the launch of a smartphone in February, but pulled the proposed handsets after prospective carriers showed little interest in either of the two designs.

Reports then surfaced in July suggesting that Dell was putting the finishing touches on a new handheld device powered by Google's Android operating system.