HTC plans low-cost smartphone foray

IBN Live reports.

Currently, the cheapest smartphone it sells is the HTC Explorer, which retails at 9 000 rupees in India.

According to China Times, HTC has already signed a memorandum of co-operation with ST-Ericsson to co-develop the chip that will power these phones that will be launched by next year. However, neither of the two companies has confirmed the move.

HTC is betting on its 'One' series of handsets, announced last quarter, to gain share on Samsung Electronics' Galaxy and Apple's iPhone after it “dropped the ball” on new products in the prior period, Bloomberg reveals.

However, a shortage of chips from Qualcomm may delay shipments and narrow its competitive edge even after releasing more powerful devices than its competitors.

“The window of opportunity for HTC to be ahead in the most advanced products is shrinking because of the delay, as Samsung is set to release its next handset in May,” Richard Ko, who rates the stock neutral at KGI Securities, in Taipei, said before the announcement. He estimates the delay could reduce shipments by as much as two million units to about 11 million this quarter.

Company officials revealed that, this time, they focused on a good audio system and amazing camera so as to bring users to an innovative world of entertainment, Gizbot writes. The company has made another surprising move to form a tie-up with Airtel, which has made attracting offers for users with an HTC One series handset.

HTC One series handsets bring users a better mobile experience with its advanced features. With good internal storage, external storage and processing power, they are sure to mark a new era of smartphones.