HTC Won't Sell Cheap-O Phones, CEO Says
There are benefits and drawbacks to this. One benefit is that focusing on releasing just a few models per year allows manufacturers to focus on the quality of each and every smartphone they release. HTC can also focus on delivering updates much faster when there are fewer devices to manage. This strategy can also increase the manufacturer's prestige (just look at the brand loyalty at Apple, which releases a new iPhone only once every year or so).
But the drawback to releasing fewer models is that fewer price points could lead to less profit. Lower-tier smartphone buyers get lost in the shuffle.
Of all the cheap smartphone markets, China is (of course) the largest and most important. This is where Samsung and Motorola are competing with lower-tier devices for folks who have never before owned a smartphone. Entry-level smartphone buyers are incredibly important to manufacturers, but with this news it seems HTC is more interested in targeting the real Android fanboys. It'll certainly do good things for their brand.
Related Articles
Galaxy S4 Zoom: Camera-caliber smartphone revealed
Mysterious device looking for FCC approval could be the Galaxy S4 Zoom
Need some time off from Facebook Home? It's in the works.
Android powers 59% of smartphones, tablets, and laptops says Canalys
HTC One with stock Android officially announced
Samsung's the king of revenue but Apple retains profit crown.
HTC in Crisis: Failing Phones and Supply Woes Lead to Firings
Comments
I am impressed by this announcement from HTC & the only reason I won't switch to Samsung Galaxy is because I am loyal to HTC (loyal enough to want the HTC DROID INCREDIBLE 4G lte vs the SAMSUNG GALAXY 3) - now if Verizon Wireless would just hurry the f@ck up & release this Android Smart Phone already ...
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/05/hands-on-htc-droid-incredible-4g-lte-impresses-with-speed-sharp-display/
Virginia, I totally agree. The build quality is just outstanding. I'm glad HTC is committed to such high quality phones, and I think there are a lot of hardcore HTC fans who will be happy about this announcement.
I have been a HUGE fan of HTC for several years now and a loyal customer. To me, HTC has always been top of the line in the android market. This announcement just proves the point.
Quite surprising!