HTC launches entry-level smartphone

Published November 9, 2011 6:22pm

Taiwan-based smartphone maker HTC launched this week its entry-level Explorer handset, targeting people switching from feature phones to smartphones.

HTC said the new Explorer features a 3.2-inch touchscreen and a 3-megapixel camera, and offers easy Web access, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported.

"Our mid-range and high-end products have been liked by consumers in the past, but we found that some young and first-time smartphone users are expecting cheaper models that are easy to use," said HTC North Asia president Jack Tong.

HTC plans to build phones priced betwen $200 and $250 to penetrate the mass consumer market.

Last Oct. 31, HTC said it had no plans to launch smartphones priced at under US$100 because it does not want to make low-quality products.

The Explorer will go on sale Nov. 16 through Chunghwa Telecom Co., HTC said.

Chunghwa's mobile business group vice president Chen Chang-rong noted 80 percent of Taiwan's mobile phone users use feature phones.

Of the feature phone users, three to four million are planning to buy a smartphone, Chen said.

This indicates Taiwan's smartphone market will continue to grow next year. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: hightechcomputers, smartphone