When HTC announced its new Windows Phone 8 smartphones, the HTC Windows Phone 8X and the HTC Windows Phone 8S, we thought that both handsets would be available in the US as well as Europe.
Now it would appear that HTC does not plan to launch the cheaper HTC Windows Phone 8S in the US. You can see an official statement from HTC below.
“The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is our signature Windows Phone available at AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the U.S. With our focus on the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, the Windows Phone 8S is not currently planned for distribution in the U.S. market.”
Market Strategy and Consumer Options
We would have thought that it would have been a good move for HTC to also launch the HTC 8S in the US as well as the HTC 8X, as it would give people who wanted a cheaper option another choice of a Windows Phone 8 handset. The HTC 8S, with its lower price point, could appeal to budget-conscious consumers or those looking to try out a Windows Phone without a significant financial commitment.
The HTC 8S features a 4-inch display, a dual-core processor, and a 5-megapixel camera, making it a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone market. By not offering the HTC 8S in the US, HTC may be missing out on a segment of the market that prefers more affordable devices.
Potential for SIM-Free Sales
If HTC is unable to offer the device with the various carriers on contract, they could at least offer the HTC Windows Phone 8S as a SIM-free option in the US. This would allow consumers to purchase the phone outright and use it with any compatible carrier. The flexibility of a SIM-free option could attract users who prefer not to be tied to a specific carrier or long-term contract.
Additionally, offering the HTC 8S as a SIM-free option could help HTC gauge the demand for the device in the US market. If the phone performs well in SIM-free sales, it could encourage carriers to reconsider and potentially offer the device on contract in the future.
The decision to focus solely on the HTC 8X in the US market may be driven by various factors, including marketing strategies, production costs, and carrier agreements. However, expanding the product lineup to include the HTC 8S could provide a more comprehensive range of options for consumers and strengthen HTC’s presence in the competitive smartphone market.
Source Engadget
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