Dec 01, 2013 09:09 GMT HTC partnering with other chip makers for cheaper

HTC is partnering with other chip makers for cheaper smartphones.

According to FocusTaiwan, “Taipei, Nov. 27 (CNA) 's HTC Corp. is thinking of making more smartphones with chips other than those of its long- time partner Inc., in an effort to tackle the stiff competition from low-cost phone manufacturers.

“The strategy was backed by the announcement Wednesday of four mid- range HTC Desire phones in Taiwan, which will go on sale at between NT$7,900 (US$267) and NT$13,900 via the country's three major telecom operators.

“Among the four new models, only the 4.3-inch Desire 300 carries a Qualcomm MSM8225 dual-core 1GHz processor.

“The Desire 501, also a 4.3-inch model, is powered by an ST-Ericsson U8520 dual-core 1.15GHz processor, while the dual-SIM Desire 601 sports a Broadcom Java quad-core 1.2GHz processor, and the Desire 700 carries a Spreadtrum Shark quad-core 1.2GHz processor, according to HTC.”

Head of China and North Asia President at HTC, Jack Tong, told reporters, “From the perspective of Qualcomm, MediaTek Inc. and other chipmakers, they should be thinking about how to take advantage of the overall trend to secure and expand their ground in the market. So there's likely to be a restructuring.”

Tong added, “HTC will evaluate the situation. If most players in the industry are seeking high performance to cost, then we would not be able to ignore such a trend despite good design and applications.”

Can HTC get its mojo back by partnering with other chip makers? Drop a comment below.

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