When HTC announced One A9, the Taiwanese maker said that its new smartphone would only cost $399 when it goes on sale in US. But, as it turns out, that is in fact, a "very limited-time promotional offer", as the price will be bumped up by $100 shortly after it starts shipping.
How limited is that offer? Well, the $399 asking price only applies to orders placed before 12:01 am on November 7. Afterwards, buyers will have to shell out $499 to get their hands on the smartphone. It is a very strange decision, as the lower cost is one of the few things that One A9 has got going for it.
HTC is already heavily criticized for the design of its One A9, which is extremely similar to that of iPhone 6s, making the decision to hide the true cost of the device looks like yet another big mistake. (The company may claim that it is Apple which copied its One series design, but, let's face it, that argument does not help its case.)
One A9 does not redeem itself when it comes to specs either, as it is closer to a more upscale mid-ranger rather than a true flagship smartphone, like Samsung's Galaxy S6. At $399 it would have been a strong competitor to premium offerings, but at $499 much of the appeal will be gone.
If you are thinking of getting a high-end smartphone today, with the exception of iPhone 6s, flagships from the likes of LG and Samsung can be had for roughly the same money as One A9 post offer, maybe even less. On Amazon, for instance, Galaxy S6 can be had for less than $550, while G4 is even less expensive at roughly $400.
All things considered, is there a good-enough reason anymore to go with One A9? I don't there is. HTC, you've just killed your new "flagship".
Photo Credit: ollyy/Shutterstock
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