HTC has an event that’s due to kick off shortly where we expect to hear about several new Android smartphones. One of those smartphones might be the “Explorer”. Funny name for a handset that’s aimed at the budget end of the smartphone space. It’s expected to feature a 3.2 inch half VGA screen (320 x 480 pixels), 5 megapixel camera, 600 MHz processor, and it’ll run HTC’s latest version of sense which we’ve yet to play with, but from what we’ve seen in leaked videos … we’re pretty sure we’re not gong to enjoy it. Depending on how much this thing costs, it’ll either be an amazing success story or an abysmal failure. Those kind of specs shouldn’t be sold in today’s market for more than $200 unsubsidized. Earlier this month we saw the LG Optimus Hub announced and it features a slightly larger 3.5 inch screen and slightly faster 800 MHz processor, all for just 200 EUR or $275.
The big question is whether the Explorer will even make it across the pond, and if it does, how much are operators willing to subsidize the price? Considering you can get a 4G LTE enabled Pantech Android smartphone on Verizon for $100 with a 2 year contract, the Explorer should be either free or less than $200 on one of the prepaid operators. The LG Optimus Hub has a greater chance of landing on America’s shores since it’s the successor to the much loved Optimus One. The Hub is a natural upgrade for current One users, or a perfect device for people who are new to smartphones all together.
Back to HTC, their midrange portfolio isn’t all that attractive if you ask us. The Taiwanese vendor has no problem making flagship smartphones, but they don’t have Samsung’s scale, which gives them the ability to make sub $300 smartphones that are quite capable.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to save money, you’re better off going used.