HTC One Smartphone In Short Supply, Component Issues Blamed

The HTC One smartphone is considered by some analysts to be HTC’s last ditch effort at relevance. Unfortunately for the wireless company, several reports are pointing to supply chain issues caused by component shortages.

Reports out of Taiwan claim that HTC is having difficulty getting hold of parts for the devices UltraPixel camera.

According to Android Community, channel checks from KGI Securities has discovered that HTC has been unable to obtain several important components. Those parts include the devices voice coil motor (VCM) and compact camera module (CCM). Both of those components are needed for the HTC One’s UltraPixel camera.

One analyst from KGI believes that HTC may only be yielding enough of the component for 20 to 30 percent of its flagship smartphone needs.

If the rumor is correct, HTC is only expected to ship between 800,000 and 1.2 million One units in the first month of release. The smartphone manufacturer will begin selling the HTC One starting March 22.

Problems with the HTC One camera setup is an unfortunate turn of events for the manufacturer. Early reviews of the devices camera have been overall positive, and HTC has been placing a lot of emphasis at the high-tech phone camera.

In the meantime, HTC has failed to draw the type of mass appeal attracted by Apple and Samsung.

HTC continues to lose market share despite its attempts to offer higher-end devices. For example, the company had originally purchased Beats Audio in an attempt to attract audiophiles to the company’s handsets. After the Beats Audio buyout failed to impress customers, the company sold the company back to its original owners.

HTC has also focused on a customized HTC Sense UI that is meant to streamline smartphone use while still offering the full Google Android OS.

Do you think the HTC One can still succeed if smartphone component issues slow delivery of the flagship device?