HTC, the Taiwanese handset manufacturer that recently overtook Nokia in terms of market value, is bringing a host of new Android smartphones to SA as it seeks to capitalise on its rapid international growth.

The company has announced it will introduce the HTC Sensation, a 4,3-inch, dual-core smartphone — seen a direct rival to Apple’s popular iPhone product — in June. The Sensation will be available exclusively through Vodacom during the launch phase and, according to HTC’s localy distributor, Leaf Wireless, will cost about R5 300 out of contract.

HTC Flyer tablet (click to enlarge image)

The Sensation, which TechCentral had the opportunity to take through its paces at Thursday’s launch event, features a dual-core 1,2GHz Snapdragon processor and an 8-megapixel camera that can shoot high-definition video at 1080p resolution. It runs the Android 2.3 operating system from Google.

HTC has also announced that its new tablet computer, the Flyer, will go on sale in SA in the next few weeks. The 420g Flyer, a 7-inch Android tablet, will be available through all local network providers. The tablet market is hotting up, with Apple, Samsung and Lenovo, among others, all take the wraps off new products in recent months.

Of interest to the youth market, HTC has also said it will introduce the ChaCha and Salsa handsets in SA. Both phones feature a dedicated Facebook button for one-touch access to popular social network used by more than 600m people worldwide. Both phones run Android 2.3.

Other devices HTC is bringing to SA are the Desire S, the Wildfire S and the Incredible S — all upgrades to existing products. — Staff reporter, TechCentral