Highlights
- Madhav Sheth emphasizes the Honor X9b’s superior display protection to tackle user concerns over durability.
- The device introduces a 5800mAh battery within a remarkably slim profile, challenging industry norms.
- HTech’s market approach focuses on genuine innovation and user-centric solutions across diverse price segments.
- The brand’s expansion into wearables signifies a broader vision for an interconnected lifestyle ecosystem.
With the launch of the Honor X9b, a device that promises not just top-of-the-line specifications but also groundbreaking durability and design innovations, HTech (Honor Smartphones) is poised to reclaim its position in the competitive space.
To delve deeper into the strategy behind this comeback and the vision driving Honor’s future, we sat down with Madhav Sheth, CEO of HTech in India.
In this exclusive interview, Sheth discusses the philosophy behind the Honor X9b’s development, the brand’s market positioning, and its approach to consumer confidence and satisfaction.
Additionally, he sheds light on Honor’s expansion into the wearables and accessories market, as well as the company’s plans for creating a vibrant community around its products.
Congratulations on the launch today. A key highlight was the Honor X9b’s display protection. Could you delve into why this feature was particularly emphasized and its significance?
Thank you for the warm wishes. Certainly, the focus on the Honor X9b’s display protection is a direct response to a widespread concern among smartphone users – the fear of dropping their device.
This anxiety is not unfounded; smartphones are integral to our daily lives, serving as our primary means of communication, information, and entertainment. When a phone drops, the immediate worry isn’t just about the potential damage to the screen or the financial cost of repairs.
It’s the disruption it causes to our connectivity, the delay in getting the phone fixed, and the impact on our daily routines. To address this, we enhanced the Honor X9b’s durability with superior display protection.
Additionally, we equipped the device with a robust 5800mAh battery, maintaining a slim 7.9mm profile, which is notably thinner than any phone featuring a 5000mAh battery currently available in the market.
This innovation not only caters to durability concerns but also ensures that the device can support extended use without compromising on design or comfort.
Shifting focus to market strategies, the Honor X9b targets the Rs 25,000 segment, while the Honor 90 aims at the approximately Rs 40,000 market. Could you share your vision for Honor’s future in terms of market segments and target audiences?
Our strategy is quite expansive, covering a range from the $200 to the $1,000 segment. But our objective goes beyond just spanning various price points.
The tech market today is saturated with brands that unfortunately tend to confuse consumers by marketing identical products under multiple guises.
This not only dilutes brand integrity but also misleads consumers, making it harder for them to make informed decisions.
At Honor, we’re committed to cutting through this noise by focusing on genuine innovation and addressing the real needs of our consumers.
Whether it’s introducing groundbreaking technology or enhancing user experience, our goal is to bring products to market that truly stand out and meet the evolving demands of our users.
With the introduction of Honor’s first wearable device, what future directions do you see for Honor in the accessories market?
Honor is keenly focusing on expanding its footprint in the accessories domain, particularly in audio products and wearables.
We believe there’s a significant synergy to be achieved between our smartphones and accessory lines, offering users a seamless and integrated experience across devices.
This strategy aligns with our broader vision of establishing Honor not just as a smartphone brand but as a comprehensive lifestyle brand that enhances all facets of our users’ digital lives.
By focusing on innovation and interconnectivity, we aim to create a robust ecosystem of products that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of our customers.
Considering the competitive landscape and Honor’s hiatus from the Indian market, what strategies are in place to regain and strengthen Honor’s market position?
The essence of our strategy is simplicity and focus – delivering exceptional products at the right price points. The market is ever-evolving, and consumer needs are continually changing.
By staying closely attuned to these shifts and focusing on addressing the core issues faced by our users, we believe we can differentiate ourselves and regain our foothold in the market.
Success for us is defined by our ability to solve real-world problems through our products, thereby earning the trust and loyalty of our customers.
The 30-day buyback guarantee is a bold move. What was the inspiration behind this policy, and how do you think it will impact consumer confidence?
The 30-day buyback guarantee is a testament to our confidence in the quality and value of our products.
We understand that purchasing a smartphone is a significant decision for most consumers, and we want to ensure they feel confident and secure in their choice.
By offering this guarantee, we are essentially telling our customers that we stand by the quality of our products and are committed to their satisfaction.
This policy allows consumers to experience our products firsthand, ensuring they meet their needs and expectations. Should they find otherwise, they have the option to return the device within 30 days.
While certain conditions apply, such as regarding physical damage, this policy is designed to build trust and reassure our customers of our commitment to their happiness with our products.
Lastly, regarding the newly launched Honor website, what should consumers expect from it?
The new Honor website is conceptualized as a comprehensive platform for everything related to Honor.
Initially, it will function as a detailed repository of product information and a marketplace for our entire product range.
However, our ambitions for the website go much further. We envision it becoming a vibrant community hub – ‘Magic Nation,’ where Honor users and enthusiasts can connect, share experiences, and access the latest news and updates from Honor.
This community-driven approach is central to our vision for the brand, as we aim to not just sell products but also build a loyal and engaged user base.
FAQs
What drove HTech to emphasize display protection in the X9b model?
Madhav Sheth highlighted that the emphasis on display protection for the Honor X9b stems from addressing a common user concern—the fear of damaging their device upon dropping it, aiming to ensure durability without compromising on design.
How does Honor X9b’s battery design set a new standard in the smartphone market?
The Honor X9b breaks new ground with a 5800mAh battery in a slim 7.9mm body, offering users long-lasting battery life in a design that’s thinner than any current 5000mAh phone, redefining expectations for smartphone design and battery performance.
Can you detail HTech’s strategy in targeting different market segments with its new models?
HTechaims to cover a broad price range from $200 to $1,000, focusing on cutting through market noise with products that offer real innovation and meet genuine user needs, rather than confusing consumers with similar products under different names.
What is HTech’s vision for its entry into the wearables and accessories market?
Expanding into wearables and accessories, Honor seeks to create a seamless ecosystem between its smartphones and new product lines, aiming to enhance users’ digital lifestyles with innovative products that offer integrated experiences.
How does HTech plan to rebuild its market position in India after its hiatus?
Through a strategy centered on simplicity and focus, HTech intends to differentiate itself by directly addressing user needs and staying attuned to market changes, aiming to regain its foothold by offering exceptional products that solve real-world problems.
Also Read: Madhav Sheth is joining Honor, teases new product launch soon which could be Honor X9a
Also Read: Honor X9b Ready to Debut in India After Being Teased by HTech’s Madhav Sheth