HTech has brought HONOR smartphones to India and its CEO Madhav Sheth is leaving no stone unturned to regain lost ground. In September, the company launched the HONOR 90 5G smartphone in two variants—8GB RAM+256GB and 12GB RAM+512GB—exclusively on Amazon.in. But this is just the beginning: HONOR has an ambitious product pipeline and is already exploring local manufacturing.
So why Amazon.in?
The customer trust factor with Amazon
Sheth highlights Amazon’s loyal customer base and the customer trust associated with the marketplace as key reasons. According to a recent study by Nielsen Media, Amazon.in is India’s most trusted and loved online brand for festive shopping. “Amazon as a platform is highly trusted, has got a premium customer base and all of this together makes it the perfect partner for us. We wanted to align ourselves with these two crucial characteristics to ensure a robust reach,” Sheth, CEO, HTech says in an interview with About Amazon India.
From realme to HTech
“My decision to lead HTech was driven by a combination of factors, primarily centered around a desire to bring HONOR back into the lives of consumers and make a significant impact within a startup-like setup. It was not solely about the brand or the opportunity, but a holistic vision to revitalise the electronics industry in India with great products. ,” Sheth says.
The aim is to bring in products that boast strong R&D capabilities to drive the development of a comprehensive ecosystem inclusive of smartphones and other smart devices.
Smartphone replacement policy for ‘peace of mind’
HTech has introduced a 30-day replacement policy for the HONOR 90—a first-of its-kind move in India’s smartphone ecosystem "With this 30-day ‘peace of mind’ policy, we aim to build customer trust and loyalty towards the brand,” says Sheth. Moreover, HONOR 90 customers will have the support network of 400 service centres from day 1.
Are smartphone innovations on the wane?
Sheth is not one to mince words. He says that innovation in India’s smartphone space has seen a steady decline in the last decade. “As brands started prioritising price over innovation, the pace of innovation has been compromised. This compromise has led to a slowdown in innovation, compared to the rapid advancements witnessed a decade ago in the space,” says Sheth. The Narsee Monjee and Harvard Business School alumnus is confident that HONOR 90—available on Amazon.in at a starting price of ₹27,999* (including bank offers)—will tick the right boxes with customers.
"HONOR 90 is a great device boasting cutting-edge AI technologies and best-in-class innovations, including an ultra-clear 200MP camera, AI Vlog Master and Zero Risk Eye-Comfort Display", says Sheth.
I invite everyone to experience the product firsthand, and I’m confident that its innovative features will redefine and revolutionise industry standards as they stand today.
HONOR 90: User reviews
The initial customer reviews of HONOR 90 are largely positive with customers raving about its camera setup, sleek and attractive design, display, clean UI and long battery life. “For me, it’s a complete mid-premium package at this price point. The brand tries to provide a wonderful experience and according to me, they did well,” says Arnav Tyagi, a customer on Amazon.in.
Mahesh, another Amazon.in customer, says: "Using the HONOR 90 it is safe to say this device has thoroughly impressed me. Right from the sleek design to the camera quality, there's a lot to love about this phone."
Made in India smartphones?
HTech has ambitious plans of strengthening HONOR's presence in India. A foldable phone could be launched as early as the first half of next year. One of Sheth’s top priorities is to manufacture HONOR smartphones in the country. The company is already in talks with contract manufactures and an agreement is expected to be signed soon.
“Acknowledging the dependence on the global supply system, we aim to indigenise HONOR's operations to ensure self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on external factors. This strategic shift aligns with the larger goal of fostering growth in the Indian electronics industry and meeting the demand for devices in the country,” Sheth says
HTech to create 4,000 jobs
The company aims to generate about 4,000 jobs in the country in the coming years. HTech has so far invested ₹400 crore in India, primarily to enhance its operations and distribution network. The company also plans to launch more models in the country during the coming months
The theme for this year’s Amazon Great Indian Festival is Dibbe khulenge, khulegi khushiyaan (unboxing unlocks happiness). So, what’s Sheth’s definition of happiness? “Being an Indian, bringing HONOR’s global technology to India is matter of immense pride. Khushiya (happiness) for me is giving back to the society,” he signs off.
