HTC One delays due to losing 'tier one' status with suppliers

If you're excited about getting your mitts on HTC's slinky, metal flagship, the One, you'll have to wait until April. Component shortages are to blame for the delay, apparently caused by the fact that HTC is no longer considered a 'tier one' company.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, an unnamed HTC executive explained, "HTC has had difficulty in securing adequate camera components as it is no longer a tier-one customer." Tier one customers include companies like Apple and Samsung, whose vast component ordering means that they are given priority on parts.

HTC's recent slump in sales has unsurprisingly meant that its orders are down and manufacturers are therefore not as keen to get the required parts across. In this case, it seems the One's 4-megapixel camera is to blame.

The One was meant to be in the hands of British phone fans from 15 March. HTC explained in a statement last week however, that it "will start fulfilling pre-orders by the end of March in certain markets and will roll out product to more markets as we approach April."

That's potentially very bad news for HTC as Samsung's Galaxy S4 is due to land towards the end of April. If HTC had managed to get the One out last week, it would have had a full month to attract sales from those of you too impatient to wait for the S4.

The One does have a lot going for it, so it's worth hanging on for a bit before you look elsewhere. Its metal frame looks and feels great, its Full HD is pin sharp and it packs a stonking amount of power under the hood.

Hopefully HTC can get its supplies sorted out in time for an early, rather than late April launch. What do you think of the One? Is it good enough to make you wait or are your eyes already on the S4? Let me know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.