HTC and Samsung have both been hot topics of leaked images. We know the next two flag ships from each of the OEM’s will be the Galaxy S6 and the HTC One M9. On the HTC side of things there have been talks of two models, code-named Hima and Hima_Ultra. There have been a number of leaked images, specs and details over the last month or so that have been rather interesting. Leaked spec details included a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, 3GB of RAM, 20.7MP camera, 3,500/2,840 mAh battery and be offered in 32GB, 64GB and 126GB storage models.
The variances in the supposed leaked specs varied. Pairing that with the two code names and we have two devices. A 5-inch and 5.5-inch. The larger with the bigger batteryand most likely the one that will be offered in the largest storage capacity too. We aren’t here to talk about any new leaked specs though, instead it is about the image you see below from Evan Blass, @evleaks. Previous leaked images showed off a device that resembled the current HTC One M8 more so than a new flagship redesign. Shortly after all the leaks started there was further talks that the images could very well be planned misdirection models from HTC to keep the community off the trail of what the new Hima’s will actually look like.
There are two devices in the image, a slightly smaller device on the left, which we assume will be the Hima carrying a 5-inch screen, and the larger one on the right which is most likely the Hima_Ultra which should carry a larger 5.5-inch sreen. It appears the front is a single piece of glass and, while still present, the dual front facing speakers aren’t as prominently noticeable will grills. Instead they are more Nexus 9 like with the small slits at the top and bottom. Another interesting consideration is the oval looking button on the front of the Hima_Ultra. No one is sold on it being a home button like the Samsung line. Rather, it is surmised that it is the finger print / biometric scanner to unlock the device.
If I had to take a stab at why the two looks different comes down to potential marketing approaches. Those who want the high-end feature set with a larger screen will be drawn to the Ultra where those who want the same device but in a smaller form factor minus a few little bells and whistles will target the Hima. There have been many manufacturers that have gone this route, HTC included, with various ‘Mini’ branded models. Usually those have lower internal spec’d hardware as well. I am thinking HTC is looking to that model slightly, but rather than down grade the internals, they will pull off the sensor and a few other more premium additions and retain the smaller form factor of a 5-inch device that many people consider the sweet spot instead. Take all of that with a grain of salt as I am just thinking out loud here.
What we do know as fact though is that HTC will be announcing the successor to the HTC One M8 come March 1st. Whether this image is factual or not will be made clear then. Evan has had a pretty solid track record in the past with many of the leaks turning out to be real. What are your thoughts? Are these new images more in-line with the direction HTC should be going, or are they border line Samsung/iPhoneish enough to cause a stir?
Source: @Evleaks via AndroidCentral
