HTC hit a homerun with its flagship smartphone the HTC One, and now it appears the Taiwanese tech manufacturer is up to bat again looking for another moon shot. @evleaks, one of the more respectable sources for leaked info, posted pictures and specs this morning of another HTC device in the works. Codenamed the HTC M4 (the HTC One was dubbed the M7) looks to follow up on the success of its predecessor by seemingly incorporating technology and design that’s more affordable to the average user without compromising anything.
Compared to the HTC One, the M4 is a slight step down tech-wise but still offers an array of elements that can heartily compete with any smartphone. It’s slightly smaller than the One, featuring a 4.3-inch 720p display, but still commands a respectable 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor. Storage is slightly more limited as well with 16GB available, though 2GB of RAM allow for quick and seamless multitasking capabilities. The handset will boast Android’s 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and by the time of shipment, will likely carry some LTE configurations.
The big draw for the M4 will probably be in the form of photo technology. Like the upcoming Nokia Lumia 928, the M4 will use its imaging technology to bolster sales and take a bite out of the popular photo-sharing social marketplace. Called UltraPixel, this HTC innovation combines a greater capture of photons with an autofocus lens and image stabilization. Translation? Clarity, especially in low-light situations. This is what you’ll get if you use the 13mp rear-facing camera and possibly the 1.6mp front cam.
There’s no word yet on price, though due to the fact HTC isn’t running wild with the technology on this one, we’re thinking affordability is the goal here. They’re not trying to wow us with something new, they’re likely just trying to tap into a much larger market.
Still, the design of the M4 is strikingly similar to its big brother which is fine with us because it appears to be made from the same single and aesthetically pleasing piece of aluminum with a slightly curved back.
The consensus at this point is the M4, which @evleaks rightly thinks will ship with some kind of HTC One Branding (think Samsung Galaxy S), will launch sometime by the end of Q2.
In the meantime, how do you think the HTC M4 will fare? Will it capitalize on the success of the HTC One? Will it be able to hold its own against the competition? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
