A recent tweet from once-prolific @evleaks may finally provide the first look at HTC’s next-gen flagship smartphone.
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The newly obtained image shows a pair of HTC handsets that look unlike anything else that has surfaced over the last few weeks in the rumor run-up to Mobile World Congress.
Looking closely, we see what appears to be a metal chassis and cameras centered atop the display. Additionally, HTC’s customary BoomSound speakers have a lower profile, similar to those found in the HTC Desire Eye .
The only noticeable difference between these two smartphones pictured above comes at the bottom of the phone face. The device on the right has what may be a fingerprint scanner (and/or home home) below the HTC branding.
CNET has reached out to HTC for comment.
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We could assume that the two devices picture here include the successor to the HTC One M8 , which is allegedly called the HTC One M9, and a variant. As some readers may recall, the last couple of months have given rise to whispers of code names of HTC “Hima” and “Hima Ultra”. Other names tossed around also include One M9 and Hima Ace Plus.
As to why these newly pictured phones don’t match up with those leaked in the past, HTC Source has an answer. According to a source close to the site, HTC has been using dummy cases to hide the real deal.
Allegedly, the next-gen models will employ an edge-to-edge glass panel and centrally located cameras that call to mind the Desire 826 . One only need a quick peek at today’s image to see this matches up with last weekend’s report.
HTC has a press event scheduled for March 1 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where it is expected the 2015 flagship experience is announced. Stick with CNET over the next weeks as things could get more interesting in the run-up.
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