HTC launches One M8s, a Snapdragon 615-powered version of last year’s M8

Here’s an interesting development: hot on the heels of the release of the One M9, HTCis introducing a One M8-lookalike with slightly tweaked specs.

Launched today in Europe, the new HTCOne M8s looks identical to the One M8 on the outside, sporting the same metallic construction, BoomSound speakers, and Duo Camera setup. The device is available in silver, gold and gunmetal (no two-tone like on the M9) and is the same size with the M8.

The differences are on the inside: instead of the quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor from the M8, the M8s comes with an octa-core Snapdragon 615 chip, which we’ve typically seen so far in mid-range offerings, including HTC’s own Desire 826. Another difference is the jump in battery capacity to 2840 mAh, compared to 2600 mAh on the M8. That brings the M8s in line with the flagship M9.

The camera on the M8s is a 13MP unit, featuring a depth sensor that allows you to apply a few post-processing effects like selective blur. The frontal camera is a 5MP unit. There’s no UltraPixel sensor here, and that makes the M8s similar to the China-only 13MP One (M8 Eye), launched last year.

Other specifications, including the 5-inch Full HD display, are identical to the M8. The M8s runs Android 5.0 Lollipop, with Sense 6, rather than the new Sense 7 found on the M9.

It’s not clear what HTCis trying to accomplish with the M8s, other than to offer an intermediary product between the M8 and the Desire 826. With that said, some buyers may be swayed by its luscious metallic construction, especially at a lower price than the M8 and M9.

The One M8s will be available in markets in Europe; so far, pricing has been announced for the UK only – £379.99 unlocked.