(Update: phone exposed in video) New HTC10 leak lets loose specs and pics

Update, 4:55AM EST: What appears to be a promo video for the HTC10 was published on YouTube. The brief video confirms the leaked design and features, including the USB Type C port.

Original post, 3:40AM EST: HTCis set to announce its 2016 flagship for the year in just a few days, however that hasn’t stopped an additional leak from springing forth this past weekend. Originally referred to by the code name HTC Perfume, then the HTCOne M10, and now being heralded as just the the HTC10, the new information lists final claims about the device’s specs, as well as a few new pictures of the product.

Speaking of the specs

According to GSM Helpdesk, the HTC10 will have a 5.2-inch QHD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and a 3,000mAh battery. The rear camera has been said to be a 12-megapixel “Ultra Pixel” sensor with image stabilization and laser autofocus. The front camera is allegedly going to be 5-megapixels and may contain image stabilization as well. With respect to charging, the HTC10 is said to have a USB Type-C port.

This latest spec run-down can be fleshed out with past rumors to get the full potential picture. The display is said to be of an AMOLED variety, though other reports indicate it will be an LCD panel. The on-board storage is said to be standard at 32GB with microSD support, though a larger configuration may also be made available. A fingerprint reader is said to be included, and the device is probably going to ship with Android Marshmallow, running on HTC’s new Sense 8.0.

In terms of what is officially known, HTChas formally proclaimed the phone will both have a “very, very compelling camera” and that said camera will be “the best ever” in smartphone. In addition, the Taiwanese OEM has also revealed that the new phone will once again include BoomSound speakers, something that was removed for the HTCOne A9 last year.

Pointing to the pictures

Two pictures were leaked of the device itself:

The above image doesn’t reveal all that much beyond what has already been seen before, though it does show off the 2.5D curved glass, the large front-facing camera, and both the fingerprint sensor, and the capacitive buttons flanking it. This last point may be either a boon or a bust for potential customers as some feel that on-screen navigation buttons are the way to go, whereas others prefer the “physical” ones.

The picture also shows off some of the icon designs for Sense 8.0 as well, and the textured surface of the power button can clearly be seen along the right side.

The second picture (above) seeks to reconfirm the large chamfered edge that runs along the rear perimeter of the device. Also present: two of the iconic antenna lines that an HTCexecutive has claimed Apple copied. The rear camera also looks to protrude ever so slightly.

Why the 10 is so tangible

The HTC10 is, perhaps, the most important device HTCwill launch in recent years, due in no small part to the company’s alarming Q1 2016 performance. After reporting that sales were down 64.31% from the same period last year, the company’s stock fell. The price has since recovered slightly, with investors likely bolstered by reports about the company’s VR headset and, of course, the imminent launch of the HTC10.

If the HTC10 becomes be a huge hit, it will do a great deal in stemming the OEM’s financial situation. Assuming the leaked pictures and specs are accurate, they would suggest that HTChas indeed gone back to the proverbial – and literal – drawing board and listened to what customers wanted. After the One M9 proved to be visually similar to its predecessor the One M8, this year it looks like a brand new design has been used. In addition, the much-hated on “black bar” appears to be gone from the front, along with all OEM branding to boot. The inclusion of BoomSound speakers, as well as the fingerprint sensor and top-of-the-line hardware also suggest good tidings. 

Arguably one of the main areas that customers may examine with greater consideration is the camera system, especially given that the OEM has promised things in the past but many feel failed to deliver. At the very least rumors have claimed the same camera from the HUAWEI Nexus 6P will be used. There have also been concerns raised as to how the audio quality will be given the seeming new and less-visible design for the BoomSound speakers.

Assuming HTCdoes manage to release a device that pleases fans and customers alike across the board, it will still have to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, as well as the recently-released LG G5. This is a prospect that may become more challenging assuming reports of a May release are true as the competition will have been available for numerous weeks, along with substantial marketing campaigns.

Wrap Up

While there is no guarantee these are the last leaks to be let loose before the launch – no retail packaging has been procured yet – it is likely that the next big news will be the official unveiling itself. Rather than planning a massive media event, HTChas decided to go more low-key this year and is doing the honors via a live streaming event.

Are you excited about the HTC10? Will you be glued to your display for the launch event? Leave your comments below and let your voice be heard!