One M10 boasts a “very, very compelling camera” says HTC

HTC’s next flagship smartphone, tentatively known as the One M10, is nearing its April 11^th launch date and the company has now begun dripping out a few teasers. Speaking in an interview at MWC, HTCCFO Chialin Chang has been suggesting that we will see a much improved camera inside the Taiwanese company’s next flagship smartphone.

Hit and miss camera performance was a common criticism levelled at HTC’s last few generations of One flagship handsets. The company has previously attempted to one up its competitors with its Ultrapixel sensors, which featured larger sized pixels than traditional smartphone sensors, and dual-rear camera technologies, but gave up on those ideas with its One M9.

“We can confidently say that HTCwill have a very, very compelling camera experience … We’re making this comment after we’ve seen what’s going on in the market” – HTCChief Financial Officer Chialin Chang

The latest camera component rumors for the HTCM10 point to a 12MP Sony IMX377 sensor that features larger 1.55um pixels for superior light capture, along with a laser autofocus module and Phase Detection Auto Focus capabilities. Interestingly, this is the same sensor that was packed into the Nexus 5X and 6P, which are currently regarded as two of the best smartphones around for photography. This will apparently be paired up with a 5MP Ultrapixel camera on the front.

Along with talk about the One M10, HTCalso nattered a little about some of its other products. We know that HTCis planning to release its Vive virtual reality headset later in the year after pre-orders begin on February 29^th, which will retail with a $799 price tag. HTCanticipates that it could sell a couple of million units, but doesn’t have a specific target in mind. When questioned about releasing a smartwatch, the company suggested that sales of its UA Band have been stronger than expected and also commented that whenever HTCdoes release a watch that it will “turn the industry on its head”. So no real clues there.

HTC is clearly amped up and ready to slug it out with its competitors this year, which is great, as the company could really use a big win to lift its struggling mobile sales. What are you hoping for from HTCand its One M10 this year?