Alleged HTCOne M9 "Hima" pics leak, possibly prototype version

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HTC has been around for quite some time, having made a host of portable devices before the current “mobile wars” began; some were running its own OS, some Windows Mobile. In the early days of Android however, the Taiwanese company quickly became a household name with the fantastic HTCDesire (itself a modified HTC Nexus One) and subsequent releases such as the Desire HD, Droid Incredible, and EVO 4G. Then came the fall of an empire, as the company entered into a massive sales slump and it seemed all hope was lost. Thankfully, because of devices like the HTCOne M7 and One M8, the company has enjoyed a resurgence as of late.

All talk is now centered around the new flagship, allegedly masquerading around under the codename “Hima.” Assuming the word is Japanese, it can mean anything from “free time” to “chance” to “leisure”. Indeed all three may be apt in describing the product, assuming these leaked images claiming to be of the M9 are legitimate.

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The product seen in the pictures is likely not the final product. Some suggest that they are either of a prototype build or else a “disguised” M9 hiding out inside a modified M8 shell. Then again they might be the work of a clever trickster. Taking a look however, we can immediately see that HTChasn’t exactly done anything substantial with the visuals. To wit, what’s more telling is everything that isn’t there: a new design, a second back camera, or cleverly hidden BoomSound speakers, a la the Desire Eye. For all those who complained about the “wasted space” occupied by the company’s front logo, it would appear that the situation remains unchanged.

In terms of noticeable differences, we can mention the slightly smaller lateral screen bezels and the large camera module on the back. According to a report from Bloomberg from yesterday, the camera will feature a 20MP sensor.

Given the notifiable differences between the M7 and M8, it would be somewhat surprising to see HTCrelease an M9 with design language so similar to that of the previous model, especially at a time when Samsung is allegedly seeking to conceive a reinvention of the Galaxy S line with this year’s S6 (including rumors of a double-Edged variant). Should the photographed product actually be similar to what the final retail unit will look like, it’s possible this could be written off as an “M8s.”

Then again, HTC may want to preserve the iconic design language of the One series. Plus, the aforementioned Bloomberg report said the Hima would be similar in size and design to the M8. We will just have to see what the future holds in store.

Were these leaked shots of the final product, would any readers be interested in buying it? Assuming the specs are killer of course, would you mind the “recycled” design?