HTC launches metal mid-range One X9, plus three 'micro splash' Desire smartphones
HTC's One X9 enters a crowded space, filled with low-cost full-metal smartphones from Chinese handset makers.
HTC has taken the wraps off the HTC One X9, as well as the bright, polycarbonate-shell Desire 530, 630, and 825.
HTC announced at Mobile World Congress that it will roll out the One X9 to Europe later this month, after launching the device in China late last year. A US launch date has yet to be announced.
See also
HTC has made appearance a priority in the One X9, and says it drew on the company's so-called 'metalmorphics' philosophy to deliver the silk-like all-metal finish, which is available in grey, silver, gold, and copper.
The end result is a phone that looks similar to last year's One A9 with a few minor adjustments, such as the touch navigational buttons placed on the bottom panel rather than on the screen.
The device features a full HD 1,920 x 1,080 5.5-inch display and is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio X10 processor with 3GB RAM and 32 GB inbuilt storage.
The main camera has a 13-megapixel (MP) sensor backed by optical image stabilization, while the selfie-shooter is at 5MP. Other core specs include the 3,000mAh removable battery and HTC's BoomSound speakers.
HTC hasn't revealed the pricing yet but it will be entering a crowded space, filled with low-cost full-metal smartphones from Chinese handset makers.
HTC's affordable lower-end Desire family aren't its most exciting devices, so the company has jazzed up the Desire 530, 630, and 825 with a touch of street fashion.
To achieve that it's treated the polycarbonate shells with a micro-splash effect to make every device unique. The devices also come with two-tone snap-on cases with a lanyard.
Specs wise, the Desire 825 has a 5.5-inch high-definition display and 13MP main camera, while the Desire 630 and 530, both with five-inch displays, respectively have a 13MP camera and an 8MP camera.
The Desire 530 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, 1.5GB RAM, while the Desire 630 runs on a Snapdragon 400 processor with 2GB RAM, according to The Verge.