The much-rumored HTC M8 Ace and HTC M8 Prime may reportedly launch under the Advance and Plus brandings, respectively.
HTC recently launched its latest flagship smartphone, the HTC One M8, but the rumor mill keeps churning in regards to upcoming spinoffs of the flagship. Instead of just Mini and Max versions, recent whispers suggest that the company may launch a plastic version so far referred to as the HTC One (M8) Ace, as well as a more premium model dubbed the HTC One M8 Prime.
A new report now claims that these two purported smartphones may actually launch under different brandings. The folks over at 9to5Google claim to have obtained some relevant information from sources familiar with the company's plans.
"According to sources familiar with HTC's plans, the company is working on two separate devices that will join the M8 family. It's possible that the Prime could be the 'Plus' device rebranded for public consumption, but the specifications don't seem to line up with previous leaks," 9to5Google reports. "The device is said to be constructed from metal like the standard M8 model, but will also carry a water resistance certification that remains unknown at the moment. The standard One M8 was rumored to carry the name 'One+' earlier this year, but it's not uncommon for a company to juggle multiple device names before making a final decision and it's possible that 'Plus' could make the cut with this device."
According to previous information from well-known tipster @evleaks, this Prime or Plus version will offer a premium design with a metal build, made from composite aluminum and liquid silicone. The 9to5Google report further notes that this model will not come with the original M8's Duo Camera system, but will instead feature a 13-megapixel camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which contradicts previous leaks.
The new report also claims that this smartphone will boast 3GB of RAM, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, and a Quad HD (2K) display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It also notes that this display will have the highest pixel density on the market, which indicates that it should be smaller than 5.5 inches in size. The newly-unveiled LG G3, for instance, has a 5.5-inch QHD display with a pixel density of 538 pixels per inch (ppi).
"The second high-end device coming from HTC will be called the One M8 'Advance' and feature the same specifications as the Plus, but in a plastic housing, and will be aimed at Asian markets."
Other than the top-notch QHD display, the HTC M8 Advance (Ace), is expected to rock the same high-end specs as the Plus (Prime) model, but pack everything in a more affordable plastic casing.
According to the report, both the HTC M8 Plus and Advance models will become official by September, before Apple unveils its next-generation iPhone 6. The HTC M8 Advance is expected to make its debut at an event next month, and may be exclusive to the Asian markets.
With nothing official at this point, however, take all such leaks, rumors and reports with a grain of salt.
