HTC has launched what it says is a mini incarnation of its best-in-class HTC One (M8) experience. As usual it's not really that mini – it packs a 4.5-inch screen, and as usual it's not just the physical size that's been reduced, a number of key components are lower speced too. So let's have a closer look at the HTC One mini 2.
The newest member of the HTC One family does look very swish, especially if you like brushed aluminium. HTC CEO Peter Chou says talks lovingly about the design; "Its size and tapered edges fit perfectly in a hand, pocket or purse, making it look great and feel even better to use. It’s the perfect choice for those who love the iconic design of the HTC One (M8) yet want something more compact." He also says that this mini manages to distil the HTC One family advanced features "into an elegant, compact handset".
HTC One mini 2 key specs compared to HTC One (M8)
|
HTC One mini 2 |
HTC One (M8) |
|
|
Display |
4.5-inch Super LCD 3, HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 326 ppi |
5-inch Super LCD 3 (1080 x 1920 pixels), 441 ppi |
|
Processor |
Snapdragon 400, quad-core 1.2GHz, Adreno 305 GPU |
Snapdragon 801, quad-core 2.3GHz, Adreno 330 GPU |
|
RAM |
1GB |
2GB |
|
Storage |
16GB, plus microSD card slot up to 128GB |
16/32GB |
|
Camera |
13MP rear, BSI sensor, f/2.2 |
Dual 4 MP, 2688х1520 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash. 5MP selfie camera |
|
Battery |
2,100 mAh |
2,600 mAh |
|
Connectivity |
HSPA+ and LTE |
HSPA+ and LTE |
|
Software |
Android 4.4 KitKat, HTC Sense 6, BlinkFeed |
Android 4.4 KitKat, HTC Sense 6, BlinkFeed |
|
Dimensions |
137.43 x 65.04 x 10.6 mm |
146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm |
As you can see above there have been quite a few hefty snips to the spec of the HTC One (M8) during the distilling process to result in the HTC One mini 2 smartphone. Most significantly the processor is very much reduced in speed, the RAM is halved and the special UltraPixel main camera has been subbed for a more standard 13MP unit.
HTC is keen to point out buyers still get many HTC One (M8) features including the 5MP front facing selfie camera, HTC Boomsound, HTC Sense 6 with BlinkFeed and HTC Zoe Highlights and Zoe sharing. Whether it has done enough or too much, it will all depend upon the price...
Pricing and availability for the HTC One mini 2 is not available as yet. HTC encourages interested parties to sign up for updates here. We have approximate dates for the release schedule though; "EMEA and Asia starting in June 2014 with availability varying by country and region". This new smartphone will be initially available in the same Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver, and Amber Gold as the HTC One (M8).
