HTC One M9: New Version Launched In Taiwan As Smartphone Wars Heat Up
The HTC One M9 is now officially for sale in Taiwan, becoming the latest market to offer a version of the HTC smartphone.
HTC One M9 was officially launched in 2015 and updated versions have landed in various countries this year, with China recently receiving the HTC One M9e. The Taiwanese version of the smartphone, officially labeled the HTC One M9(s), is currently available for pre-order on the smartphone manufacturer’s website, according to Christian Post.
With the hype continuing to build around the latest and greatest smartphones offered by Apple and companies using the Google Android operating system, consumers will no doubt want to know what makes the HTC One M9’s latest version any better than its former model and competing smartphones. Neurogadget said a variety of upgrades have been incorporated into the new smartphone.
The technology blog said one of the differences is weight, with the latest HTC One M9 coming in a gram heavier than its predecessor. Another difference between the HTC One M9 and the HTC One M9(s) is the internal processor.
“The One M9s is the budget friendly version of the famous flagship, so it has a weaker 64bit processor, which is a Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 with eight cores clocked at 2.2GHz. They are paired with PowerVR G6200 graphics and 2GB of RAM, while the internal memory can be expanded from 16GB up to 200GB. The One M9 has the same maximum storage capacity for MicroSD expansion card, but its internal memory supports 32GB. As for the hardware configuration, HTC has used the famous Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 octa core processor with four cores clocked at 1.5GHz and four cores clocked at 2GHz, which is not pleasing the users because of its overheating issues. Anyway, the device is very fast and the processor is backed by 3GB of RAM.”
Both devices come with front-display cameras, Neurogadget reports, along with “4MP (Ultrapixel) which is capable of shooting Full HD videos at 30 fps with HDR, but the One M9 has back camera with a higher resolution of 20MP, which supports autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash and 4K video recording, while the One M9s, with its 13MP primary camera, records Full HD videos and supports optical image stabilization.”
How does this compare to the latest Samsung Galaxy model? According to Tech News Today, the HTC One M9 is a better-designed package and is the “best looking smartphone” when comparing the two models by competing companies.
In terms of screen size, the smartphones are actually close in size, with the Samsung Galaxy’s latest model – the S6 – coming in at 5.1 inches versus the 5 inch HTC One M9.
While there may be only small differences in processors, screen size, and purely aesthetic features, one area with a large difference is price. Christian Post puts the prices for the HTC One M9 at two different levels. For users in Taiwan looking to purchase the latest model – the HTC One M9(s) – they will be able to purchase the smartphone for $390. To purchase the original HTC One M9, consumers will shell out about $465 on Amazon, according to the Post.
When comparing the phones to the iPhone 6s, there is a huge difference in price. An iPhone 6s with a 4.7 inch screen starts at $649 and can be as expensive as $849. The iPhone 6s Plus, with a 5.5 inch screen, comes in at even higher price points. An introductory model with only 16 GB starts at $749, while the 128 GB model rings in at a jaw-dropping $949.
What do you think? Would you go for one of the lower-priced and well reviewed HTC One M9 models, the Samsung Galaxy S6, or an iPhone 6s? Tell us in the comments section below.
