The HTC One Mini, a cheaper version of HTC’s flagship smartphone, will go on sale this August, according to sources for Bloomberg. The device will have a smaller display with a lower-resolution screen and a slower processor, but it will be priced less to compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
Earlier this week, we heard that the Sony Xperia Z would be the latest device to get a “Google Edition” tag and begin shipping with a stock Android experience free from third-party tweaks, and now that rumor has been “confirmed” by a separate set of sources.
The HTC One is set to receive its Android 4.2.2 update in mid-June, according to HTC Russia head Kormiltsev Andrey. The device launched with Android 4.1.2 pre-installed, but HTC promised back in April that an update to the latest Android release wasn’t far away.
The HTC One S is possibly one of the more impressive midrange smartphones currently available, and it’s only just over a year old. But it may get its nose pushed out when HTC begins issuing its much-anticipated Sense 5 updates to existing smartphones.
Kormiltsev Andrey, head of HTC Russia, has reportedly said that “technical issues” are preventing HTC from porting Sense 5 to the device.
Mockup of a blue HTC One.
HTC will reportedly launch a blue HTC One alongside the upcoming red model in the coming months. The devices will be made from aluminum just like the existing black and silver models, but they’ll be anodized with prettier colors in an effort to appeal to those who like a different look.
