Recent rumors are saying that HTC would be releasing a new mid-range phone which is similar to the current HTC One (M8). This new device will be called HTC One M8S, according to Phone Arena which cited Dutch website Techtastic.
However, note that Upleaks, the one who leaked details about the HTC One M9, said the device would be called HTC One M8i. In a Twitter conversation with Techtastic, Upleaks insisted that the new device would be called HTC One M8i.
"@TechTasticNL M8S? I've confirmed that M8_QL will be released with M8i marketing name, from trusted source...at least for Europe," Upleaks said. To which Techtastic responded, "@upleaks Yes, One M8s, confirmed by Mark Moons (HTC Benelux)."
Upleaks then arrived at the conclusion that marketing names for the new device may be different per region.
According to the spec sheet shared by Upleaks, the new HTC One M8S or HTC One M8i would have a 5 inches FHD display with the same dimensions and weight as the current HTC One M8. Note that the HTC One M8 has a size of 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35 mm and weight of 160g.
HTC One M8S or HTC One M8i is said to get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 as processor. It is expected to get 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot. Its main camera would probably be a 13 megapixel plus 2 megapixel Main DuoCamera with Dual LED flash. Front camera would also get upgraded to a 5 megapixel one, perfect for those who love taking selfies. It is said to get the new Android L 5.0 Lollipop update alongside the Desire Sense 7.0 as UI. It is also expected to get the traditional HTC BoomSound. Its battery is said to be less than 3000mAh.
Upleaks added that the HTC One M8S or HTC One M8i devices with model number "M8_QL#TUHL" will be available in Asian countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China and also in Australia. Those with model number "M8_QL#UL" on the other hand would be available in Europe. The device is said to be available in three classic HTC One M8 colors -- gray, gold, silver.
GSM Arena said there is a possibility that HTC would stop releasing its HTC One M8 and just focus on the HTC One M8S or HTC One M8i. It is still unknown when will the new device come out but the news outlet said it is likely that it would get a €499, which when converted is equivalent to over $552.