The rumored HTC Ocean Note phablet is now rumored to hit the scene as the HTC U Ultra, according to the latest leak.
HTC has a "For U" launch event set for Jan. 12, where it's expected to unveil the new Ocean line, and a HTC U Ultra moniker would fall in line with the event name.
Rumors of a new HTC smartphone line dubbed "Ocean" have been making rounds for a few months now and the company is expected to unveil three devices next week, dubbed Ocean Master, Ocean Note, and Ocean Smart.
HTC was among the top players a few years ago, making quite some waves with its HTC One (M7) and its neat metallic design. After that, however, HTC gradually fell in a downward spiral and failed to keep up with the dominant players, Apple and Samsung. The HTC 10 did drum up some interest, but not enough to get HTC back in the game for real.
The company recently made the high-end Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones for Google, but its brand name is nowhere to be found on the handsets. Nevertheless, the new Pixels prove that HTC still has what it takes to make top-notch handsets and the new HTC Ocean line could mark its return as a top player on the ever-competitive smartphone market.
HTC Ocean Note Or HTC U Ultra?
The HTC Ocean Note has been at the center of recent rumors, but the latest leak now reveals that its official name could in fact be the HTC U Ultra. The news comes from serial tipster OnLeaks, who notes that the information is from an unverified source. That said, it's highly advisable to take this leak with a grain of salt.
Got it from an unverified source but I put that here anyway... #HTC Ocean Note = HTC U Ultra = 6" display = no 3.5mm Jack...
— OnLeaks (@OnLeaks) December 31, 2016
The purported 6-inch display OnLeaks mentions is larger than previously expected, as previous rumors pegged the screen at 5.5 inches. However, the lack of a headphone jack echoes earlier leaks that claimed the HTC Ocean Note would follow the HTC Bolt and the iPhone 7 series in ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead, the HTC Ocean Note, or HTC U Ultra is expected to sport a USB Type-C port for audio, charging and data transfer purposes.
HTC Ocean Note/HTC U Ultra Rumored Specs
Aside from the rumored lack of a headphone jack and USB Type-C port, the HTC Ocean Note/HTC U Ultra is also rumored to feature a curved-edge display similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Moreover, HTC will reportedly offer an official screen protector to prevent the smartphone's display from shattering.
HTC has also been working on improving the camera, according to recent rumors. The company tried to offer something different in this department and came up with its 4-megapixel UltraPixel cameras, which aim to capture better images by letting more light in. Not everyone appreciated the UltraPixel cameras, however, and HTC is apparently moving on to other ideas.
That said, it recently came to light that the HTC Ocean Note/HTC U Ultra might have the highest DxOMark camera score, topping even the Google Pixel smartphone that has a score of 89 and takes great photos.
The HTC Ocean Note/HTC U Ultra is also rumored to rock a new HTC Sense Touch UI, which reportedly allows for easier navigations with gestures and touch. The new UI should maximize the edge-to-edge display experience and offer improved features compared to the current version of HTC Sense. HTC is likely looking to fill the gap left by the ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and position its new HTC U Ultra or Ocean Note as the must-have flagship phablet.
No additional information is available at this point and nothing's official just yet, so treat all rumors accordingly. Nevertheless, HTC's big Jan. 12 launch event is just around the corner and we'll get the official scoop soon enough.
