The early reviews of HTC's newly debuted One M9 smartphone are hitting, and while the third generation handset is getting resounding applause on a few specific features, it's not getting a standing ovation by any means and most reviewers aren't convinced the improvements likely don't justify making an upgrade from One M8 but may be worthwhile for those still touting around the One M7.
As Tech Times previously reported, the latest HTC flagship arrives two years since its predecessor, the first all-aluminum HTC One M8, and retains its metal body and design, which reviews all cite as a good move. But beyond its enhanced camera capabilities, which include a 20-megapixel rear camera with sapphire cover lens and UltraPixel front-facing shooter for video chat and selfies, reviewer feedback isn't as glowing as HTC likely expected.
One media outlet notes it's a quality handset and an evolutionary device, but not quite a revolutionary device and may not be enough of an evolution to draw in non-HTC smartphone consumers.
Another reviewer is much more blunt and doesn't even try to couch its view that One M9 is a bit of a fail, calling it the "world's most beautiful disappointment" and boasts a gorgeous design, just like the One M8, but retains One M8's mediocre camera capability.
"On the surface, the One M9 is difficult to distinguish from the One M8 preceding it," notes the review, adding the low-light photo result is "basically a disaster" that is reminiscent of BlackBerry's "inadequate cameras" prior to its latest Passport handset.
"HTC openly admits that it's combining the strengths of 2013's One M7 and 2014's One M8 to create what it believes is the best One yet. But remixing the past is not a sign of innovation, and neither is the addition of a fast new processor just because it's fast and new, or multiplying the megapixels of a camera that's still not good enough," states the review. "HTC can do better. I want to see it do better."
Most reviews, however, were not as sharp in criticism and did note some enhancements, with one stating HTC "improved where it needed to," and that the One M9 "is sure to be a popular phone."
"As you take the new HTC One M9 out of the box you will understand what HTC means when it states the M9 is designed and built like a piece of fine jewelry," writes the reviewer.
"Some may have wished for a radical change in the design, but I think HTC's strategy of improving an iconic design is the right approach. You can't mistake an HTC One you may see sitting on a table and the latest continues the evolution."
