HTC just announced a new version of its One M9+ smartphone: the "Supreme Camera." This updated model comes with a more powerful 21-megapixel shooter and additional camera features.
Just hours before Google's big Nexus launch, HTC took the stage at its own September 29 event and introduced a new Butterfly 3 smartphone for China and a new camera-centric version of the HTC One M9+.
The HTC Butterfly 3 is essentially the HTC J Butterfly that launched in Japan earlier this year, while the new HTC One M9+ Supreme Camera targets photography enthusiasts.
As the name itself suggests, the Supreme Camera version of the HTC One M9+ basically brings a camera update to the existing model. The updated version now boasts a larger 21-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and laser auto focus. The smartphone retains the dual-lens layout for the rear shooter, but the upper camera is now the laser auto focus system instead of a secondary camera. The HTC One M9+ Supreme Camera also sports phase detection which, combined with the laser AF system, should deliver blazing-fast focus speeds of 0.1 seconds.
Aside from the changes in the camera department, the HTC One M9+ remains virtually unchanged compared to the original model, as all other hardware specs are the same.
This means that the smartphone features a 5.2-inch QHD display (2560 x 1440), an octa-core MediaTek MT6795T Helio X10SoC, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage and a 2,840 mAh battery. Other highlights include a fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button and front-facing BoomSound stereo speakers.
HTC is also expected to launch an upgraded camera app to go along with the updated One M9+ Supreme Camera version. The smartphone, meanwhile, should hit retail in Taiwan on October 6, sporting a price tag of roughly $630. It remains to be seen when or if this model will make it to other parts of the world as well.
Recent rumors suggested that HTC might unveil its highly anticipated One A9 (Hima Aero) smartphone at its September 29 event, but the handset was notably absent. The company may be saving the announcement for a later date to avoid competing with Google's Nexus announcement.
