HTC could release 5.9-inch 'phablet' later this year
Early details for the massive handset include an Android Key Lime Pie OS, a blazing fast processor, and a huge battery.
HTC is expected to release a huge 5.9-inch smartphone in the second half of the year, a number of sources report.
This fall should see the arrival of a larger, more powerful take on the HTC One experience, according to Taiwanese analyst Laura Chen.
Aside from the ultralarge screen size, the only other detail tipped for the device is an "upgraded" processor, though even that specific is unclear.
Considering HTC's history of working with Qualcomm, I'd infer that Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 chipset could power the phablet.
Prolific handset tipster @evleaks has also apparently gathered evidence that HTC is thinking large, pointing to a forthcoming HTC device with the codename T6. Assuming that rumor pans out, the HTC phablet could boast a screen size similar to Samsung's much-anticipated Galaxy Note 3.
Newly uncovered details for the T6 include a quad-core 2.3GHz processor, 2GB RAM, a 5.9-inch 1080p HD display, 16GB internal storage, and a rear camera that uses the same "ultrapixel" image processing found in the HTC One.
Powered by Android Key Lime Pie, the phone may feature a large 3,300mAh battery, a digital stylus, and something we haven't seen from an HTC phone in some time, a microSD expansion slot.
Among the finer points in the T6, TheUnlockr reports a refreshed version of Sense UI with a more customizable Blinkfeed experience. HTC is also said to be working on a protective case with an additional 1,250mAh of battery life.
Corroborating earlier HTC rumors, the analyst, Chen, claims that HTC plans to introduce an M4 smartphone in June, which should be offered on a global scale. Come the third quarter, HTC should be ready to unveil an updated take on the Butterfly handset.
Looking at the near term, Chen suggests that things appear to be on the upswing for HTC, saying that "the worst is over" for the handset maker. After a slow start for the HTC One, the company has sold five million units.
With the Google version of the HTC One on the horizon and rumors ripe about a Verizon version, HTC is indeed building some much-needed momentum.