Not terribly expensive, but not cheap either, the all-new, all-metal 5-inch flagship debuts early, at least in HTC?s homeland.


Enough speculation, gratuitous panic and subsequent hesitant relief. The One M9 has an official starting price tag in Northeast Asia, plus a very specific, looming commercial release date. To make sure it reaches store shelves before the spring?s other big mobile release, HTC will roll the M9 out on Taiwanese shores this Monday.

Yes, March 16, so chances are the Galaxy S6 will come about a month late to market. Not that it?s going to matter that much. ?Critics?, carriers and everyday consumers have received Samsung?s next big thing(s) with far more enthusiasm, and 2015 sales are predicted to crush old GS4 records.

But back to the One M9, let?s talk numbers. First, 32 and 64 GB. Whew, for a moment there, it seemed the high-ender was only due in the former configuration, with microSD the sole option for expanding storage space.


As for the figures you?re most interested in, they?re TWD 21,900 and 23,900 respectively, i.e. $690 and $750. In other words, we?re smack-dab in the middle of gloomy forecasts and optimistic expectations. Now, it?s still possible the US MSRP will circle $650, but the safest bet is probably $700. And $800, as far as the digital hoarder-friendly 64 GB model is concerned.

That?s certainly not affordable per se, yet, let?s be frank, it?s fair. Quad HD or no Quad HD screen, and refined, rehashed design notwithstanding, the M9 is a beast. A Snapdragon 810, 3 GB RAM powerhouse with 20.7 MP rear camera, Android 5.0 Lollipop out the box, and 2,840 mAh battery.

Hopefully, HTC can briskly spread the love worldwide, and get their early 2015 flagship out in as many key markets as possible ahead of S6 and S6 Edge?s highly anticipated April 10 rollout. It?s the only play the underdogs have.


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