HTC launches bigger, QHD One M9+

HTC has launched a higher-specification version of its One M9, the One M9+. The handset, currently only available in China, has had its specifications boosted across the board, including a higher resolution screen and a fingerprint scanner.

The headline features include the 1,440×2,560 pixel screen, which puts it in line with the new Samsung Galaxy S6, as well as a larger 5.2in form factor. This gives it a pixel density of 565ppi, which is a big bump over the M9’s 441ppi.

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There’s a new octa-core MediaTek MT6795T processor, too, clocked at 2.2GHz, which is paired with 3GB of RAM. There’s a 20-megapixel “duo” rear-facing camera and 4-megapixel front-facing sensors are included. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that the battery remains the same size as the regular-sized phone, at 2,840mAh. With a larger, higher resolution screen, this is likely to have an impact on overall battery life.

The front-facing BoomSound speakers remain, although the grilles at the bottom are now split in half by a physical home button that includes a fingerprint scanner, much like the one found on the Galaxy S6. The handset will be available in grey, silver and gold colours

The firm has a track record of launching larger phones in Asia, including the One E9+, that never make it to European shores, so don’t get your hopes up about this bigger handset appearing in UK stores.

Still, after the rather unambitious One M9 that was a very minor upgrade over last year’s One M8, this larger handset looks a little more like what we were hoping for from HTC’s 2015 lineup.