HTC Launches the One M9+ Supreme Camera Edition
Today, HTC launched the One M9+ Supreme Camera Edition. The rather verbose and mildly surreal name probably gives away what this phone is, which is a variant of the One M9+ with some significant changes to the camera. The spec sheet below should give a pretty good idea for what to expect.
| HTC One M9+ | HTC One M9+ Supreme Camera Edition | |
| SoC | MT6795 2.2GHz 8xA53 MediaTek Helio X10 | MT6795 2.2GHz 8xA53 MediaTek Helio X10 |
| RAM/NAND | 3GB LPDDR3 32GB NAND + microSD |
3GB LPDDR3 32GB NAND + microSD |
| Display | 5.2” 1440p IPS LCD | 5.2” 1440p IPS LCD |
| Network | 2G / 3G / 4G LTE (MediaTek Category 4 LTE) | 2G / 3G / 4G LTE (MediaTek Category 4 LTE) |
| Dimensions | 150.99 x 71.99 x 9.61mm 168g | 150.99 x 71.99 x 9.61mm 168g |
| Camera | 20MP Rear Facing w/ 1.12 µm pixels, 1/2.4" CMOS size, f/2.2, 27.8mm (35mm effective) 2MP Duo cam 4MP Front Facing, 2.0 µm pixels, f/2.0 26.8mm (35mm effective |
21MP Rear Facing w/ 1.12 µm pixels, 1/2.4" CMOS size, f/2.2, 27.8mm (35mm effective) Laser AF + PDAF + OIS 4MP Front Facing, 2.0 µm pixels, f/2.0 26.8mm (35mm effective) |
| Battery | 2840 mAh (10.79 Whr) | 2840 mAh (10.79 Whr) |
| Connectivity | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.1, GNSS, NFC, DLNA, microUSB 2.0 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.1, GNSS, NFC, DLNA, microUSB 2.0 |
| SIM Size | NanoSIM | NanoSIM |
As you can see, the big change here is the camera. Instead of the 2.1MP secondary camera, HTC has added an IR laser rangefinder for short distances, which should dramatically speed up auto-focus in low light and macro shots. The sensor is now a Sony IMX230 with phase detect auto focus, so in conditions with good light it should be possible for the sensor to traverse straight to in-focus instead of bracketing the in-focus point with contrast detection. However, the optical characteristics are unchanged from the One M9 and M9+ with an f/2.2 aperture likely to keep edge distortions under control. OIS is also added to improve low light performance for still photos and improve video stability.
The One M9+ Supreme Camera edition will go on sale in Taiwan on October 6th for $630 USD in gunmetal grey and two-tone silver/gold. This is likely to remain an Asia-only variant, although we may see a similar camera in future devices.