Skip to main content

HTC may enter the ‘mini’ phone battle against Samsung and Apple [Updated]

htc-one-mini-sizeCheck out our review of the HTC One Mini smartphone.

It’s no secret that HTC has been busily working away on creating a ‘mini’ version of its flagship One phone. While the One has definitely improved the dismal sales the company has been experiencing, a more affordable smartphone may be just what the company needs to pick itself up from this slump.

According to a report from Bloomberg, the smaller device is a direct challenger for the yet-to-come Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini which, though still technically unofficial, snuck its way onto Samsung’s website recently, but has since disappeared. While the report hasn’t revealed any additional details about the devices specs that we haven’t already heard, it hints at HTC gearing up for an aggressive campaign against competitive miniature devices, which will not only include the upcoming S4 Mini, but the supposed iPhone Mini as well.

The HTC One Mini is likely to be a nearly identical replica to the current flagship, but with a 4.3-inch screen rather than 4.7 inches, and a 720p display instead of a 1080p. The processor will also be cut in half; whereas the One has a quad-core processor, the Mini is expected to have a dual-core. And storage for the miniature phone will peak at about 16GB, which isn’t too bad, all things considered.

We’re expecting to see the phone debut in August, which is right on point with both the iPhone Mini and S4 Mini’s anticipated release. With three big releases in a row, for affordable versions of the types of phone many people are lusting after, success for each company is going to be part brand loyalty and part smart marketing. We’re eager to see how each goes about the latter of the two because, let’s face it, when manufacturers go after each other, the results can be entertaining.

Updated by Jeffrey Van Camp on 6-12-2013: Engadget has obtained a supposed image of the HTC One Mini. It’s impossible to verify if this is accurate, but it looks like you’d expect – just like the HTC One, just smaller. 

Article originally published on 6-11-2013.

Joshua Pramis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Spending a childhood engrossed in such technologically inspiring television shows like Voltron, Small Wonder, and Power…
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15
A green iPhone 15 on a green bench.

Apple’s iPhone lineup continues to be among its bestselling products. In 2023, we got the iPhone 15, which packs some of Apple’s latest and greatest tech and starts at $800.

The iPhone 15 is one of the easiest iPhone recommendations in 2024. But if you're open to a few other suggestions, there are some great alternatives to consider — including cheaper iPhone options and some really compelling Android phones. Here are five other phones you should consider buying instead of the iPhone 15.
iPhone 14

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the Google Pixel 8
A person holding the Google Pixel 8, showing the back of the phone.

The Google Pixel 8 is a well-received Android-based smartphone. However, there are reasons why you might not choose it and opt for something else. Perhaps its 6.2-inch display does not meet your requirements, or its camera system does not match your expectations. It could also be possible that you would prefer a phone released in 2024 instead of one launched late last year.

If you’re not interested in buying the Google Pixel 8, several alternative phones may be more suitable for your needs. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has the same-sized display as the Pixel 8 but with better internals. Alternatively, you could consider the OnePlus 12R, which offers a bigger display and better internals at a lower price. And that's just scratching the surface.

Read more
AT&T just made it a lot easier to upgrade your phone
AT&T Storefront with logo.

Do you want to upgrade your phone more than once a year? What about three times a year? Are you on AT&T? If you answered yes to those questions, then AT&T’s new “Next Up Anytime” early upgrade program is made for you. With this add-on, you’ll be able to upgrade your phone three times a year for just $10 extra every month. It will be available starting July 16.

Currently, AT&T has its “Next Up” add-on, which has been available for the past several years. This program costs $6 extra per month and lets you upgrade by trading in your existing phone after at least half of it is paid off. But the new Next Up Anytime option gives you some more flexibility.

Read more