HTC One Max to Ship with Android 4.3, Debut Sense 5.5 and Feature Ultr

We have been hearing reports for some time suggesting that struggling Taiwanese Phone Manufacturer HTC is getting ready to release their first “phablet” within the next few weeks. We initially published the rumored specifications for this device back in July and it seems that we now have a clearer picture of what will be powering this new phone.

2.4 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 800 SoC with a Adreno 330 GPU
A 5.9 inch 1080p Super LCD3 screen
2 GB of System RAM
2.1 Megapixel Front Camera
UltraPixel Rear Camera
16GB of built-in storage
Expandable Storage via MicroSD
3200 – 3300 mAh battery
HTC BoomSound with Beats Audio
Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, 4G LTE, TD-LTE (Asian Version Only) with 802.11 ac WiFi
Possible Rear Fingerprint Reader

The device is expected to ship with Android 4.3 JellyBean out of the box and will also include HTC’s Sense 5.5 User Interface. This phablet will also include all of the features of Sense 5 including BlinkFeed and HTC’s custom camera application for taking Zoe Images. I would not expect a Google Play Edition of this phone in the future.

You can also expect the same solid aluminum unibody housing that is currently on the HTC one as well as Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the screen which should give the phone a very premium feel. The possible introduction of a rear fingerprint reader should allow for customers to unlock their phones with little effort. Although it is not mentioned, I would also expect the device to launch with the same IR blaster found in the current HTC One line. Make no mistake, this phone is expected to be large, as pictured above next to the HTC One and HTC One Mini.

With Samsung’s and LG’s current dominance of the phablet market apparent, HTC may have their work cut out for them when it comes to marketing this phone. Early reports point to this being an AT&T exclusive at launch with other US carriers carrying the phablet shortly after. The expected launch date may be as early as September, shortly after Samsung’s expected announcement of the Note III on September 4th. At this time, there is no word on the potential pricing of this phone.