14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is one of the few handset makers that continue to launch high-end Windows Phone devices. However, the last flagship smartphone powered by its operating system comes from HTC and the next one might be released by the same Taiwanese company.
The HTC One M8 for Windows that we have already reviewed is one of the best smartphones running Windows Phone, but the fact that it was launched exclusively at Verizon Wireless might have hurt its sales.
Even though the Verizon-branded variant of HTC One M8 for Windows can be purchased in Europe now, there still are many consumers who prefer their phones to be unlocked.
It’s very possible that HTC did not think a Windows Phone high-end device would be so popular among smartphones fans, otherwise it would have released the One M8 for Windows worldwide.
Luckily, the Taiwanese company won’t be hesitating next time it launches a top-tier smartphone. According to the latest hearsay, HTC Hima will be the handset maker’s next flagship and will replace the “One” family of high-end phones.
The good news is that there will be more than one version of HTC Hima launched next year. A document leaked online via @upleaks mentions a certain HTC Hima that might be powered by Windows Phone operating system.
This isn’t really a surprise given HTC’s past history with One M8, which was launched in both Android and Windows Phone versions. Still, given HTC’s desire to continue to launch Windows Phone handsets, we assume that One M8 proved quite popular among customers.
The smartphone is likely to be launched in the United States first
Depending on when exactly the HTC Hima with Windows Phone is released on the market, it could be even more powerful than the One M8.
The fact that Microsoft is still missing a proper flagship device could help HTC Hima’s sales, especially if it goes on sale worldwide.
What we know so far is the fact that HTC Hima with Windows Phone will be launched at some major carriers in the United States, such as Verizon and AT&T.
There’s no mention of a global version, but it would be a huge mistake for HTC to not bring its Windows Phone handset in Europe at least, considering this is where Windows Phone has the largest market share.
Moving on to specs, the HTC Hima with Windows Phone will have the same specs as the Android version, meaning it will sport a 5.0-inch full HD (1080p) capacitive touchscreen display and a 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera.
On the inside, the smartphone will be armed with a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, an Adreno 430 graphics processing unit, and 3GB of RAM.
Last but not least, there’s a high chance that this version of HTC Hima will be launched with the Windows Phone 10 operating system out of the box. If not, then HTC will certainly offer a software upgrade at some point after release.
