Before announcing the One M9 at an event today in Barcelona, HTC was keen to emphasize design, with a video that detailed the company’s previous efforts. Starting with the M7 and eventually leading up to its latest flagship device, the video was meant to tell you only one thing – HTC is really serious about design. This has been evident in their products ever since the M7, the leading design that has trickled down really well in their portfolio, even with different materials in devices like the Desire 820. The Re camera is also an example of good design, where ergonomics have taken higher preference. In the One M9’s case, it’s metal. As we had mentioned in our hands on, the One M9 is a product of refinement, with subtle changes in design that easily escape attention. So here are some photos that give you a closer look at the HTC One M9.
Starting with the sides, it was interesting to note that HTC had used two differently angled brush strokes for the silver-gold variant. The dual tone finish is from a single piece of metal, but with a clear difference, in not just color, but texture too. The hair-brushed metal has gone through over 70 steps, in 300 production minutes and is given hand-finished touches by a craftsman, according to the company.
Here’s another clear look at the difference in treatment. To HTC’s credit, this is something complex to achieve, which they have done, but at the same time, the decision to have a different brush stroke has forced sharper edges on the device. From our time with the device, it was clear that the edges were quite sharp on the hands, a far cry from the slippery smooth M8. However, the flatter sides also improve grip. The color variants other than silver gold have a mirror polished finish, which is slightly smoother and devoid of edges as sharp.
Here you can see the attention to detail that has gone into the individual treatment of different parts of the device. The buttons, with chamfered edges, sport a similar texture as the raised bevel that supports the glass.
The distinctively raised platform holds the glass and casts a slim shadow on the other part.
Unlike the One M8, the M9’s face is all metal and glass, with even a metal border running around the screen (the One M8 had only glass). The texture on this piece is matte, which is soft to touch.
The power button has finally moved to the side, but to distinguish it from the other buttons, it has a nice little circular pattern.
The ports too get the same metal-matte-texture treatment. We also notice the bands running through, which improve antenna performance.
The One M9 is luxurious, indeed, and what HTC has done to achieve this level of perfection in detail is commendable. But with renewed competition from Samsung and the looming threat of the next iPhone, HTC have a tough battle in their hands. Aesthetics are just part of the story, arguably a big part in the One M9’s, but still, just a part., so it will be interesting to see how the other aspects play out, in comparison. Until we find out, let us know if you have any questions about the One M9 and we will try to gather as much as possible.