HTC One M9 'Hima' release date, price, specs rumours UK: HTC Hima to be 7mm octa-core beast with Sense 7.0 - and look out for the HTC One M9 Hima Plus

HTC One M9 release date, price and specs rumours

The HTC One M8 is a great smartphone but this is where we gather together all the latest news and rumours about the HTC One M9 release date, price, specs.This is the HTC One Hima release date rumours page.See also: (The best smartphones: The best phones you can buy in 2015.) Updated with details of the HTC One M9 Hima Plus

We love the HTC One M8: a splendid smartphone with great and stylish build. And now we are getting excited about the next great thing. We know almost nothing about the HTC One M9, but this is the page on which we will collate information and rumour as it comes in. The rumours are strong with this one: welcome to our HTC One M9 'HTC Hima' release date, price, specs page. Read also:Samsung Galaxy S6 release date, features and specs rumours.

HTC One M9 name: it's the 'HTC Hima'

@upleaks has reported that HTC will no longer be using its confusing M codenames. It says that rather than the M9, the next flagship HTC phone will now be known as 'Hima'. Whether that means HTC Hima or HTC One Hima we couldn't yet say.

HTC One M9 rumours: but there could also be a HTC One M9 Hima Plus

Recently there has been a space of reports about another device, known as the Hima Ace, or Hima Plus. It's possible this is simply another codename for the HTC One M9, but the suggestion it is a version of the new phone, with similar specs but a larger 5.5in Quad HD display and no visible bezel. Also see: HTC Hima Ace Plus UK release date, price and specs rumours.

HTC One M9 / HTC Hima release date

HTC has settled into a nice pattern of launching its flagship phone in the Spring, in the weeks after the MWC show. (It made no show at January's CES 2015.) In 2015 MWC takes place in the first week of March, and we expect the HTC One M9 to launch in March of 2015. Availability in the UK is likely to follow a couple of weeks later. (See also: 34 best Android smartphones in UK: What's the best Android phone you can buy in 2014?)

And expect a Windows version of the HTC One M9 to launch in the middle of next year, Microsoft fans. Also see: Best Windows phones 2014/2015.

HTC One M9 / HTC Hima price

Again HTC has been consistent in its pricing of its top end HTC One smartphones. The original HTC One M7 went on sale for around £500 before settling back to £450. Fast-forward to the HTC One M8 and the original SRP was £550, although you can now get it much cheaper if you shop around.

Components get cheaper over time, but inflation goes up, and the cost of shipping and R&D needs to be met. Let's face it: HTC needs to make a decent wedge from each handset. The next-gen HTC Hima will have flagship specs, so expect it to retail for something between £500 and £600. But also expect the price to drop back after launch. (See also: 8 cheapest 4G smartphones in the UK 2014: Best budget 4G phones.)

HTC One M9 / HTC Hima specs

Again we are reliant upon a leak from the usually spot on @upleaks, as reported around the web. The HTC Hima is rumored to pack a 5in 1080p Super LCD3 display and Snapdragon 810 chip.The latter offers an octa-core processor with 4 Cortex-A57 cores at 2.0GHz and 4 Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5GHz, Adreno 430 GPU and 3GB of RAM. Expect 16-, 32- and 64GB storage options.

We're also told that it will be extremely slim: just 7mm for an octocore smartphone with a large HD display. (See also: What's the fastest smartphone 2014: processor, graphics, web performance comparison.)

Rumour has it there will be a 13Mp front- and 20.7Mp rear camera on the new HTC One. The phone will be capable of 4K (UHD) video recording, too.

The battery is expected to offer 2840mAh capacity, while the HTC One M9/HTC Hima will run Android 5.0 Lollipop with the new HTC Sense 7.0.

More details from upleaks suggest the HTC One M9 will measure 144.3x69.4x9.56mm and be availablein Dark Gunmetal, Silver/Gold, Gold and Dark Gunmetal/Gold. 9.56mm is pretty chunky for a flagship smartphone, so we're more convinced by the 7mm rumour.

Official accessories for the HTC One M9 include: Active Headset, DotView, DecoStand Case, Clear Case, Active Case and Premium Screen Protector.