Malaysia gets a blast from the past as HTC finally releases the One M8 EYE

In an unprecedented move, the Taiwanese mobile manufacturer has brought the One M8 EYE to Malaysia – more than a year after it’s been released in other Asian markets. Doc Brown for one would surely reserve a “Great Scott!” for moments like these. The makers said that “in light of the increasing demands in the mid-range segments, HTC is bringing on its renowned One series”. Does it make the cut, a full 4 quarters later?

It’s been 10 months since we saw the One M8 EYE on SIRIM‘s listing, leading us to believe it would’ve been launched in timely fashion but we guess 10 months was short enough for the smartphone manufacturer. Essentially, the same metal-clad flagship (One M8) but receiving some changes in the camera department on the rear. So that removes the infamous Ultrapixel Duo Camera on the back, replacing the mediocre main camera with a 13-megapixel lens. The front is maintained at a 5-megapixel lens.

Everything else about the device is the same. To recap, the device is a 5-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display, it runs a 2.3GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, and is coupled with 2GB of RAM. There is also just 16GB of internal storage but that’s easily mediated with the available microSD slot. Offering one of the most distinctive audio experiences, the typical HTC BoomSound speakers are present here too.

Although a latecomer, it still has 4G LTE available in the form of a nano SIM slot and runs Sense 6 on top of Android 5.0. It also comes with a 2,600 mAh battery to keep it running. Priced at RM 1,399 (w/ GST) it could possibly still give other devices a run for the money; but then again, it’s a year old. If you’d like to pick it up, head over to a major retailer to take a closer look at the Gunmetal Grey version.

Would you bother?