Official HTC One A9 Smartphone Looks Like An iPhone Dipped In Marshmallow, Costs $400 For Limited Time

The One A9 is powered by Qualcomm’s new octa-core Snapdragon 617 processor, which includes an integrated Snapdragon X8 LTE controller. You’ll find a 5-inch edge-to-edge Full HD AMOLED display that’s covered in Gorilla Glass 4. It includes an integrated fingerprint reader and for those that have been disappointed with recent smartphone releases, you’ll be glad to know that a microSD slot is integrated into the design (it supports up to 2TB). Other features include 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, a 2150mAh battery, a 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus, optical image stabilization, and RAW capture capabilities. You’ll also find HTC BoomSound, a built-in DAC which pushes out 24-bit, 192KHz audio and high-output headphone amplifier.

HTC has been accused of directly pirating the look of Apple’s iPhone 6/6s with its new One A9. However, that’s not exactly a fair comparison, as the iPhone 6 cribbed a little of the design aesthetic from HTC’s “One” flagships of years past — perhaps this is simply payback? But with silliness out of the way, we can say that the One A9 is no doubt a handsome smartphone with its brushed metal and glass construction. 

The HTC One A9, which will be the first non-Nexus smartphone to ship from the factory with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, will rollout during the first week in November in the United States. HTC will also release the One A9 Unlocked Edition that comes carrier unlocked and with an unlocked bootloader, which is great for enthusiasts that want to use their phone on their carrier of choice, and tweak it their heart’s content without voiding the manufacturer warranty.

HTC also says that the One A9 Unlocked Edition will gain access to all the latest Android updates from Google within 15 days of their release, which is a big plus for those that are concerned about Android security woes. And that’s not all, the Unlocked Edition also comes with six months of Google Play Music service and UH OH Protection, which has you covered with one free device replacement during the first 12 months of ownership (after all, accidents happen).

The HTC One A9 is available for pre-order right now, direct from HTC for $399 in Opal Silver and Carbon Gray. Deep Garnet and Topaz Gold color options will be made available within the next few weeks.