It looks like the HTC One X may enjoy a relatively short-lived run as this Taiwanese manufacturer`s flagship handset, because a new device is apparently being developed ahead of a launch before the end of 2012.
The One X was one of the first smartphones to feature a quad core processor when it arrived in the spring, with its 1.5GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 processor giving it much more power than the last generation of dual core smartphones.
However, rumours now suggest that the One X will be pushed from the top of the ladder by HTC`s new device, the Endeavour C2. No, we’re not talking about the C2 Green Tea Iced Tea, but it’s what most analysts think as the follow-up the One X.
The major difference between the two phones is that the Endeavour C2 will feature a faster clock speed than that of its predecessor, with HTC pushing it up to 1.7GHz across all four cores.
Although the power of the device should be that little bit more impressive, the C2 will allegedly feature better battery life than its energy-hungry precursor.
Early reports from Stuff suggest that the Endeavour C2 will actually be the same size as the One X, which means it will feature a 4.7 inch HD touchscreen display as well as the same unibody alloy chassis.
This is definitely a sensible move on HTC`s part because it means that all of the accessories which were compatible with the One X, such as protective cases, will also fit the Endeavour C2.
The C2 retail package will apparently contain a pair of Dr Dre-endorsed UrBeats headphones, which is a nice touch since HTC actually owns Beats Audio outright and has been known to bundle high end accessories like this with previous smartphone launches.
The C2 could be on sale as soon as October, which means that the One X will hopefully fall in price significantly once it has been effectively superseded.
You can expect that HTC will also include Android 4.1 as standard on the C2, replacing the outgoing 4.0 iteration of Google`s mobile operating system.
Of course some might be concerned about the speed with which HTC seems to be replacing its high end devices, particularly after it promised that it would be slowing down its launch schedule in 2012 after having a particularly hectic 2011.
It experienced a slump in sales and profits after it arguably swamped the market with too many devices, which left consumers confused last year and caused it to rethink its strategy.
The C2`s main competitor will still be the Samsung Galaxy S3, which remains dominant in terms of raw sales figures. HTC still has the premium build quality of its One X on its side, although at the moment it lacks the same efficiency when it comes to battery life when compared to Samsung.
The C2 should be able to address this and also throw in a more powerful processor at the same time. Fans of HTC can only hope that this new model appears on the best mobile phone deals so that they can get affordable access to this new flagship device.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
