New HTC One will have two back cameras

HTC may be going through a rough patch, but it seems determined to get back into the game. Their upcoming new flagship models seems to have something that we haven't seen yet: two cameras in the back.

At first, I thought (feared!) it would be yet another 3D camera gimmick. But the different sized cameras makes me think that's not the case, at least not primary motive (for that, we would expect to have two similar cameras - although even with different spec cameras they'll still be able to create Lytro style 3D images. One could also speculate maybe it would be something like FLIR's thermal vision module; which would be interesting, but not immediately appealing for most people in a consumer produtc (not to mention the added cost).

So, we'll need to hope it's some kind of enhanced low-light sensor that can take pictures in the dark (something like that color night vision camera would be amazing!) and that will make HTC stand out from every other device on the market.

We also get dual-tone color flash like we have on the iPhone 5S for improved natural looking colors even when you use the flash. But the key part is: what is HTC up to with its two back cameras in this new HTC One? We'll find out soon!

Galaxy S4 Screen vs HTC One

First of all, keep in mind that any of the most recent series of high-end smartphones with FullHD screens is... absolutely amazing and mesmerizing. But even so, someone had to go and put the pentile SuperAMOLED screen of the Galaxy S4 next to a FullHD screen like the one found on the new HTC One.

The key is that Samsung didn't (couldn't?) use the SuperAMOLED Plus technology with RGB subpixels, and instead shaved off a few of them using a pentile pattern instead. Sure, at these high PPI (pixels per inch) you won't really notice it... unless you really "picky" about it. And you can't forget to consider that AMOLED screens do hold some advantages in power efficiency (in black background images), contrast, and color.

But even so, let's hope Samsung figures out a way to make FullHD superAMOLED "Plus" screens for smartphones and tablets, with all the subpixels, and make these discussions go away.