HTC has just unveiled a new flagship device, taking a leaf out of Apple's book with a larger version of its One M9 smartphone - the One M9+. Much like its smaller counterpart, the 5.2" One M9+ looks like an almost exact carbon copy of the M9 that debuted at MWC 2015 a couple of months ago. The one sign (apart from a bigger form factor) is a circular housing for the rear camera, as opposed to the square one found on the smaller 5" M9.

For those critics who may claim that HTC have played it safe once again for the M9+, the Taiwanese manufacturer has opted for a range of enviable specs to place the M9+ on par with its phablet-sized competitors. The 5.2" display touts 2K resolution, and outperforms the 1080p offered by its smaller brethren. Other noteworthy specs include an octa-core chipset, with a MediaTek Helio X10 processor pulling duty, clocking in at 2.2 GHz.

For the rear, the all-aluminium case remains, with HTC reverting back to is duo-camera orientation. The primary camera registers at 20 MP, which should prove more than adequate when snapping away. Up front is an Ultrapixel camera, as seen in the One (M8) (review), although the precise MP figure is not detailed. One other aspect which HTC is talking up, is the new fingerprint sensor integration up front (just below the screen), which works via touch and not swiping, placing it on far with the new sensor fitted to Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 edge.  

If all those specs encased in a beautiful body look enticing, sadly the One M9+ is listed for a China-only release, as HTC aims to gain more traction in that highly competitive market. For now, no further details have emerged on whether the M9+ will travel to other parts of the world.

As far as the flagship M9 goes, the local debut for the device is set to happen later today. TechSmart will be on hand to check it out, and for all the details, as well as some close-up pics, make sure to follow @TechSmartMag from 16:30 this afternoon.