Just days ago, HTC announced its new 10 handset, and the device has been making major headlines ever since: About its all new design, its high spec internals, and especially its premium price. It seems the news is unlikely to stop any time soon however, with today bringing in new content about confusing HTC 10 Lifestyle specs. The latest however, comes from Taiwanese site ePrice which claims the elusive HTC 10 red-color variant will be a Japan exclusive, adding more credibility to rumors that had already begun to circulate.
Specifically, the Red 10 is supposed to be tied to KDDI au, one of the countries three major carriers. au, which occupies the third spot of the trio, has enjoyed a long history with HTC products. The color is said to be called, Camellia Red and indeed it is distinctive, though the front panel is still black. As of the time this piece is published, neither KDDI au nor HTC’s Japanese website even mention the existence of the new smartphone period, let alone have mention of a red variant.
For those about to turn red with green envy at the prospect of such a product being particular to Japan, consider that the Huawei Nexus 6P in Gold was originally “exclusive” to Japan but eventually released in the USA. Even HTCs own products, such as the original Butterfly, was originally said to be a Japan exclusive but made its way to Asia. Suffice to say that the red color model will probably be released in a more global – or at least Asian – context later in the year, though at the moment this is just speculation.
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HTC and Japan
Japan’s history with HTC is quite curious to say the least. Over the past decade or so, the Taiwanese OEM has released independent devices – such as the HTC Shift, along with various Windows Mobile devices. The first Android device released in Japan was made by HTC and actually sold by NTT docomo – the country’s largest carrier. Shortly thereafter, however, it then jumped over to Softbank – the current owner of Sprint – which was the exclusive carrier of the HTC Desire and HTC Desire HD. After that, the OEM moved to KDDI au where it has been ever since.
Numerous au devices have been releasing numerous devices including the Butterfly series, and even the first One (M7) which was modified for Japan to have a removable back plate that allowed for microSD support, something that was absent from all other regions, though it did hit China. For reference the One J (M7) was also released in Red.
Japan’s HTC One J (M7) which included microSD support.
More recently, HTC has begun to sell devices here SIM-Free, including the Desire EYE and Desire 626. It is currently unknown as to if the HTC 10 (Red) would be offered in such a fashion, unlocked for those interested in importing. Most likely however, those burning for the possibly exclusive color will need to purchase an unlocked carrier model from eBay or other sources.
This in and of itself, tends to be problematic as (1) KDDI au refuses to unlock phones unless they have been used for 6 months from purchase, and (2) KDDI au provides next-to-no updates whatsoever for its product line-up, thus anyone who would purchases the 10 in Red could be waiting a long time for Android N, assuming it ever makes it out period. Then there’s the obscene amount of carrier bloatware that Japanese telecoms like to include.
The original One (M7) was released in Japan in a red-color variant, for reference.
At the very least, this new color potential offers a bit more variety than the more commonplace black, white, and gold makes that have been so popular these days.
Are you excited about a potential red HTC 10? Would you buy it for you or a loved one? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Source: ANDRIOD AUTHORITY