HTC One Mini 2: Premium looks for smaller pockets

After the flagship HTC One M8, it seemed inevitable that there will be a smaller, affordable miniature version. Now, with the HTC One Mini 2 out, that’s turned out to be only half true. It may look like M8, but it has just as much in common with last year’s initial HTC One Mini.

What is it?

It’s a HTC One M8 shrunken version with a few headline features missing. The design could compete with some premium handsets, but the internals are a bit prosaic — underneath a 4.5-inch 720p display sits a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor (backed by 1GB of RAM), while on the rear is a standard 13MP camera sensor.

While the Sense 6.0 UI reskin of Android 4.4.2 is here, the UltraPixel camera tech is missing.

Who is it for?

People that liked the exterior design of the HTC One M8 but either a) didn’t have big enough hands to stretch across its 5-inch screen, or b) didn’t have pockets deep enough to buy it. It is not for anyone expecting to find the M8’s premium experience.

Design

On top sits a plastic power button and headphone jack. A single 13MP camera sensor sits flush with the rear casing.No Duo Camera here, while there’s a 5MP camera for selfies. Flip the phone over and HTC's BoomSound speakers make an impressive appearance.

Using it

The 1.2GHz quad-core processor handles itself respectably, the One Mini 2 quite capably takes on graphically-intense gaming apps.

Should you buy it?

With its 1080p display, speedy processor, Sense 6 UI upgrade, it may be worth considering alongside the One Mini 2.