Images of an alleged “near-final prototype” Moto X+1 indicate the much-anticipated sequel to Motorola’s popular flagship will deliver a larger display and a better camera. The device is also expected to sport a more premium form factor with an aluminum chassis that isn’t completely unlike the HTC One’s.

These images were obtained by Android Police from a source who claims they are of a pre-production Moto X+1. It certainly bears a resemblance to the existing Moto X, so we have no reason to doubt those claims, but there are lots of significant changes and improvements all round.

In addition to a larger Full HD (1080p) screen — the display on this model is said to measure 5.1 inches — the Moto X+1 is also expected to have a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 2,900mAh battery. It may also get substantial camera upgrades, including a 12-megapixel sensor on its back and a 5-megapixel sensor on its front.

Some of its biggest changes will be to its design, however. It appears Motorola has replaced the handset’s plastic chassis with a svelte aluminum one, which has antennas embedded in its edges and bulges out at the back, like the HTC One. The Motorola logo is appears to be embedded into the metal, and while its back cover will still be replaceable, the logo will remain fixed.

Another change is the presence of two LED flash modules that sit either side of the massive camera lens on the back of the device.

We cannot confirm that this is a genuine Moto X+1 prototype, unfortunately, or that it bears any resemblance to the final design of the device. But it certainly looks like the real deal.

• SourceAndroid Police