The One M9 could be here by the end of the month. Photo: HTC

HTC is yet to give us a price tag or release date for its new One M9, which was announced at Mobile World Congress earlier this month. But according to a seemingly premature retail listing, the device will cost $649 off-contract when it goes on sale later this month.

The One M9 looks just like the One M8 at first glance. Photo: HTC

HTC’s decision not to make more significant design changes to its new One M9 has been met with criticism from fans and critics, but it wasn’t just a lazy move to cut costs.

The Taiwanese company has explained that it wants all One-series smartphones to look familiar so that consumers know exactly what they are from afar. HTC wants a smartphone as recognizable as the iPhone.

“Get your hands on a bigger boom.” Photo: HTC

HTC’s BoomSound speakers are already the best smartphone speakers you can get — by far. But the Taiwanese company promises it’ll deliver an even “bigger boom” with the One M9, which makes its debut at Mobile World Congress next week.

Lollipop is on its way to the One M8. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is edging closer to release for Verizon subscribers with an HTC One M8, but it’s still going to be a few weeks before it begins its rollout. HTC has confirmed that the software is “in the lab” and it expects it to be ready in early March.

HTC hasn’t finished with the One M8 brand yet. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

HTC’s next-generation One M9 might be right around the corner, but the Taiwanese company hasn’t quite finished making the most of the One M8 brand just yet. A midrange version of last year’s flagship is still in its pipeline, sources say, and it’ll be exactly the same size as the original.