We’re expecting a deluge of new HTC devices to be announced this week, but the rumours just keep coming. The latest code name to pop up on the radar is the HTC Runnymede – the place where King John signed the Magna Carta; a world changing event at the time, so it implies that this is a game changing phone. It has appeared rather recently through some photo files exif information, but the full specifications seem to have finally emerged. Pocketnow report that the HTC Runnymede will sport Android 2.3.4, a 4.7-inch (480×800) display, 1.5GHz single-core MSM8255 (same CPU as Flyer), 768MB of RAM / 16GB of storage, 8 megapixel / 720p rear-camera with dual flashes & 1.3-megapixel front-facing webcam, under 10mm thick, Sense 3.5, DLNA and will come bundled with a set Beats headphones. This may actually signal the inclusion of Beats Technology in all upcoming HTC devices. Knowing that we might see a similar specced Windows Phone announced tomorrow in the HTC Eternity, this may be a partner phone for Android users.
The specs don’t seem that extraordinary in comparison to what we have been seeing lately, but some interesting details a higher frame rate for video capture and a wide angle lens on the camera. The 4.7-inch screen size makes for a large phone, pushing the boundaries between phones and the world of media devices. HTC may be trying to bridge the gap between tablets and smartphones, offering a balance of pocket able and viewable media experience. This looks like another attempt to usurp the iPhone portable experience. Dell made a 5 inch phone which flopped flopped, so if HTC bring a 4.7 inch package with incredible sound quality will that win people over? Delineating between what is a viable mobile phone and a media device that makes calls as well, that’s the conundrum. Many will be excited about the Runnymede because of it’s newness. The latest and greatest devices will always have a draw. Practicality is the key though. Better screen resolution and clarity, 800 x 480 on a 4.7 inch screen isn’t so spectacular.
800*400 screen res, seriously !!! This is way too low for what should be a great phone.
Yes the screen resolution was pretty disapointing, must be to cut costs
This is be a good phone, but the low resolution screen should be an indication that the price will be a lot lower than the dual-core powered handsets HTC currently offers with qHD resolution displays. Think of this as a mid-range device with a massive display that won’t fit in your pocket.