iFixit’s HTC One M9 teardown shows a phone just as infuriating to repair as last year’s model

iFixit has long been a fabulous resource for definitive smartphone teardowns. You guys may remember that not too long ago, they even launched Android dedicated section on their site where regular users, such as yourself, can snap pics of any repairs you do on your device to share with others.

Now we already got a look at a sort of rough HTC One M9 teardown last week. The video was a tad overexposed and out of focus, but it got the job done. Definitely not as comprehensive as iFixit’s usual step-by-step process. The one thing last week’s video and iFixit agree on: the HTC One M9’s display is hard as balls to fix.

According to iFixit, the One M9 gets a few points for ditching a lot of the sticky tape found on the One M8, but loses even more points for continuing to use “intense” adhesives that make removing components tough and even dangerous in some cases. When it comes to replacing the display — the most common smartphone component in need of repairs — you’ll have to tunnel through the entire phone just to replace it. Not cool.

In the end, iFixit was not at all amused with HTC’s infuriating internal design and even joked that HTC should be an acronym for “Has To Change,” The HTC One M9 received a repairability score of 2 out 10. Suddenly, it makes sense why the HTC offers that amazing Uh Oh protection because, let’s be honest, ain’t no way in hell any normal person is going to be repairing their One M9 should the screen break.

[iFixit]

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge’s base model could start at 64GB in the UK

An interesting revelation was made over at Samsung’s site for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. While the company mentioned that 32GB, 64GB and 128GB options for the phones would be available, they’re listing the Edge variant with just 64GB and 128GB options for the UK. That could suggest the Edge variant will come with 64GB as standard.

One plausible explanation could be that the S6 Edge will have a higher base cost than the normal edition so Samsung decided it would be best to give people more for their money. We’ve seen that pricing model in the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Samsung Galaxy Note Edge so it wouldn’t be a shock to see it repeated here.

Of course, we could just be jumping way ahead of ourselves and this could all be a mistake. It’s also worth remembering that this could specifically be for the UK and we might not see the same structuring for other markets. We’ll do our darnedest to find out from Samsung themselves, though, and will update this post if we find out anything more.

[via SamMobile]

Alleged model numbers of 3 mysterious Motorola devices spotted with 2K displays

As we inch ever closer to the Motorola Moto X 2014’s year anniversary, it only makes new info surrounding the expected followup would begin leaking out onto the webs. While we’re not entirely sure if this qualifies as a leak, it’s piqued our curiosity. Especially after rumors of a 3rd generation Moto X camera were allegedly leaked earlier today.

Over the weekend, a Reddit user posted the model numbers of a few reported Motorola devices, one (or all) of which could be the 3rd generation Moto X. He apparently discovered them in his “analytics system” (we’re guessing it’s something similar to Android’s developer console) going by the model numbers XT1578, XT1585, and XT192A. All of the devices originated in or near the Chicago area (where Motorola’s HQ is located), all reportedly pack 2K Quad HD displays, all are running Android 5.1, and all are all headed to Verizon Wireless.

While it’s easy to assume these could be another trio of next-gen Motorola devices for 2015 — the Moto E, Moto G, and Moto X — it’s the Quad HD displays that are throwing us off. We’re not sure what Motorola is planning, or even if this leak is legit (the Reddit users created a throwaway account to post the above info), but it’ll be interesting to see what comes out of these model numbers as the months progress.

[Reddit]

OnePlus 2 rumored for a July unveiling at a price higher than last year’s model

OnePlus 2 is gearing up for a summer launch. We know this because OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei told us last year during a Reddit AMA that they were aiming for a Q2/Q3 launch for the followup to last year’s OnePlus One. But we still don’t have a specific date, despite the phone recently hitting its 1-year anniversary.

That hasn’t stopped OnePlus from getting the hype train rolling, teasing the OP 2 and early access for participants willing to jump through a few hoops (contests). Today, we’re could be getting a clearer picture of exactly when OnePlus will at least formally announce the phone, with sources out of MyDrivers pinning an official unveiling for July.

What’s more is sources claim to know the expected pricing: 1,999 Chinese Yuan, or somewhere around 2 US dollars for the base model. In other words, expect the phone to launch for a little more than last year’s OnePlus One, probably closer to 0 base. Remember, the original OnePlus One launched at 0 for the 16GB model, but also had a 64GB version for only 0. At that time, that was absolutely unheard of, especially for a device offering that much storage.

In either case, we’re certainly excited to see what OnePlus will unveil and yes, you’ll initially need an invite to pick one up. Rumors currently point to the phone coming equipped with a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 810 CPU, 3GB of RAM, 13MP camera, and a 3,300mAh battery.