HTC has apparently announced another variant of its One (M8) smartphone, swapping its “ultrapixels” for a standard 13MP camera, although so far it has only appeared in China.

According to Engadget, the device is called One (M8) Eye. Otherwise, its specifications are similar to the standard One (M8).

Ahead of HTC’s press conference last week, it had been mooted that such a device would see an official debut, although instead the company took the wraps off a smartphone with dual 13MP cameras as part of its Desire portfolio.

The One (M8) Eye and Desire Eye (pictured) feature the same imaging software (Eye Experience), which is also being rolled out to One (M8) owners as part of an update.

While One (M8) has been generally well received, the ultrapixel camera technology has not been universally popular.

The company said that ultrapixel sensors capture “over 300 per cent more light than most leading 13MP cameras”, resulting in better pictures in more varied conditions.

But with the rapidly improving capabilities of most smartphone cameras, HTC’s ultrapixels have not been enough to create a significant differentiating feature.

HTC One (M8) Eye is actually similar to the vendor’s Butterfly 2, which is also targeting Asian markets. Butterfly 2, however, has a plastic body in the place of metal.