HTC’s next flagship phone, codenamed Ocean, will feature sensors embedded in its frame that will allow users to control various aspects of the device using gestures like squeezing or swiping. These gestures and actions will be completely customisable by the user as well.

While OEMs like Samsung, LG, and Apple are planning on releasing bezel-less smartphones this year, HTC seems to be taking a different approach. It will be interesting to see if HTC’s approach ends up being better than its competitors or not.

A similar concept device was previously seen in one of HTC’s leaked video last year. The device will be called HTC U and feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chipset. It will also feature a 5.5-inch WQHD display at the front.

More cool HTC stuff here (including the tablet that launched @evleaks): https://t.co/S3WaZkeog9
Check it out before it gets pulled! pic.twitter.com/YJwmZb0Sje

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 20, 2016

As for the camera setup, it will be similar to what is currently found on the U Ultra, but HTC will be swapping the sensors for a newer model from Sony. More specifically, the U will sport Sony’s IMX362 sensor at the rear and a 16MP IMX351 sensor at the front. The handset will be available in 64GB and 128GB storage variants, though a microSD card will also be present.

HTC will be unveiling the U in mid to late April, with the handset expected to hit retail stores in early May. When it does launch, the device will be running on Sense 9 based on Android 7.1 Nougat.

Do you think HTC’s U sounds more interesting than the likes of the Galaxy S8 and LG G6? Are you still interested in an HTC device?