Amid various rumors of a smaller version of the HTC One, some leaked pictures now surface to show the purported device codenamed M4.

"Mini" versions of flagship smartphones seem to be the hype nowadays and after Samsung officially unveiled its Galaxy S4 Mini, the rumor mill is again turning toward HTC and its rumored HTC One Mini handset.

The regular, full-size HTC One smartphone was codenamed the M7 and the HTC One Mini reportedly carries the codename M4. Just one week after Samsung's Galaxy S4 Mini announcement, some evidence now emerges suggesting the M4 is nearing its launch.

Estonian website Forte posted a number of leaked photos showing what it claims to be a HTC One Mini in black, posing side-by-side with its bigger brother, as The Verge first reported. The publication further details some alleged specs, including a 4.3-inch display with a 720p resolution. At 4.3 inches, the purported smartphone would only be "Mini" compared to its larger sibling.

In terms of design, the purported HTC One Mini, or M4, looks strikingly similar to the original HTC One, right down to the screen bezel and trim. That's likely why the smaller handset stars alongside its bigger brother. If it wasn't for the side-by-side shot, the Mini version could easily pass as the HTC One at a glance.

Purported specs of the HTC One Mini, meanwhile, include a dual-core processor of an unspecified clocking speed, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, the same 4-megapixel "Ultrapixel" camera found on the original HTC One, and dual stereo front speakers. While the publication makes no mention of software, the handset likely runs on the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Keep in mind, however, that HTC has yet to officially announce any plans regarding the HTC One Mini. Rumors and speculations abound, but nothing is confirmed yet so they may or may not be true. Until HTC steps up and officially unveils the smaller version of its flagship HTC One smartphone, take things with a grain of salt. The rumor mill is always busy churning, but it's not always accurate. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini went through the same rumor treatment with various leaks and speculations which turned out to be true. The HTC One Mini might pop up soon enough in a similar fashion.