HTC Snap with Inner Circle Challenges BlackBerry Bold for Smartphone Supremacy

HTC is no stranger to the smartphone market, having produced numerable handsets for several years now. However, HTC still finds itself hanging out in the shadow of Research in Motion and BlackBerry, so it’s taking direct aim at the Bold with the announcement of the HTC Snap.

Once again powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard, the HTC Snap is a stylish and slim alternative to the BlackBerry devices and Nokia E71s of the world. It measures 12mm thick and features a smooth QWERTY keyboard. It seems that there is also a trackball-like navigational thing in the middle, once again taking target at the Bold.

One of the unique features of the HTC Snap is what HTC calls its “Inner Circle” email prioritization system. With Inner Circle, you can define a group of high priority contacts. Tap the appropriate button and emails from these contacts will float to the top of your overflowing inbox. The North American version of the HTC Snap will likely be sold as the HTC S522.

Running down the spec sheet, you’ll find the Qualcomm MSM 7225 processor (528MHz), 256MB ROM, 192MB RAM, microSDHC slot, 2.4″ QVGA display, HSDPA/WCDMA, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, GPS/aGPS, and a 1500mAh battery. The Snap (S522) measure 4.59″ x 2.42″ x 0.47″ and weighs 4.23 ounces with the battery.

Look for the HTC S522 (HTC Snap) to launch with AT&T this summer.