The Proto that we told you about earlier this month is back — and this time, we've got pictures. HTC has been nearly silent on the global phone scene since its big One series event at February's Mobile World Congress, and it stands to reason that the Proto might be a member of its next volley. We don't have a retail name yet, but the specs suggest that it could follow the One V: a 4-inch WVGA display, 5-megapixel camera, and 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor wrapped in a 9.62mm-thick shell. Speaking of the shell, one area where the Proto doesn't follow the One V is design — there's not a hint of the "chin" here, instead opting for a rounded, flowing case that more closely mimics the higher-end models in the One range.

We don't yet know when or where the Proto (and any possible stablemates) might be introduced, but IFA — where rival Samsung is expected to have a big showing with its Galaxy Note II — is a possibility. The show kicks off next week in Berlin.