HTC's latest smartphone comes with 13 megapixel HDR camera

HTC's latest smartphone, the Desire Eye could well be the perfect handset for those focused on self-image. (HTC USA)

HTC's latest smartphone, the Desire Eye could well be the perfect handset for those focused on self-image.

That's because the handset, unveiled at a special event in New York, takes the selfie to another level: in fact, rather than cranking things up to 11, the company's taken things up to 13...megapixels.

The phone's front-facing camera is better and more powerful than the rear-facing units on pretty much 80 per cent of all current smartphones. It even has its own flash and is capable of shooting in HDR (high dynamic range). On top of that, the phone uses facial recognition technology to track up to four different people and can manipulate the image as it's being captured to ensure that all four subjects are in frame and in focus.

This feature also works in video mode so could be incredible for family Skype calls, as long as everyone can see the handset, everyone can be seen on the other end.

But perhaps the Desire Eye's best trick is that when it's not being used for impromptu self- or group portraits, it is a top specification Android smartphone with all of the same internal hardware as the company's current flagship handset, the HTC One (M8), which is essentially one of the best Android phones on sale in terms of performance, features, build quality and design.

To keep costs down and to make the handset thinner and more robust, the Desire Eye has a plastic rather than metal alloy finish and has a slightly larger 5.2-inch display. However, unlike the company's current flagship, the Desire Eye is waterproof.

All of which could make it one of the most popular high-tech gifts this holiday season.