HTC reportedly will adopt an old Qualcomm processor, the quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ 8064, for production of its first large-size HTC One Max to be launched in October 2013, according to sources in the supply chain.

　　Some sources said that HTC is being forced to use the old CPU model because it is unable to secure sufficient supply of Qualcomm's high-end Snapdragon 800 processors, given that a handful of other brands, including Sony Mobile Communications, LG Electronics, Asustek Computer, Acer and Xiaomi Technology have all decided to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 family CPUs for most of their smartphone models to be launched in the second half of 2013.

　　But others claimed that there is no shortage in Snapdragon 800 processors since Qualcomm has already ramped up production to meet increasing demand, and HTC has chosen the Snapdragon S4 CPU simply out of cost concern.

　　The adoption of an old CPU model could undermine HTC's brand image, and therefore will affect sales of the HTC One Max, commented the sources.

　　The HTC One Max will come with a 5.9-inch display targeting the mid-range segment.