HTC Sensation Redux To Sport Beats By Dre Audio?

Since HTC’s purchase of a majority stake in Beats Electronics, the big question was which of their snazzy new handsets would be the first to benefit from an audio overhaul. Rumor had it that the Vigor may be the first to get a taste of the Dr. Dre treatment, but according to a leaked spec sheet, it may be a refreshed version of HTC’s Sensation that nabs the distinction.

Perhaps best known for being one of the first handsets to be privy to HTC’s bootloader unlock process, the HTC Sensation may see new life as a special edition model, CNET reports.

The spec sheet outlines a bump in processing power (1.5 GHz, compared to the original 1.2), onboard memory (4 GB, up from 2), and a more robust battery. The device will reportedly debut with a £520 ($846) price point sans contract, which can largely be explained by the inclusion of Beats tech.

If true, the new Sensation will sport audio processing that promises optimized sound quality, and a nifty pair of in-ear headphones with remote control. UK customers hankering for the updated device can expect to nab one for free (!) with the signing of a two year contract.

With pricing details already in place, the Special Edition Sensation seems poised for a launch sooner rather than later. While the slide deck all but guarantees a UK launch, the hardware refresh could also soon find its way to China — the device is listed as having support for the TD-SCDMA network, which is the hallmark of China’s wireless industry.