We spend so much time looking forward at the next generation of mobile devices (or theorising about the future with never-gonna-happen concepts) that it’s nice occasionally to take a look back at the development process for some models we’re more familiar with.  Heliocity got their hands on some images of prototype Helio devices, including (clockwise from top left) the Hero, the Ocean, and two versions of the Kickflip.

Most different from its final form is the Kickflip, also shown below, which in prototype form had an external aerial and a rear-mounted secondary LCD for framing self-portraits (replaced by a far cheaper mirror).  The Ocean (shown above in final form, left, and prototype form, right) is also an example of what some cosmetic tweaks can achieve; I think it would be in far fewer pockets if they’d left it looking like the test version.