The HTC One S launched today in Taiwan, but with some unexpected changes. Instead of the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor usually attached to the HTC One S, the phone ships with a faster 1.7GHz dual-core processor and the older model Snapdragon S3. The downgrade to the S3 chipset may be the result of Snapdragon S4 shortages, but ePrice published a statement from HTC asserting that the altered One S would provide the same user experience. Aside from the processor, the phone remains unchanged for its Taiwan release – Android 4.0, a 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED display, and an 8-megapixel camera are all on board.

Update: HTC has reached out with a statement that pretty much confirms the processor swap. It reads much as previous HTC statements about screen swaps used to: the company will do what it has to to ship product, but only if it feels that it keeps the quality consistent:

As with many high-demand HTC devices, we always work with our supply chain partners to source models which will allow us to meet customer demand as quickly as possible. In cases where more than one part is used, we ensure the same high bar of quality in the part to provide an equal user experience.