If you're an HTC fan – good news. HTC has brought you a phone that, in many ways, is as good as you could hope for.
It's got an impressive spec list, unique design, innovation in the form of squeezable sides and a great camera, and since launch it's got that little bit better, thanks to the addition of Amazon Alexa.
The chipset buzzes along nicely inside a phone that's neither too big nor overly compact, and the interface is as slick as anything HTC has ever made.
In fact, if you're a fan of HTC above all other phone manufacturers, you can probably skip this whole review and just buy the thing (although we suggest you read the bit about the 'squeezable' Edge Sense element, as that takes a bit of getting used to) and just wait feverishly at the front door, waiting for your HTC U11 to arrive.However, for everyone else, things are a bit more complicated. Yes, HTC has pretty much nailed the spec list, but it's doing so for a rather high price – and one which pits it against some strong alternative options.
Even HTC has diluted the U11's reach since its launch, with the arrival of the superior HTC U11 Plus towards the end of 2017 which packed in a bigger screen, larger battery and a design which reduced the size of the bezels around the display.
It's bigger and more expensive, but you can't help but think that perhaps it's the phone HTC should have launched as the U11 in the first place.
HTC U11 SPECS
Weight: 169g
Dimensions: 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9mm
OS: Android 7.1
Screen size: 5.5-inch
Resolution: 1440 x 2560
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
RAM: 4GB / 6GB*
Storage: 64GB / 128GB*
Battery: 3,000mAh
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 16MP
Dimensions: 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9mm
OS: Android 7.1
Screen size: 5.5-inch
Resolution: 1440 x 2560
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
RAM: 4GB / 6GB*
Storage: 64GB / 128GB*
Battery: 3,000mAh
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 16MP
*Selected territories
HTC U11 price and availability
- HTC U11 current price: from £499
- HTC U11 launch price: £649, $649, AU$999 SIM free
The HTC U11 originally launched with a lofty price tag of $649 (£649, AU$999), although today it doesn't seem all that expensive when compared to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and iPhone X.
As the U11 is almost a year old, its price has dropped and you can now pick it up for a far more palatable £499 in the UK, although similar discounts appear to have evaded the US.
On contract you'll be looking at paying less thanr £30 a month in the UK, $29 per month (with no upfront payment) in the US and around AU$59 per month in Australia.
The HTC U11 is still widely available from major networks and retailers, so if you fancy dipping
- See the best HTC U11 deals
Design
- Two-tone shimmer impresses
- Well-built chassis
- Back sucks in fingerprints hugely
The design of the HTC U11 is something that takes a little getting used to – but it's worth taking the time to do so. Holding it in the hand for the first time is a little underwhelming, as the polished Gorilla Glass is so light that it feels a little plasticky in the hand.
The bulbous nature isn't as exciting or feel as premium as the metal build on last year's HTC 10, but don't let that bother you. After a few days you'll get used to the way it feels – and the HTC U11's chassis is well built and solid.
Aesthetically, the U11 appeals in a way we've not seen with many phones. The Liquid Surface design manages to offer two colors at once, with the 'Amazing Silver' and ‘Brilliant Black’ models we tested looking more blue/purple and black/green respectively, depending on the way you hold them.
Screen
- High resolution
- Slightly dim
- Auto brightness not perfect
The screen on the HTC U11 is something that’s tricky to review. Until recently the 5.5-inch display would have easily ticked all the boxes, as it does very little wrong.
It's large, bright and clear, with the QHD (1440 x 2560) resolution offering as much clarity as anyone could want while still, seemingly, preserving enough battery life.
However, with the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 now on the market, there's something archaic about how the screen on the HTC U11 looks. The bezels appear massive, the screen boxy and it just feels... old.
However, if you're not bothered about those other phones, then you won't want for any better features on the HTC U11's screen – but don't put it side by side with the Samsung Galaxy S8 if you don’t want to be nagged by doubts about your phone choice.
No comments: