HTC U Play smartphone

Photo: GilPe via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

HTC

HTC U Play

January 2017 (announced), March 2017 (released) 6/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC U Play is a mid-range Android smartphone from HTC's U series, launched in early 2017. It features a compact 5.2-inch Full HD display, a distinctive curved glass back design, and dual 16-megapixel cameras. Positioned as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the HTC U Ultra, it aimed to offer a premium feel with mid-tier specifications.
Display5.2-inch Full HD Super LCD
ChipsetMediaTek Helio P10
Main Camera16 MP with OIS
Battery2500 mAh
Starting from $755

💰 HTC U Play Price

The HTC U Play lowest price is $755, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper LCD
Size5.2 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~428 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0 (Marshmallow) with HTC Sense
ChipsetMediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.1 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUMali-T860MP2

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera

Single16 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
FeaturesDual-tone LED flash, Auto HDR, Panorama
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single16 MP, f/2.0, UltraPixel mode
FeaturesLive makeup, Auto HDR, Auto Selfie
Video1080p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable
ChargingFast charging (5V/2A)

Body

Dimensions146 x 72.9 x 8 mm (5.75 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)
Weight145 g (5.11 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame
SIMHybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth4.2
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
USBUSB 2.0 Type-C

Launch

Announced2017, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2017, March

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stylish and premium-looking glass design
  • Good camera performance for its class, especially with OIS
  • Compact and comfortable for one-handed use
  • Sharp Full HD display
  • Dedicated AI companion (HTC Sense Companion)

Cons

  • Underpowered MediaTek Helio P10 processor for its price point
  • Relatively small 2500 mAh battery
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Launched with an older Android version (Marshmallow)
  • Plastic frame and back can be prone to fingerprints
★ Our Verdict

While offering a sleek design and capable cameras, the HTC U Play was held back by its modest processor, limited battery life, and lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, especially when compared to strong competitors at its price point.

The HTC U Play, released in 2017, is now an older smartphone and is unlikely to be found new. If considering a used model, be aware of its limitations. Its MediaTek Helio P10 processor may struggle with modern demanding apps and multitasking, and the 2500 mAh battery will likely offer only a day of light use. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack means you'll rely on USB-C headphones or an adapter. However, if you appreciate its compact size, unique design, and are looking for a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light browsing, it could be a very inexpensive option. Ensure the software is updated as much as possible and check the battery health if buying second-hand.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC U Play smartphone
  • USB-C cable
  • Charger (5V/2A)
  • HTC USonic earphones
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick start guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the HTC U Play released?

The HTC U Play was announced in January 2017 and released in March 2017.

Does the HTC U Play have a headphone jack?

No, the HTC U Play does not feature a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack; it uses USB-C for audio with HTC USonic earphones.

What processor does the HTC U Play use?

The HTC U Play is powered by the MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755) chipset.

What is the camera quality like on the HTC U Play?

It features a 16 MP main camera with OIS and a 16 MP selfie camera, both capable of 1080p video recording, offering good performance for its class at the time of release.

Can the storage on the HTC U Play be expanded?

Yes, the HTC U Play supports storage expansion via a microSDXC card, utilizing a shared SIM slot.

What operating system did the HTC U Play launch with?

The HTC U Play launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, overlaid with HTC Sense.