HTC U11 smartphone

Photo: contri via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

HTC

HTC U11

May 18, 2017 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The HTC U11 was a flagship smartphone released in 2017, known for its unique 'Edge Sense' squeeze interaction and a highly-rated camera. It featured a premium glass design, powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, and an IP67 water and dust resistance rating.
Display5.5-inch QHD Super LCD5 with Gorilla Glass 5
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 835
Main Camera12 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery3000 mAh with Quick Charge 3.0
Starting from $75

💰 HTC U11 Price

The HTC U11 lowest price is $75, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper LCD5 capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size5.5 inches
Resolution1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with HTC Sense UI
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 540

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 2 TB)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM

Main Camera

ModulesSingle
Specs12 MP, f/1.7, 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR Boost, Panorama, Pro mode with manual control, 32 sec. long exposure, RAW format support
Video4K@30fps (with 3D Audio), 1080p@120fps (slow motion)

Selfie Camera

ModulesSingle
Specs16 MP, f/2.0, BSI sensor, HDR Boost
FeaturesLive make-up
Video1080p

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
ChargingFast charging 18W (Quick Charge 3.0)

Body

Dimensions153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm
Weight169 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM
Water & Dust ResistanceIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
RadioNot specified
USBUSB Type-C 3.1 (supports DisplayPort)

Launch

AnnouncedMay 16, 2017
StatusReleased June 2017

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative Edge Sense functionality
  • Excellent camera performance for its time
  • Premium and distinctive design
  • Great audio experience with BoomSound speakers and USonic earphones
  • IP67 water and dust resistance

Cons

  • No 3.5mm headphone jack (requires adapter)
  • Glass back is a fingerprint magnet and can be slippery
  • Large bezels compared to contemporary flagships
  • Battery life could be better for heavy users
  • HTC's software updates became less consistent over time
★ Our Verdict

The HTC U11 offered a compelling package with innovative features, a top-tier camera, and premium design, though the lack of a headphone jack and average battery life were notable drawbacks.

The HTC U11, while an older flagship, still offers a solid smartphone experience for those seeking a budget-friendly device with a good camera and unique features. Consider it if you appreciate its distinctive 'Edge Sense' squeeze functionality and don't mind using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for wired headphones. Look for refurbished models from reputable sellers to ensure quality and a warranty. Its Snapdragon 835 processor can still handle most daily tasks, but don't expect the latest Android updates or cutting-edge performance. It's a great option for a secondary device or for users who prioritize audio quality and a unique interaction method over the absolute latest specs. Ensure the battery health is good if buying used.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • HTC Rapid Charger 3.0
  • USB Type-C Cable
  • USB-C Digital to 3.5mm Audio Jack Adapter
  • HTC Clear Case
  • HTC USonic Adaptive Earphones
  • Dust Cloth
  • SIM Tool

Standard manufacturer warranty applies, typically 1 year, with regional variations. Some regions offered 'Uh Oh Protection' for accidental damage.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is Edge Sense on the HTC U11?

Edge Sense is a unique feature on the HTC U11 that allows users to interact with the phone by squeezing its sides. This action can be customized to launch apps, take photos, or activate voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Does the HTC U11 have a headphone jack?

No, the HTC U11 does not have a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it comes with a USB-C to 3.5mm audio jack adapter that includes a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) for high-quality audio.

Is the HTC U11 water resistant?

Yes, the HTC U11 has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

What kind of camera does the HTC U11 have?

The HTC U11 features a 12 MP main camera with an f/1.7 aperture, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and Dual Pixel PDAF for fast autofocus. It also includes HDR Boost for improved dynamic range. The front camera is a 16 MP sensor.

What processor powers the HTC U11?

The HTC U11 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, an octa-core processor that was a flagship-tier mobile platform at the time of its release.

What operating system does the HTC U11 run?

The HTC U11 originally launched with Android 7.1 (Nougat) with HTC Sense UI and was upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie).