Introduction
HTC U11+ could have been the Pixel 2 XL if Google hadn't chosen LG to make the device. And indeed, the two phones have a lot in common - a 6" widescreen, similar design, Snapdragon 835 chip, a high-end 12MP camera with big pixels and HDR Boost, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, edge squeeze sensors, Android Oreo.
But HTC has built on those feature with its own Boom Speakers, richer squeeze functionality, wider aperture for the camera and 3D audio capturing for the vids, a bigger battery, and jaw-dropping design, especially in its translucent version. The 6GB RAM and microSD slot are welcome improvements, but we are yet to see if the Super LCD6 screen has what it takes to meet the flagship needs. The 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage and HDR10-compliance should help its case, that's without a question.
So even if it weren't meant to become the next Pixel, the HTC U11+ is certainly no underdog, and better yet, it has the dog tags of a fighter.
HTC U11+ Key Features
- Body: Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, metal frame. The "Liquid Surface" design on the rear is 3-axis curved glass and changes hues under light. It's IP68 water-resistant.
- Display: 6.0" Super LCD6, 1,440 x 2880px resolution, 538ppi, 18:9 aspect
- Rear camera: 12MP f/1.7, dual pixel autofocus, OIS, dual-LED flash, 1.4 micron pixel size, HDR Boost, 3D audio recording, Acoustic Focus, 4K @ 30fps
- Front camera: 8MP, f/2.0, HDR Boost, 1080p video
- Video: 2160p @ 30fps, 1080p @30/60/120fps, 720@240fps; front camera:1080p @ 30fps
- OS/Software: Android 8.0 Oreo with updates directly from Google
- Chipset: 10nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPU - Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo); Adreno 540 GPU
- Memory: 4GB RAM/64GB storage in base model (6GB/128GB in select markets), expandable via microSD slot (or SIM2 slot for dual SIM model)
- Battery: 3,930 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0
- Connectivity: Single or Dual SIM; LTE-A Cat 15: 800/150 Mbps, USB Type-C 3.1, 3.5mm to USB-C adapter included
- Audio: Boom Sound speakers, noise-cancelling U Sonic earbuds (via USB-C) included, four on-board mics for 3D audio and always listening for assistant hotword
- Misc: Squeeze actions via sensors embedded into frame, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner; dual speakers (Boom Sound)
Main shortcomings
- No 3.5mm headphone jack (ships with an adapter)
- No dual camera or artificial bokeh modes for the camera
- No wireless charging
The audio jack is gone for good at least as far as HTC is concerned and that's plenty clear if you look at their recent phones. The U11+ is yet another smartphone to drop it from the specs list, but at least it got a water-tight IP68 body to show for it.
But there is one trendy feature the HTC U11+ omits - simulated bokeh effects for either of its cameras. Even though the U11+ has top of the line sensors, you won't get bokeh shots. And HTC was the first to offer them on the market even before it was cool.
Despite those omissions, HTC seems to have done a fabulous job and the U11+ is shaping as one of the most beautiful smartphones this season, squeezable at that. And with the holiday shopping craziness just around the corner, we can't wait to see if the U11+ is another gadget making it to our wish lists.
HTC U11+ retail package
HTC U11+ will come bundled with a Quick Charge 3.0-compatible plug, a USB Type-C cable, and the HTC's USonic noise-canceling in-ear headphones. The retail box will also contain a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter, a cleaning cloth (you will need it!), and a clear plastic case for extra protection.
Unfortunately, we didn't get the HTC U11+ box in our office. But the HTC U11 we had for review a few months ago featured the same bundle, so you can satisfy your curiosity with its pictures instead.
HTC U11 retail box and contents
HTC U11+ 360-degree spin
The HTC U11+ measures 158.5 x 74.9 x 8.5 mm - about the same as the Pixel 2 XL, but a hair ticker. The U11+ is 13g heavier than Pixel though, but still reasonable at 188g.
Design
Retiring the metal jackets in favor of glass is now officially a thing, but HTC's "Liquid Surface" shape dates back to the U Ultra and U Play January premiere. HTC was definitely onto something with that curved back design and everchanging color and it certainly gives the U11+ some character.
On the opposite side, the HTC U11+ front is both as flagship and generic as it gets. The U11+ utilizes a 6" high-res Super-LCD6, the latest available of this gap-free screens. It's one of those 18:9 wide screens, with super thin bezels, shaping as the next big thing on the market. There is a Gorilla Glass 5 to shield it, and that's pretty much it. No keys, no fingerprint scanner.
It's the 3-axis curved back where the HTC U11+ really shines, literally. It's made of a specially molded Gorilla Glass 5 piece, the paint was laid on the inside to prevent chipping, while there are extra layers of highly reflective minerals for enhanced color-changing effect on the outside.
HTC chose three paintjobs for the U11+ - Ceramic Black (as our review unit), Amazing Silver (as the U11 we reviewed in June), and a brand new Translucent Black. All three models are indeed highly reflective and shift color per different surroundings, but the translucent one is the most standout one.
The Translucent Black rear won't allow full opacity, but has the internals somewhat visible so you can catch a glimpse of the NFC antenna, the battery, the fingerprint sensor, and some motherboard screws. The brighter the surroundings, the more visible the parts. Unfortunately, this Translucent Black U11+ will be released at a later date.
HTC promises "a more comfortable hold and a secure grip" and those come from the matte metal frame ending in two thoughtful chamfers. This is a clever way to balance on otherwise slippery glass body and it works like a charm for the U11+.
Handling the HTC U11+
HTC U11+ has a very seamless design in contrast with the Pixel's, and the Liquid effect provides for one of the most stunning looks a smartphone can have right now. It's a phablet, alright, and handling it is secure enough but far from single-hand-friendly. Luckily, HTC Sense has the best implementation of squeeze gestures and one-hand control is a piece of cake on the U11+.
Device overview
HTC U11+ front is mostly screen, of course. The earpiece doubles as one of the Boom speakers, and around you can also notice the selfie camera and one of the five mics. A notification LED and a couple of sensors are hidden nearby, too.
The HTC U11+ • the screen • the earpiece
There is nothing on the left side, while the volume and power keys are on the right. Another mic and the hybrid SIM slot are at the top, while the mouthpiece, the second Boom speaker, and the USB Type-C port are at the bottom of the U11+.
The power and volume keys • the top • the SIM slot • the bottom
Finally, the 12MP main camera is at the back, accompanied by a pair of mics and a dual-LED flash. The fingerprint scanner lies on the back further down from the camera lens.
The back of the U11+