MobileTechTalk HTC announce their latest forays into the smartphone market with the HTC U Ultra and HTC U Play models. A a 5.7″ QHD display vs a 5.2″ FHD display, Ultrapixels, Boomsound and more. There are more than just a few differences between them so let’s take a look.
You’ve got to hand it to them, they’ll keep on doing it their way won’t they!
HTC bring a few tricks to this year’s line up with the HTC Sense Companion. It’s an AI implementation which will allow the HTC devices to monitor how your device is utilised and make recommendations such as not needing an alarm for a meeting as there is a bank holiday coming up, as well as working out your most active “contacts”. It’s been done before so we’re interested to see how HTC differentiate themselves.
So what sticks out from the HTC U Ultra spec list (below)? The 2″ secondary display is what, straight out of LG’s V-series. The continual use of the UltraPixel branding might be of specific concern to some also. There’s no denying that on paper this looks like a full tricked out flagship device, complete with the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack. Yup, they’ve taken Apple’s lead on that one and scrapped it. Start scrabbling around for those USB-C headphones folks – or hang fire for Dom’s review of these bad boys.
We’re actually interested to see how HTC plans on implementing the second display on the HTC U Ultra too. It is thought that they will be looking to one-up LG’s implementation and pass notifications to this display to avoid detracting from the game, movie, or app you’re using.
No word on UK pricing currently but we’re sure that will come nearer the March shipping date, however the US price for the HTC U Ultra starts at $749 unlocked.
As for the HTC U Play, it sports the same design language as it’s bigger brother, but just pairs back the specifications utilising a MediaTek Helio P10 processor instead of the Ultra’s Snapdragon, as well as doing away with the secondary display and downsizing display overall. The included 2500 mAh may make some weep though.
HTC U Ultra
- 162.41 x 79.79 x 3.6-7.99mm (170g)
- 5.7″, Quad HD (2560×1440) Super LCD 5 with Dual Display and Gorilla Glass 5 (64GB model) or Sapphire Glass (128GB model)
- 2.05 inch (160×1040) second display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- 64-bit, quad-core, up to 2.15GHz CPU
- 64GB or 128GB storage (depending on model) and microSD slot
- 4GB RAM
- Rear 12MP HTC UltraPixel 2 cam (f/1.8) 1.55μm pixel, BSI sensor, Laser autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), OIS
- Front 16MP camera with UltraPixel mode
- HTC USonic, HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition and 3D Audio recording with 4 microphones
- WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C connection, NFC
- 3000mAh battery with Extreme power saving mode and Quick Charge 3.0
- Fingerprint sensor
- Android 7.0 with HTC Sense
HTC U Play
- 145.99 x 72.9 x 3.5-7.99mm (145g)
- 5.2 inch, Full HD (1080p) Super LCD with Gorilla Glass
- MediaTek® Helio P10, Octa-core, 64-bit CPU
- 32GB or 64GB (depending on model) and microSD slot
- 3GB or 4GB (depending on model)
- Rear 16MP cam with BSI sensor, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), OIS, f/2.0 aperture, dual-tone LED flash
- Front 16MP camera with UltraPixel mode, BSI sensor, f/2.0 aperture
- HTC USonic, Dual microphones with noise cancellation
- WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C connection, NFC
- 2500mAh battery with Extreme power saving mode and Fast charging
- Android with HTC Sense
