**The HTC U11: A Review**
If you're looking for a smartphone that can learn your habits and provide you with relevant information, the HTC U11 is definitely worth considering. The phone comes with an AI-based system that's capable of recognizing your location and time of day to offer personalized suggestions and updates. For example, it may randomly update you with the weather, provide restaurant recommendations when it's time for lunch or dinner, remind you to charge your phone, and give you traffic updates based on your commute. These features are all presented in a card-style layout, making it easy to access them at a glance.
**A Familiar Concept**
The HTC U11's AI-based system is not entirely new, as Google has been offering similar features with its Pixel series for some time now. However, the U11 takes a different approach by relying on voice commands through its companion app rather than using the phone's built-in voice assistant. While this may seem like a minor difference, it's still worth noting that the U11 doesn't have a voice component like some of its competitors.
**Battery Life**
One of the standout features of the HTC U11 is its battery life, which has been consistently impressive in my experience. With a 3000 milliamp hour battery, I've never found myself needing to charge the phone during the day, even with heavy use. The phone also supports Quick Charge 3.0, making it easy and quick to top up the battery when you do need to.
**A Long-Lasting Battery**
HCC's (HTC) efforts to extend the battery life of the U11 without resorting to massive batteries are truly impressive. By leveraging advanced power-saving technologies and optimizing the phone's performance, they've been able to achieve a battery life that's unmatched by many other flagships on the market.
**The Camera**
One of the most eagerly anticipated features of the HTC U11 is its camera system, which boasts an all-new 12-megapixel sensor dubbed the "Ultra Pixel Three." This new sensor is optically stabilized with a bright F/1.7 aperture and leverages a feature called HDR Boost to auto-process every photo as HDR for the clearest and most balanced results possible. The front-facing camera has also been improved, featuring a higher-resolution 16-megapixel sensor that's capable of capturing sharper and better-looking selfies.
**Impressive Camera Performance**
The HTC U11's camera does indeed live up to the hype it received leading up to its release. Photos taken with the main camera are impressively good-looking, with plenty of detail and colors that are more natural than overly vibrant like those found on other flagship devices. Low-light photos are also incredibly sharp and well-detailed, with noise levels kept under control.
**A Flawed but Promising Camera System**
While the HTC U11's camera system is undoubtedly impressive, there is one notable flaw: highlights can be very heavily overblown in low-light conditions, resulting in an unbalanced look that may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, snapping photos of light sources like street lamps or traffic lights can cause lens flares and floating light particles, a issue that may have been caused by the phone's reflective back.
**A Disadvantageous Launch Strategy**
HTC has also put itself at a significant disadvantage with its launch strategy for the U11. The phone will only be sold directly by one US carrier, Sprint, which limits its availability and makes it less appealing to some consumers. The unlocked version of the phone is available for $650, which may be out of reach for many potential buyers.
**A Competitive but Not Impressive Launch**
The HTC U11's launch strategy has also made it challenging for the phone to stand out in a crowded market. With only Sprint as its exclusive carrier and a higher price point than some of its competitors, the U11 may not be an impulse buy for many consumers. Additionally, its limited availability means that sales will likely come primarily through online channels.
**Conclusion**
The HTC U11 is a phone that definitely deserves to be considered by anyone in the market for a new smartphone. Its AI-based system offers a range of personalized features and updates, its battery life is consistently impressive, and its camera system is one of the best on the market. However, its launch strategy has put it at a disadvantage, limiting its availability and making it less appealing to some consumers.
**Technical Specifications**
* Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
* RAM: 4GB
* Storage: 64GB or 128GB
* Display: 5.99-inch QHD+ display
* Rear Camera: 12-megapixel Ultra Pixel Three sensor with optical stabilization and F/1.7 aperture
* Front Camera: 16-megapixel camera with HDR Boost
* Battery: 3000 milliamp hour battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support