HTC U11 (3GB + 32GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Tweakers review highlights the HTC U11 as a strong comeback, featuring a "Liquid Surface" glass design and innovative "Edge Sense" pressure-sensitive sides as key pros. While the design is visually striking, the extreme susceptibility to fingerprints is noted as a significant con. The device also delivers top-tier performance with a Snapdragon 835 processor and an excellent, fast-focusing 12-megapixel camera. Performance is further supported by a clean, fluid interface and superior audio, including high-quality USonic earphones that map to the user's ear. However, the design is dated compared to rivals due to large bezels, making the 5.5-inch phone feel bulky, which is a key con. Additionally, the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack is cited as a drawback. While the 3000mAh battery provides solid, all-day performance, it does not set any records, falling short of being a "marathon" device. Overall, the review positions the U11 as a high-performing but physically traditional option, according to Tweakers. What Hi-Fi? +1

The HTC U11 is a high-end flagship, featuring top-tier camera performance, excellent battery life, and a distinct, reflective "Liquid Surface" glass design, according to a Tweakers review. While the design is striking, it is also highly slippery and a magnet for fingerprints. The phone features "Edge Sense" for squeeze-based shortcuts, which is functionally useful but offers limited daily added value. Audio remains a strong point with powerful speakers, though the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Furthermore, while the screen is high-quality, its traditional, bezel-heavy aesthetic appears dated compared to contemporaries.

The RTL Tech review classifies the HTC U11 as a high-performance, technically strong smartphone that is unfortunately overshadowed by its gimmick-like, "squeezeable" Edge Sense feature. While the phone boasts premium internal specifications and a distinctive "liquid surface" glass design, the core innovation of squeezing the device for functionality is deemed unnecessary and often ineffective. Pros include excellent overall speed, a top-tier camera, and high-quality audio experiences, all packaged within a visually striking, IP67-rated water-resistant body. The device also impresses with its included high-fidelity USonic earbuds. Conversely, the review identifies several notable cons, most prominently the underwhelming, impractical implementation of the Edge Sense feature. Additionally, the device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and features large, dated front bezels compared to contemporary competitors, all while the glossy, fingerprint-prone back requires constant cleaning.

The FWD.nl review highlights the HTC U11 as a powerful flagship with a striking, yet fingerprint-prone, "liquid surface" glass design. Equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, it offers top-tier performance, though the 5.5-inch Quad HD display is framed by large, dated bezels compared to contemporary competitors. Key features include the Edge Sense, allowing for actions by squeezing the sides, which offers a unique but polarizing user experience. Audio is a major strength, featuring BoomSound Hi-Fi speakers and USonic earbuds with sonar technology, although the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a noted downside. The 12MP "UltraPixel 3" camera is praised for high-quality, low-light performance, and the device introduces IP67 water resistance. While the 3,000mAh battery provides solid, all-day performance, it may drain quickly under heavy usage.

The DroidApp.nl review describes the HTC U11 as a powerful comeback for the brand, highlighting its unique "Liquid Surface" glass design and robust hardware performance. Key features include the innovative "Edge Sense" pressure-sensitive frame for custom actions and a 12-megapixel camera that delivers excellent, detailed photos. Despite these strengths, the device is criticized for a dated front design with large bezels, a lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a very slippery, fingerprint-prone back.

The AndroidWorld review portrays the HTC U11 as a high-performance, refined flagship, transitioning to a striking, albeit fingerprint-prone, "Liquid Surface" glass design. Powered by a Snapdragon 835, the device delivers top-tier speed, further elevated by the innovative "Edge Sense" feature for squeezing the sides. Additional strengths include an excellent 12MP camera, upgraded BoomSound, and superior USonic earbuds. Conversely, the device faces criticism for a dated front design with significant, old-fashioned bezels compared to competitors. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack remains a drawback, necessitating an adapter for wired audio. Finally, while performance is exceptional, the 3,000 mAh battery capacity is considered average and the screen contrast falls short of AMOLED alternatives.

The HTC U11 features a striking "Liquid Surface" glass design, which is highly reflective but slippery and a magnet for fingerprints. A key innovation is Edge Sense, allowing users to squeeze the phone's sides for quick tasks, though the device is held back by large display bezels compared to its contemporaries. Equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor, the U11 offers powerful performance, complemented by excellent BoomSound speakers and, despite lacking a 3.5mm jack, high-quality USonic earbuds. The software experience is clean and fast, with a "lean" version of HTC Sense running on top of Android. The 12-megapixel UltraPixel 3 camera delivers exceptional, detailed, and accurate photos, even in low-light, making it a standout feature. While the 3000mAh battery provides only adequate daily battery life and the device lacks a headphone jack, it boasts strong IP67 water resistance.