HTC U11

[MRU]

Have been really fighting the urge to buy this phone recently. And today, I just gave in.

Have my BB KEYone as my daily device and it's going nowhere as I like it a lot. However, in my new job I'm required to do some night shifts where binge watching of YouTube vids and Netflix is pretty much the only way to get you through... lol. And the KEYone just doesn't cut it in these areas.

I've been looking into the U11 and today I went into town to pick one up.
Reason for wanting this device over others like LG G6 and OP5 is basically 2 things. The camera, which clearly is worthy of that DXO marking and the audio. The 2 things I do on my phone more than texting is taking photos and listening to my music. The U11 seems to be the one for that.

In addition, it also has a front finger print scanner (which I much prefer) and there are no on screen Android buttons, which I often find can get in the way. I also love the design. Those colours are damn cool.

They had stock of all colours apart from red (my choice would be Amazing Silver anyway) so off I went to make a purchase and check one out just to make sure I was sure. I ended up walking away empty handed however, after confusing myself when I checked out the XZ Premium...

This XZP is not a phone that was not on my radar at all... I had an XZ in Platinum last year which I really really liked but it developed a screen fault and got exchanged. I sold the new device and moved on, keeping just the iPhone 7 Plus I had.
I really liked the XZ, mainly it's version of Android and the design of the device itself. Even though it's getting on with that boxy design now, I do still like it.

I checked the Premium out and it was the chrome version and it just looked really really nice. It was so super fluid and snappy I couldn't believe at how well it was moving round apps, especially with all that junk they put on demo models. (Side note, I also had the same experience with the U11 demo, which was also super zippy).

I had a little play with the XZP and set one of the 4k pics that are preinstalled on the album as the phones wallpaper. A multicolour rainbow of open umbrellas - and it looks absolutely gorgeous on that screen. Boxed in by shiny chrome. . Just lovely.

And then when I was asked if I needed any help I was like "well I didnt think I did..." .

I decided not to act on impulse and come home and do some more research.
It hasn't helped. I really like both phones. I like the idea of this super slo-mo video on the XZP for the dog etc (which my sisters and partner will get entertainment out of in our whatsapp group!) But the actual camera itself just can't compete with the U11's. Plus, there have been some reports about that wide angle lens causing some weird ripples on photos which Sony have kinda acknowledged but not actually agreed to do anything about.

The bezels on the XZP are huuuuuge and the phone itself is hefty, but being used to an iPhone 7 Plus, that doesn't bother me. I think I'm more just thinking about all the fun I can have with home screens on that gorgeous display!

The sensible option would be the U11. It's (IMO) the best Android out there at the minute for me, but that Sony just really gets me. It doesn't help a girl I used to work with at CPW told me she has it and she absolutely loves it. We were a bad combo me and her when I worked there! We basically egged each other on to change our phones what felt like weekly at times! .

I don't know why I'm posting, I guess I need to vent as all of this trying to decide is just not helping / making it easier!

I'll be sure to post when I do decide!

LMAO. God the impulse control on this forum is terrible

Yeah I really liked the Xperia Z5 for fast and fluid GUI and a very close to stock feel, however for me where Sony phones fall apart is the Camera which is always over hyped or exagerated compared to the results you get out of it and the persistent over heating in the camera when recording video which has been a gripe for the last few years and they still fall foul of it.

Likewise Sony phones can be a PITA to sell on, and they feel more dated aesthetically design wise each year. Why Sony haven't changed the boxy design or included a larger screen when there is so much chin and forehead and no capacitive buttons or fingerprint reader justifying them.

That all being said, if I saw it in person is probably be tempted too.

Lol

 

[Aneres11]

LMAO. God the impulse control on this forum is terrible

Yeah I really liked the Xperia Z5 for fast and fluid GUI and a very close to stock feel, however for me where Sony phones fall apart is the Camera which is always over hyped or exagerated compared to the results you get out of it and the persistent over heating in the camera when recording video which has been a gripe for the last few years and they still fall foul of it.

Likewise Sony phones can be a PITA to sell on, and they feel more dated aesthetically design wise each year. Why Sony haven't changed the boxy design or included a larger screen when there is so much chin and forehead and no capacitive buttons or fingerprint reader justifying them.

That all being said, if I saw it in person is probably be tempted too.

Lol

Ha we are bad. That's why I was pleased with myself for walking away!

The Sony design is a bit Marmite, but I have always quite liked it. Even though there are bezels, I still enjoy the look of the phone. But I do agree that there is too much of it on this particular design, and it's strange they haven't addressed it.

Apparently the overheating has been rectified in this model as a couple of reviews I read mentioned this and said there were no issues encountered.

The HTC U11 is the safer (and probably better device) but I think whichever way I go I'll be wanting the other. Why has no one found a medicine to this illness we have yet?!

 

[AppleRobert]

It's safe for me to stop by a Sprint store just to check this one out.

I shouldn't because I might like it and would have to pursue an unlocked one. Sprint's price is ridiculous anyway.

 

[co.ag.2005]

It's safe for me to stop by a Sprint store just to check this one out.

I shouldn't because I might like it and would have to pursue an unlocked one. Sprint's price is ridiculous anyway.

https://m.androidcentral.com/early-codes-still-work-htc-u11-599

 

[jamezr]

One of these is from an HTC U11 the other from my iPhone 7+


You decide which is which.....

 

[Aneres11]

iPhone definitely the top. (Crosses fingers lol)

 

[MRU]

One of these is from an HTC U11 the other from my iPhone 7+


You decide which is which.....

The one with dog is from the HTC 11, and the one with the tiled floor is from iPhone 7+ or vice versa

 

[AppleRobert]

https://m.androidcentral.com/early-codes-still-work-htc-u11-599

I was aware of that price. I don’t have an issue with that one considering what flagships command nowadays. However I have a bevy of smartphones right now and this one will be backburnered till it goes much lower and I sell off some things. I liked what I saw with my experience with it today enough to give it another look down the road.

 

[5105973]

iPhone definitely the top. (Crosses fingers lol)

I agree. My iPhone pics are always warmer than my HTC 10 pics.

 

[Aneres11]

Hey @jamezr !
Do you have a U11 now then? Any thoughts on it?!

 

[jamezr]

Hey @jamezr !
Do you have a U11 now then? Any thoughts on it?!

I did have one for a few days. It was nice and probably the most responsive phone I have had in a while. extremely fast and responsive. Camera was great but shutter speed seemed a slow to me. But it took great pictures. I actually liked the form factor with the bezels...but it is a finger print magnet! lol.

I didn't like the Android skin HTC phones come with. I just am not a fan of HTC Sense. I find it counter intuitive for me. But that is just my personal preference.
But otherwise i thought it was a great phone.

 

[Aneres11]

I did have one for a few days. It was nice and probably the most responsive phone I have had in a while. extremely fast and responsive. Camera was great but shutter speed seemed a slow to me. But it took great pictures. I actually liked the form factor with the bezels...but it is a finger print magnet! lol.

I didn't like the Android skin HTC phones come with. I just am not a fan of HTC Sense. I find it counter intuitive for me. But that is just my personal preference.
But otherwise i thought it was a great phone.

Thanks for your thoughts!
This kind of seems like what I'd thought about it when I was playing with the device in shops. The camera seemed great, build quality top notch, but the skin was a little dated, or certainly seemed that way. Not sure if you could change that up with launchers or what not, but it seemed like a solid device.

Still tempts me!

 

[jamezr]

Thanks for your thoughts!
This kind of seems like what I'd thought about it when I was playing with the device in shops. The camera seemed great, build quality top notch, but the skin was a little dated, or certainly seemed that way. Not sure if you could change that up with launchers or what not, but it seemed like a solid device.

Still tempts me!

It is a beautiful phone! HTC does a great job at building phones. The fit and finish is top notch. I like the FPS scanner and its location. HTC really does make great phones

 

[5105973]

Thanks for your thoughts!
This kind of seems like what I'd thought about it when I was playing with the device in shops. The camera seemed great, build quality top notch, but the skin was a little dated, or certainly seemed that way. Not sure if you could change that up with launchers or what not, but it seemed like a solid device.

Still tempts me!

I put a custom launcher on my HTC 10 but it's always fighting a bit with Sense. Kind of hard to explain what I mean by that. Sorry. I guess I felt the launchers I tried were more like an overlay than a replacement for Sense in interacting with the phone. I don't have a whole lot of experience with using custom launchers so I'm a terrible one for evaluating them.
[doublepost=1500323302][/doublepost]

It is a beautiful phone! HTC does a great job at building phones. The fit and finish is top notch. I like the FPS scanner and its location. HTC really does make great phones

Do you remember if there was an oleophobic coating on the camera lens? There wasn't one on my HTC 10 that I could tell. I was always fighting smudges on the lens. That's not as much a problem on my Galaxy or iPhone.

And no I'm not tempted. I am just curious if HTC addressed that issue.

 

[Aneres11]

And no I'm not tempted.

I bloody am.
If it weren't for this new house we might potentially be buying then it might have been a go. I might get shouted at into next week if I pulled 'another new phone' stunt.

 

[jamezr]

So I was able to get another U11 (sent the original one back to HTC) from a co worker that ended up going back to an iPhone. She was just trying to unload it so picked it up for $450

I don't see a oleophobic coating on the camera lens @GrumpyMom

 

[5105973]

So I was able to get another U11 (sent the original one back to HTC) from a co worker that ended up going back to an iPhone. She was just trying to unload it so picked it up for $450

I don't see a oleophobic coating on the camera lens @GrumpyMom

That's a good price. It sounds like a nice phone. But after what I went through with that blasted camera lens smudging all the time, I wouldn't be tempted even at $200 since I already have so many phones, and like @Aneres11 I have other things I'm looking to buy.

 

[co.ag.2005]

So I was able to get another U11 (sent the original one back to HTC) from a co worker that ended up going back to an iPhone. She was just trying to unload it so picked it up for $450

I don't see a oleophobic coating on the camera lens @GrumpyMom

How's this U11 treating you? Mine is coming tomorrow. I'm definitely excited to try it.

 

[jamezr]

It has been going well so far. It is extremely quick and responsive. It is a gorgeous phone. I have the light blue and really love the HTC build quality. They sure do make a nice phone. It feels nice in the hand!
Not a fan of HTC Sense though so i am using Nova. The FPS is so fast sometimes I end up hitting it twice without realizing it
I will take some pictures and post them as i get more accustom to the phone.

 

[co.ag.2005]

It has been going well so far. It is extremely quick and responsive. It is a gorgeous phone. I have the light blue and really love the HTC build quality. They sure do make a nice phone. It feels nice in the hand!
Not a fan of HTC Sense though so i am using Nova. The FPS is so fast sometimes I end up hitting it twice without realizing it
I will take some pictures and post them as i get more accustom to the phone.

thanks for the response. Sense has been the only thing that has held me back so far but with my slowdowns on the S8, I'm looking forward to the speed and response of the U11

 

[widgeteer]

It has been going well so far. It is extremely quick and responsive. It is a gorgeous phone. I have the light blue and really love the HTC build quality. They sure do make a nice phone. It feels nice in the hand!
Not a fan of HTC Sense though so i am using Nova. The FPS is so fast sometimes I end up hitting it twice without realizing it
I will take some pictures and post them as i get more accustom to the phone.

Hahaha...seriously: I think that's trained into your finger after using an S8 Plus.

 

[5105973]

thanks for the response. Sense has been the only thing that has held me back so far but with my slowdowns on the S8, I'm looking forward to the speed and response of the U11

Not to drag too far off topic but what slowdowns have you had? I've had a few but the one that is bothering me is that my camera performance is getting choppy. The camera is slow to come up, especially.

After reading this http://news.softpedia.com/news/htc-u11-review-517038.shtml I wish I had gotten a U11 instead even if it's easy to crack. The audio sounds good and those 4 mics...wow.

I'm kind of disgruntled at my S8+ right now though so don't mind me.

 

[co.ag.2005]

Not to drag too far off topic but what slowdowns have you had? I've had a few but the one that is bothering me is that my camera performance is getting choppy. The camera is slow to come up, especially.

After reading this http://news.softpedia.com/news/htc-u11-review-517038.shtml I wish I had gotten a U11 instead even if it's easy to crack. The audio sounds good and those 4 mics...wow.

I'm kind of disgruntled at my S8+ right now though so don't mind me.

No worries. I'm just getting general slowdowns. things are slow to open after a touch. I was getting camera slow downs and "jumpiness" while taking a video (even though the video comes out smooth and nice). Some frame rate drops, but not really any "lag". just a general slow down of the UI.

I got the U11 on Thursday, and it is honestly a breath of fresh air. So quick to do everything, I'm not slowed down by random "Samsung-ness" (e.g., volume warning when turning up volume rocker, etc.). I do miss the size of my S8 but honestly, not sure if I like how narrow it is. Sure, my U11 on paper has a smaller screen but it feels much larger than the S8 due to the aspect ratio and general usability of it.

Honestly, I think I may be putting my S8 on Swappa this week to sell. As much as I love the phone and what Samsung has done with the hardware, I'm just not impressed with this slowdown so soon plus the fp location and reliability is not very good. But, I'll give my U11 a true test for a few weeks since I have a 30 day "no questions asked" return policy.

FWIW, I also had a OnePlus 5 which ran circles around the S8 in regards to performance and RAM management, but I couldn't get over the poor camera performance (mainly video recording, it took pretty good pics) and the lack of water resistance.

So, I think I'll be using the U11 for the time being until the Pixel XL 2. No Note 8 for me since it'll probably start to slow down like my S8 did. Don't get me wrong though, this is still the fastest and smoothest Samsung phone I've had to date, but the UI is slowing down quite a bit which is incredibly frustrating.

 

[5105973]

No worries. I'm just getting general slowdowns. things are slow to open after a touch. I was getting camera slow downs and "jumpiness" while taking a video (even though the video comes out smooth and nice). Some frame rate drops, but not really any "lag". just a general slow down of the UI.

I got the U11 on Thursday, and it is honestly a breath of fresh air. So quick to do everything, I'm not slowed down by random "Samsung-ness" (e.g., volume warning when turning up volume rocker, etc.). I do miss the size of my S8 but honestly, not sure if I like how narrow it is. Sure, my U11 on paper has a smaller screen but it feels much larger than the S8 due to the aspect ratio and general usability of it.

Honestly, I think I may be putting my S8 on Swappa this week to sell. As much as I love the phone and what Samsung has done with the hardware, I'm just not impressed with this slowdown so soon plus the fp location and reliability is not very good. But, I'll give my U11 a true test for a few weeks since I have a 30 day "no questions asked" return policy.

FWIW, I also had a OnePlus 5 which ran circles around the S8 in regards to performance and RAM management, but I couldn't get over the poor camera performance (mainly video recording, it took pretty good pics) and the lack of water resistance.

So, I think I'll be using the U11 for the time being until the Pixel XL 2. No Note 8 for me since it'll probably start to slow down like my S8 did. Don't get me wrong though, this is still the fastest and smoothest Samsung phone I've had to date, but the UI is slowing down quite a bit which is incredibly frustrating.

Thanks for replying. Yeah my husband and I are having the same impressions and feelings right now. He has a much more demanding use case and probably way many more apps than I have so he got the slowdowns much sooner into ownership than I did.

I did a reboot and that cleared up SOME lag as I expected it would, but I am having the same issues with the camera that you described. And because the phone on my iPhone 7 Plus frankly isn't the greatest, I have long relied on my Samsungs for the phone functionality and I'm finding my S8+ has more "static" on the connection. Consistently so. My S7 and S7 Edge didn't have as much. My HTC 10 never had any. That phone was and is clear as a bell when I have my AT&T sim in it.

I'm thinking of throwing my S8+ AT&T sim back into my HTC 10 and using it as my secondary phone again until my husband and I have time to sit down and get our Galaxy phones sorted. My S7 is actually a really sweet phone, but I need to sit down and hunt down updates and try to get Nougat on it. It was purchased unlocked and it took so long to get updates from Samsung that I shelved it in favor of the S8+. Now might be the time to dust it off. Well, when my husband is free to help me. I still have a ways to go until I can deal with unexpected issues on my own on Android.

Like you, my cumulative disappointments with Samsung make me less enthusiastic about the Note 8.

 

[widgeteer]

128gb unlocked and 6gb of RAM???

Uh oh. I might have to do that.