Category: Hardware

The HTC U11 was a notable release from HTC in 2017, aiming to compete with other flagship smartphones of its time. It introduced a unique feature called “Edge Sense,” which allowed users to squeeze the sides of the phone to trigger certain actions. Here’s an in-depth review of the HTC U11:

Overview:

The HTC U11 was designed to offer a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and unique features. With its “Liquid Surface” design, the U11 aimed to stand out in a crowded market and offer something distinct to its users.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Super LCD5 with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, OIS, and UltraPixel 3 technology. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: Edge Sense (squeeze functionality), USB Type-C, IP67 water and dust resistance, and HTC USonic with Active Noise Cancellation.

Pros:

1. Camera: The U11’s camera was highly rated, offering excellent performance in various lighting conditions.
2. Audio Experience: HTC’s USonic earbuds provided a personalized audio experience based on the user’s ear canal.
3. Edge Sense: The squeeze functionality was unique and allowed for quick access to apps and features.
4. Design: The “Liquid Surface” design was eye-catching, reflecting light in a way that made the phone stand out.

Cons:

1. No Headphone Jack: The U11 did not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a point of contention for some users.
2. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.
3. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated compared to the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the HTC U11 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
• LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
• Sony Xperia XZ Premium: Featuring a 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.

Launch Date:

The HTC U11 was announced in May 2017 and became available in various markets in June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Fragility: The glass back, while beautiful, was prone to cracks and damage if dropped.
2. Software Updates: HTC wasn’t the fastest in terms of providing software updates, and some users reported issues with updates when they did arrive.
3. Edge Sense Sensitivity: Some users found the squeeze functionality either too sensitive or not sensitive enough, though this could be adjusted in settings.

Conclusion:

The HTC U11 was a commendable effort from HTC to bring something unique to the table. Its camera and audio capabilities were standout features, and the Edge Sense functionality offered a fresh way to interact with the device. However, the omission of the headphone jack and the phone’s fragility were points of criticism. For users who valued a great camera, unique design, and were intrigued by the squeeze functionality, the U11 was a solid choice. However, those looking for a more conventional design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

The Vivo V5s was a part of Vivo’s V series, which was primarily focused on camera capabilities, especially for selfies. Launched in 2017, the Vivo V5s was promoted as a “Perfect Selfie” smartphone due to its high-resolution front camera. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo V5s:

Overview:

The Vivo V5s was designed to cater to the selfie-loving audience. With a high-resolution front camera and features tailored for selfie enthusiasts, it aimed to capture a significant share of the mid-range smartphone market.

Features:

1. Operating System: Funtouch OS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
2. Display: 5.5-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
3. Processor: MediaTek MT6750 Octa-core.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera boasts a 20 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a “Moonlight Glow” soft selfie light.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, and dedicated AK4376 Hi-Fi audio chip for improved audio performance.

Pros:

1. Front Camera: The 20 MP front camera, complemented by the “Moonlight Glow” flash, ensured detailed and well-lit selfies.
2. Design: The sleek metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
3. Storage: 64 GB of internal storage was generous for its price segment.
4. Audio: The dedicated Hi-Fi audio chip provided an enhanced audio experience, especially with headphones.

Cons:

1. Display Resolution: The HD resolution on a 5.5-inch screen resulted in a lower pixel density, which was not as sharp as some competitors offering Full HD displays in the same price range.
2. Processor Performance: The MediaTek MT6750 was decent for everyday tasks but wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
3. Outdated OS: The phone launched with Android Marshmallow at a time when Android Nougat was already available, and updates were not as frequent.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo V5s faced competition from:

• Oppo F3: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek MT6750T, and a dual front camera setup.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Max: With its 5.7-inch Full HD display, MediaTek Helio P20, and a metal unibody design.
• Moto G5 Plus: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.

Launch Date:

The Vivo V5s was announced in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Funtouch OS Customizations: While Funtouch OS offered many features, it was quite different from stock Android, which some users didn’t prefer. It also had a fair amount of bloatware.
2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite being marketed as a camera-centric phone, the Vivo V5s’s rear camera struggled in low-light conditions.
3. Price: Some users felt that the device was priced a bit high, given its specifications, especially when compared to other devices in the same segment.

Conclusion:

The Vivo V5s was a device tailored for selfie enthusiasts. Its 20 MP front camera was its standout feature, and for users who prioritized this, the phone was a compelling choice. However, when it came to overall performance and value for money, there were other devices in the market that offered a more balanced package. Still, for those who valued camera capabilities, especially for selfies, the Vivo V5s was a strong contender in its segment.