HTC U Ultra 64GB

HTC U Ultra review

HTC has confused me with this phone. The HTC 10 fixed the problems of the One M9 but the U Ultra is a Frankenstein device. When a phone gives a better impression powered off than on, you know you’re in trouble. It’s not a bad phone full stop, but it does a lot to an unacceptably middling standard. It feels cobbled together despite the liquidity of its beautiful design and makes too many compromises with its massive body, no headphone jack or waterproofing, a small battery, and gimmicky use of the secondary display. In a year of excellent high-end smartphones, it’s impossible to recommend the U Ultra above the Galaxy S8, LG G6 or OnePlus 3T to name but a few. The HTC U 11 is just around the corner but frankly, I am worried that HTC may soon find itself powering off for good.

HTC U Ultra Review

The HTC U Ultra is an eye-catching unlocked phablet with powerful hardware and some unique features, but it's expensive and feels a bit half-baked. The HTC U Ultra isn't just a pretty face. It's a powerful handheld device, packing a Snapdragon 821 processor, a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, and plenty of RAM. It also has an extra strip above the main screen for notifications and other messages, as well as USonic USB-C earphones and four built-in mics for better audio. But it's expensive at $749.99, and doesn't feel quite ready for primetime—its camera performance is mediocre and some promised software features aren't ready yet. If you love HTC and want a good-looking phablet, the Google Pixel XL ($298.00 at Amazon) is a better choice. Design and Physical Features I have a love-hate relationship with shiny phones. They look great right out of the box...but as soon as you get your greasy fingers on them, things start to look much less attractive. The ultra-shiny U Ultra ($319.00 at Amazon) isn't an exception to the rule, though it still manages to look quite striking, even when it's covered in fingerprints. A lot of it has to do wi...

​HTC U Ultra phone: full, in-depth review

HTC's flagship phone brings some interesting features to the top of the market including great looks and 24-bit audio. But there's better value elsewhere. Update: Before you choose a phone, check out the amazing Samsung Galaxy S8 review.

HTC U Ultra review review

HTC U Ultra review

The HTC U Ultra is a gorgeous smartphone to behold. If all you want from a phone is for it to look good in your hands, then you cannot do better than this device. Even though you’ll need to treat it carefully to avoid all manner of cracks, chips and smudges. While the rest of this phone isn’t quite so impressive, it’s still a fundamentally good handset. Speed and battery life are both on par with what you’ll get from other high-end Androids, and its dual screens are a well-tuned team. You can’t beat 5.7in of real-estate when it comes binging Netflix on the train into work, while the Ultra’s smaller secondary display does a decent job of juggling the myriad notifications you receive on the regular. Its camera is similarly sound, but we’ve been spoilt recently for point-and-shoot smartphone snappers and the U Ultra doesn’t impress in the same way as an iPhone, Pixel or Samsung S7. Skimping on a dual-camera setup feels like a big miss too, as does the lack of a headphone socket. So beyond the physical, there’s not a huge amount that makes the HTC U Ultra distinct. It’s a good job we’re vain at heart then. Buy the HTC U Ultra SIM free here with Amazon