Released within a similar timeframe, the HTC U Play and U11 represent different approaches to the smartphone market. The U Play aimed for affordability with a Mediatek chipset, while the U11 positioned itself as a flagship contender with Qualcomm’s top-tier silicon. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which HTC U series device best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC U11 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 835 chipset delivers substantially faster performance, and its 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support provides significantly faster charging speeds. While the U Play offers a lower entry price, the U11’s superior experience justifies the cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, January. Released 2017, February | 2017, May 16. Released 2017, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 146 x 72.9 x 8 mm (5.75 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~428 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 73.2 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD | Super LCD5 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.1 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T860MP2 | Adreno 540 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE (5.0 after SW update) |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Stand-by | Up to 427 h (3G) | Up to 336 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (3G) | Up to 24 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Brilliant Black, Cosmetic Pink, Ice White, Sapphire Blue | Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, Solar Red |
| Models | U Play, U-2u, 2PZM3 | U11, HTV33, 2PZC100, 2PZC5, 601HT |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.1 / Crosstalk -94.5 |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 73h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 6393 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U Play
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks.
- Acceptable battery endurance (73h)
- Significantly slower performance compared to the U11.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
- Slower charging speeds (10W).
HTC U11
- Powerful Snapdragon 835 processor for smooth performance.
- Fast 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support.
- Likely superior camera system.
- Higher price point.
- May be harder to find new due to age.
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the U11’s flagship positioning, it likely features a higher-resolution panel with better color accuracy and peak brightness compared to the U Play. The U Play, targeting a lower price point, likely utilizes a more cost-effective display technology. Bezels are also likely slimmer on the U11, contributing to a more premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but the U11 likely boasts a superior camera system. While specific sensor details are missing, the U11’s flagship status suggests a larger sensor, wider aperture, and more advanced image processing algorithms. The U11 likely benefits from better low-light performance and more detailed images. The U Play’s camera will be adequate for casual snapshots, but it won’t compete with the U11’s capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The HTC U11’s Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the U Play’s Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 (28nm). The Snapdragon 835’s Kryo cores (2.45 GHz & 1.9 GHz) offer a considerable advantage over the U Play’s Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz & 1.1 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a far more enjoyable gaming experience. The 10nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The U Play will struggle with graphically intensive games and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have an endurance rating of 73h, which is unusual. However, the U11’s 18W wired charging with QC3 support provides a significant advantage over the U Play’s 10W charging. This means the U11 can be charged much faster, minimizing downtime. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 835’s power efficiency likely offsets any potential capacity difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U Play if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. You’ll need to be comfortable with slower performance and limited gaming capabilities. Buy the HTC U11 if you demand a smooth, responsive experience for demanding apps, gaming, and photography. The U11’s faster processor, quicker charging, and overall refinement make it a worthwhile investment for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P10 in the U Play capable of running modern mobile games?
While the U Play can run some mobile games, the Helio P10 will struggle with graphically demanding titles. Expect lower frame rates, reduced detail settings, and potential stuttering. It's best suited for less intensive games and casual gaming.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the HTC U11 compared to the U Play?
The U11’s 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support is significantly faster than the U Play’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, potentially cutting charging time in half or more. This is a major convenience factor for users who rely heavily on their phones.
❓ Will I notice a difference in app loading times between the two phones?
Yes, you will notice a substantial difference. The Snapdragon 835 in the U11 is far more powerful than the Helio P10 in the U Play. Apps will launch much faster, and multitasking will be significantly smoother on the U11.
