OnePlus 5T vs. HTC U11 Eyes: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

Released within a similar timeframe, the HTC U11 Eyes and OnePlus 5T represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The U11 Eyes aimed for a sleek design and user experience, while the OnePlus 5T prioritized raw performance and value. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus 5T is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 835 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the U11 Eyes’ Snapdragon 652, without sacrificing battery life. While the U11 Eyes has its merits, the 5T provides a better overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names HTC U11 Eyes OnePlus 5T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 321, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2018, January. Released 2018, January2017, November 16. Released 2017, November 21
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions157.9 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.22 x 2.95 x 0.33 in)156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm (6.15 x 2.95 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)162 g (5.71 oz)
 IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.01 inches, 93.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper LCD3Optic AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-coreOcta-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 510Adreno 540
OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), Sense UIAndroid 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-16 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm, AF, PDAF
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.7, 1.4 μm, PDAF, OIS-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@30/120fps, Auto HDR
Selfie camera
Dual5 MP, f/2.2 5 MP-
Features-HDR
Single-16 MP, f/2.0, 20mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p (gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio Dirac HD sound
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC320W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3930 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Red, BlueMidnight Black, Lava Red, Sandstone White
Models2Q4R100A5010
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 840 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.7dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 82h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.789 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 69dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 207072 (v7), 260352 (v8) GeekBench: 6759 (v4.4), 1705 (v5.1) GFXBench: 24fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

HTC U11 Eyes

  • Potentially more compact design (based on HTC's historical trends)
  • Comparable battery endurance rating
  • QC3 fast charging support

  • Significantly weaker Snapdragon 652 chipset
  • Less responsive user experience
  • Likely inferior camera performance

OnePlus 5T

  • Powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset
  • Faster 20W charging
  • Superior performance for gaming and multitasking

  • May be larger and less pocketable
  • Potentially higher price (depending on current market)
  • No specified water resistance

Display Comparison

Both devices share an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio and a sunlight contrast ratio of 4.789, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, without knowing the panel technology (OLED vs. LCD) or peak brightness of the U11 Eyes, it's difficult to assess its overall display quality. The OnePlus 5T, being a flagship-adjacent device, likely benefits from superior color calibration and viewing angles. The absence of refresh rate data for both devices suggests standard 60Hz panels.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 835 in the OnePlus 5T provides a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The U11 Eyes’ ISP, tied to the older Snapdragon 652, will likely exhibit slower processing and less sophisticated noise reduction. We can assume the OnePlus 5T's camera system is more advanced overall.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 5T’s Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, is a significant leap ahead of the HTC U11 Eyes’ Snapdragon 652 (28nm). The 835 features a more powerful CPU – an octa-core configuration with 4x2.45 GHz Kryo cores and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo cores – compared to the U11 Eyes’ unspecified octa-core CPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the 5T. The 10nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The 652 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding games and applications.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 82 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite the performance disparity. However, the OnePlus 5T’s 20W wired charging (QC3) is faster than the U11 Eyes’ 18W wired charging (QC3). This means the 5T can replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime. While the mAh capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Snapdragon 835 likely contributes to the 5T’s ability to maintain similar battery life with potentially less capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the HTC U11 Eyes if you prioritize a potentially more compact form factor (though dimensions aren't provided, HTC historically focused on smaller devices) and are comfortable with a less demanding user experience. Buy the OnePlus 5T if you value speed, responsiveness, and a smoother experience with graphically intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. The 5T is the better choice for power users and those seeking longevity from their device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 652 in the HTC U11 Eyes struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 652 is a relatively older and less powerful chipset. While it can handle less demanding games, you'll likely experience noticeable lag and reduced frame rates in newer, graphically intensive titles. The OnePlus 5T's Snapdragon 835 is far better equipped for gaming.
❓ How much faster is the OnePlus 5T's charging compared to the HTC U11 Eyes?
The OnePlus 5T supports 20W fast charging, while the HTC U11 Eyes supports 18W. While the difference may not seem substantial, it translates to a quicker top-up time, potentially saving you 15-20 minutes on a full charge. Both support QC3, ensuring compatibility with compatible chargers.
❓ Is the camera on the OnePlus 5T significantly better for low-light photography?
Likely, yes. The Snapdragon 835 in the OnePlus 5T features a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) which excels at noise reduction and detail preservation in low-light conditions. The U11 Eyes' older chipset will struggle to match the 5T's low-light performance.