HTC U11 vs Google Pixel 2 XL: A Deep Dive into Two 2017 Flagships
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and consistently excellent camera performance, the Google Pixel 2 XL emerges as the superior choice. Its 88-hour endurance rating and renowned image processing outweigh the HTC U11’s strengths, despite the U11’s faster charging capabilities.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HTC U11 | Google Pixel 2 XL |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 800/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, May 16. Released 2017, June 10 | 2017, October 04. Released 2017, October 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD5 | P-OLED |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 540 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE (5.0 after SW update) | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 10.5W wired (capped), PD2.0 |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3520 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, Solar Red | Just Black, Black & White |
| Models | U11, HTV33, 2PZC100, 2PZC5, 601HT | G011C |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 520 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -94.1 / Crosstalk -94.5 | Noise - 93.7 / Crosstalk - 79.7 |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 73h | Endurance rating 88h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: ∞ |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB | Voice 66dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB |
| Performance | GeekBench: 6393 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 206711 (v7) GeekBench: 6055 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U11
- Faster 18W Quick Charge 3.0 wired charging
- Potentially better thermal management due to glass design
- Unique UltraSound autofocus system
- Shorter battery life (73h endurance)
- Less sophisticated camera image processing
- Likely less consistent software updates
Google Pixel 2 XL
- Superior battery life (88h endurance)
- Exceptional camera performance with Google’s computational photography
- Guaranteed software updates (at the time of release)
- Slower 10.5W charging
- Potential for display burn-in
- Lower CPU clock speed (marginally)
Display Comparison
Both the HTC U11 and Pixel 2 XL lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but the Pixel 2 XL’s reported infinite contrast ratio suggests a superior OLED panel. While the U11 likely employed a Super LCD panel known for its brightness, OLED technology generally offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both operated at the standard 60Hz of the era. The Pixel 2 XL’s display was known for its controversial 'burn-in' issues, a risk not present with the U11’s LCD technology, though at the cost of contrast.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable photo and video cameras, but their approaches differ significantly. The Pixel 2 XL leveraged Google’s computational photography prowess, excelling in low-light conditions and HDR processing. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 2 XL’s image processing consistently produced more natural-looking images with excellent dynamic range. The U11, while capable, relied more on hardware and less on software trickery. The U11’s unique 'UltraSound' autofocus system was a novel feature, but didn’t consistently outperform the Pixel’s phase detection autofocus.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) chipset, but the Pixel 2 XL’s CPU is clocked slightly lower at 4x2.35 GHz Kryo cores compared to the U11’s 4x2.45 GHz Kryo cores. This difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. The real-world performance difference would have been minimal, with both phones capable of handling demanding tasks. Thermal management would have been a key factor, and the U11’s design may have offered slightly better heat dissipation due to its glass construction. Both likely utilized LPDDR4 RAM, standard for the time.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 2 XL boasts a significant advantage in battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 88 hours compared to the HTC U11’s 73 hours. This translates to a full day of heavier use for the Pixel 2 XL, while the U11 might require a top-up. The U11 compensates with faster 18W wired charging with QC3 support, while the Pixel 2 XL is capped at 10.5W with PD2.0. This means the U11 can replenish its battery more quickly, but the Pixel 2 XL’s larger capacity provides more overall runtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U11 if you prioritize faster wired charging speeds (18W with QC3) and appreciate a more vibrant, though less color-accurate, display. Buy the Google Pixel 2 XL if you value exceptional battery life (88h endurance), a superior camera experience focused on computational photography, and guaranteed timely software updates – a key differentiator at the time of release.