In 2017, HTC offered a compelling two-pronged approach with the U11 and U11 Life. The U11 represented HTC’s flagship ambition, packing a top-tier Snapdragon 835 processor. The U11 Life, meanwhile, aimed for a more accessible price point, utilizing the Snapdragon 630. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, helping you determine which best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and demanding tasks, the HTC U11 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 835 delivers a significantly smoother experience. However, the U11 Life provides excellent value, offering a comparable battery life and a solid user experience for everyday tasks at a lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May 16. Released 2017, June 10 | 2017, November. Released 2017, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 149.1 x 72.9 x 8.1 mm (5.87 x 2.87 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 142 g (5.01 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD5 | Super LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | microSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE (5.0 after SW update) | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (3G) | Up to 670 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, Solar Red | Brilliant Black, Sapphire Blue, Ice White |
| Models | U11, HTV33, 2PZC100, 2PZC5, 601HT | U11 life |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.1 / Crosstalk -94.5 | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 73h
| Endurance rating 73h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1529:1 (nominal), 3.108 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 88dB |
| Performance |
GeekBench: 6393 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
GeekBench: 4140 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U11
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 3.0
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load (despite similar endurance rating)
HTC U11 Life
- More affordable price
- Excellent battery life for everyday use
- Efficient Snapdragon 630 processor
- Slower performance compared to the U11
- May struggle with demanding games and apps
Display Comparison
Both the U11 and U11 Life share a similar contrast ratio of 1529:1 (nominal) and 3.108 (sunlight), suggesting comparable visibility in bright conditions. However, the U11 likely benefits from a higher peak brightness, typical of flagship devices, though specific nits are not provided. The U11 Life’s display focuses on efficiency, potentially trading some color vibrancy for improved battery performance. The lack of information on panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. IPS) prevents a deeper analysis of color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature capable photo and video cameras, but the U11 likely boasts superior image processing capabilities thanks to its more powerful ISP within the Snapdragon 835. While both phones likely share similar software features, the U11’s processor allows for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Without specific sensor size or aperture details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner, but the U11’s hardware advantage suggests a higher ceiling for image quality. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it impossible to assess stabilization performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HTC U11’s Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the U11 Life’s Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14nm). The 835’s octa-core CPU (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) significantly outpaces the U11 Life’s octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 10nm fabrication process of the 835 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The U11 Life, while capable, is geared towards efficient performance rather than outright speed.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the HTC U11 and U11 Life share an endurance rating of 73 hours. This suggests similar real-world battery life despite the U11’s more power-hungry processor. The U11 achieves this through a combination of battery optimization and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity (not specified in the data). The U11 also supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, offering faster charging speeds than the U11 Life, which lacks specific charging details. This faster charging capability provides a practical advantage for U11 users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U11 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games, video editing, or frequent multitasking. Its superior processing power and potential for sustained performance make it ideal for power users. Buy the HTC U11 Life if you prioritize battery life, a more affordable price, and a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography. It’s a practical choice for users who don’t require the absolute latest in mobile processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 630 in the U11 Life struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG?
While the U11 Life can run PUBG, users should expect to lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 630 is capable, but it's not designed for the highest graphical fidelity in demanding games. The U11, with its Snapdragon 835, will provide a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the U11 and U11 Life noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the U11’s 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support provides a tangible benefit. While both phones have similar endurance ratings, the U11 can replenish its battery much faster when plugged in, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their charge.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance, does the U11 Life's more efficient processor translate to less heat generation during prolonged use?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 630, built on a 14nm process, is inherently more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 835 (10nm). This means the U11 Life will likely generate less heat during extended tasks like video playback or navigation, contributing to a more comfortable user experience.
