The HTC U11, released in 2017, was a flagship contender known for its squeeze-sensing frame and powerful hardware. Now, years later, the HTC U23 Pro arrives with a more modern chipset and feature set. This comparison dissects the differences between these two devices, determining whether the U11’s legacy holds up against the U23 Pro’s contemporary approach.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC U23 Pro is the better choice. While the U11’s Snapdragon 835 remains capable, the U23 Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 offers improved efficiency and features like 30W wired and 15W wireless charging, alongside a brighter display. The U23 Pro provides a more modern and versatile experience.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May 16. Released 2017, June 10 | 2023, May 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD5 | OLED, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 644 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64μm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 5-axis OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE (5.0 after SW update) | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 30W wired
15W wireless
5W reverse wireless
Reverse wired |
| 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 4600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, Solar Red | Snow White, Coffee Black |
| Models | U11, HTV33, 2PZC100, 2PZC5, 601HT | 2QC9200, 2QC9100, 2QCB100 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 220 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 U11
- Proven Snapdragon 835 performance
- Squeeze-sensing frame (unique feature)
- Potentially lower price point (due to age)
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited battery life compared to U23 Pro
- No wireless charging
HTC U23 Pro
- More efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- Brighter display (727 nits)
- 30W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is not as powerful as the 835 in peak benchmarks
- May be more expensive than a used U11
- Software support may be limited
Display Comparison
The HTC U23 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 727 nits, compared to the U11’s unspecified peak brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While the U11 likely had excellent color accuracy for its time, the U23 Pro benefits from advancements in panel technology, potentially offering wider color gamuts and improved viewing angles. The U23 Pro’s display is a clear upgrade for media consumption and everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. The U23 Pro likely benefits from advancements in image processing algorithms and sensor technology. Without detailed sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, newer image signal processors (ISPs) in the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 generally offer improved dynamic range and low-light performance. The U11’s camera was competitive in 2017, but the U23 Pro’s newer hardware and software should deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The U11’s Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, was a powerhouse in its day, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.45 GHz. However, the U23 Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) utilizes a more efficient architecture. While the 7 Gen 1’s peak clock speed is slightly lower at 2.4 GHz, the 4nm process and newer Cortex-A710 cores provide comparable, and in some cases, superior real-world performance, especially in sustained workloads. The U23 Pro’s chipset will likely exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The U11’s LPDDR4 RAM is also slower than the U23 Pro’s likely LPDDR5 RAM, further contributing to the U23 Pro’s responsiveness.
Battery Life
The HTC U23 Pro edges out the U11 in endurance, with an 83-hour rating versus the U11’s 73 hours. This improvement is likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset. Furthermore, the U23 Pro introduces modern charging capabilities: 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wireless charging – features entirely absent on the U11, which is limited to 18W Quick Charge 3.0. The U23 Pro offers significantly more flexibility and convenience in charging options.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U11 if you prioritize a proven, albeit older, high-end chipset and can find it at a significantly discounted price. It’s a good option for users who value raw processing power for specific tasks and don’t require modern conveniences like wireless charging. Buy the HTC U23 Pro if you prefer a more balanced package with better battery life, faster charging, a brighter display, and the benefits of a newer, more efficient processor, even if it’s a step down in peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the U23 Pro struggle with demanding games compared to the U11's Snapdragon 835?
While the Snapdragon 835 has higher peak benchmark scores, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1's improved efficiency and thermal management often result in more consistent frame rates during extended gaming sessions. The 7 Gen 1 is capable of running most modern games smoothly, though you might need to adjust graphics settings for the most demanding titles.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the U11 and U23 Pro for daily use?
The U23 Pro's 30W wired charging is a game-changer. It can significantly reduce charging times compared to the U11's 18W Quick Charge 3.0. The addition of 15W wireless charging on the U23 Pro adds a level of convenience the U11 simply doesn't offer.
❓ Is the U23 Pro's reverse wireless charging useful for accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the U23 Pro's 5W reverse wireless charging is convenient for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While not a fast charging solution, it's a handy feature for on-the-go power sharing.
