Released in 2017, the HTC U11 and LG V30 represented the pinnacle of Android smartphone design and performance. While newer models have since emerged, these devices remain relevant due to their robust build quality and continued software support. This comparison focuses on the key differences – specifically, the U11’s emphasis on overall endurance versus the V30’s superior display technology – to help determine which phone best suits your needs today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the LG V30 emerges as the better choice. Its significantly higher endurance rating (93h vs 73h) and advanced charging capabilities, including wireless charging, outweigh the U11’s strengths. However, users heavily invested in audio quality might find the U11’s features appealing.
| 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) / 1800 / 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, 28, 38, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, May 16. Released 2017, June 10 | 2017, August 31. Released 2017, December 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm (5.97 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 158 g (5.57 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| 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 (~537 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD5 | P-OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.45 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 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/1.6, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, 3-axis OIS
13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide), no AF |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR video |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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
| 32-bit/192kHz audio
B&O Play certified
24-bit/48kHz audio recording
|
| 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, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio with RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| 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 | 18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min
10W wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 336 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, Solar Red | Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet, Raspberry Rose |
| Models | U11, HTV33, 2PZC100, 2PZC5, 601HT | H930, H931, H932, H933, VS996, US998, LS998U, LGM-V300L, LGM-V300K, LGM-V300S, LS998, AS998, H932PR, L-01K, H930DS |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.1 / Crosstalk -94.5 |
Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 73h
|
Endurance rating 93h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 207000 (nominal), 4.022 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 79dB
|
Voice 66dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 84dB
|
| Performance |
GeekBench: 6393 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 182374 (v7)
GeekBench: 6365 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U11
- Strong audio recording capabilities
- Squeezable frame for quick actions
- Solid build quality
- Lower battery endurance (73h)
- Lacks wireless charging
- Display likely inferior to V30
LG V30
- Superior battery life (93h)
- Excellent display contrast and brightness
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- May experience slight throttling under sustained load
- Design can feel somewhat generic
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
The LG V30 boasts a significantly more advanced display experience. While both phones utilize OLED technology, the V30’s contrast ratio of 207000:1 (nominal) and 4.022:1 (sunlight) demonstrates superior color reproduction and visibility in bright conditions. The U11’s display specifications are not provided, implying a more standard OLED implementation. This difference translates to a more immersive viewing experience on the V30, particularly for video content and gaming. The V30’s higher contrast also suggests better black levels and a more dynamic range.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature capable photo and video cameras, but detailed sensor specifications are absent. Without specific information on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the LG V30’s reputation for strong video recording capabilities, coupled with its advanced display for previewing footage, gives it a slight edge. The U11’s camera is known for its fast autofocus, but the V30’s overall image processing and dynamic range likely offer a more refined experience.
Performance
Both the HTC U11 and LG V30 are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) chipset, featuring an Octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo). This means raw processing power is virtually identical. However, the V30’s superior thermal management, implied by its faster charging and longer battery life, suggests it may sustain peak performance for longer periods without significant throttling. The U11, while capable, may experience more noticeable performance dips during extended, demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The LG V30’s endurance rating of 93 hours significantly surpasses the HTC U11’s 73 hours. This difference isn’t solely about battery capacity (which isn’t specified for either device); it’s a combination of efficient power management and optimized software. The V30 also benefits from faster charging – 18W wired with QC3 and PD2.0, achieving 50% charge in just 36 minutes, plus the convenience of 10W wireless charging. The U11 offers 18W wired charging with QC3, but lacks wireless charging, making the V30 the clear winner for users who prioritize quick and versatile charging options.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U11 if you prioritize a phone with a strong focus on audio recording and playback, and if maximizing talk time and general usage endurance is paramount. Buy the LG V30 if you value a stunning display with excellent contrast, faster charging speeds, and a longer overall battery life for mixed usage, including media consumption and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the LG V30's battery still hold a good charge in 2024, considering its age?
While battery degradation is inevitable, the LG V30’s initial 93-hour endurance rating suggests a larger battery capacity and efficient power management. Users report that, even after years of use, the V30 often outperforms newer phones with smaller batteries and more demanding software. However, battery health will vary depending on usage patterns and charging habits.
❓ Is the lack of expandable storage on either phone a significant limitation?
Both the HTC U11 and LG V30 do not offer microSD card slots. This means the internal storage capacity (which isn't specified in the provided data) is crucial. For users who consume a lot of media or take many photos and videos, opting for a model with higher internal storage is highly recommended. Cloud storage can mitigate this limitation, but requires a reliable internet connection.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 835 in these phones compare to newer chipsets in terms of gaming performance?
The Snapdragon 835 remains a capable chipset for gaming, but it will not match the performance of newer Snapdragon 8 Gen series chips. While it can handle most mobile games at medium to high settings, demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings to maintain smooth frame rates. Expect some throttling during extended gaming sessions.
