The HTC U11+ represented a high point for HTC's design and build quality, but it's now several years old. The Xiaomi Poco F3, while a more recent device, aims to deliver flagship performance at a mid-range price. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two Snapdragon-powered phones, examining whether the U11+'s initial premium experience holds up against the Poco F3's aggressive value proposition.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the U11+'s Snapdragon 835, coupled with substantially faster 33W charging and a longer-lasting battery. While the U11+ boasts a higher nominal display contrast ratio, the Poco F3's overall package delivers superior value and usability.
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, November 02. Released 2017, November 22 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 74.9 x 8.5 mm (6.24 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD6 | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min |
| Talk time | Up to 25 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3930 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4520 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Translucent Black, Ceramic Black, Amazing Silver | Arctic White, Night Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Moonlight Silver |
| Models | U11 plus, htc_2q4d100 | M2012K11AG |
| Price | About 450 EUR | € 162.15 |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.0dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 73h |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1626:1 (nominal), 2.556 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 91dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 90dB |
-24.5 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
GeekBench: 6654 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 631850 (v8), 697216 (v9)
GeekBench: 3206 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U11+
- Premium glass design and build quality
- Respectable display contrast ratio for an LCD
- Clean and intuitive HTC Sense UI (at launch)
- Older Snapdragon 835 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Shorter battery life compared to Poco F3
Xiaomi Poco F3
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 5G chipset
- Fast 33W charging with PD3.0 and QC3
- Longer battery life (114h endurance)
- Plastic frame construction
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays capable of vibrant visuals, but differ significantly in their specifications. The HTC U11+ boasts a contrast ratio of 1626:1 (nominal) and 2.556 under sunlight, suggesting strong visibility outdoors. However, the Poco F3 claims an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED panels, which generally translates to deeper blacks and a more dynamic image. While the U11+’s contrast ratio is respectable for an LCD, the Poco F3’s AMOLED technology provides a superior viewing experience, particularly in dark environments. The lack of refresh rate information for the U11+ puts it at a disadvantage compared to the Poco F3’s likely 120Hz panel, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the age difference, the Poco F3 likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially better low-light performance. The U11+’s camera was competitive in its time, but the Poco F3’s newer hardware and software likely provide a more refined and versatile camera experience. The absence of details regarding OIS on either device makes it impossible to assess stabilization capabilities.
Performance
The Poco F3’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the HTC U11+'s Snapdragon 835 (10nm). The 870 features a newer Kryo 585 core architecture with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 835’s 2.45 GHz Kryo cores. This translates to faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the 870 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both chips are octa-core, the architectural improvements and higher clock speeds of the 870 give it a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Poco F3 dominates in battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 114 hours compared to the HTC U11+'s 73 hours. This is further bolstered by the Poco F3’s significantly faster 33W charging, capable of reaching 100% in just 52 minutes, supporting both PD3.0 and QC3 standards. The U11+ is limited to 18W QC3 charging, resulting in a considerably slower charging time. While the U11+’s battery life was adequate for its time, the Poco F3’s combination of larger capacity and faster charging provides a much more convenient and reliable experience for modern users.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U11+ if you prioritize a refined, glass-backed design and are willing to accept compromises in performance and battery life. It's a good option for those who already own the device and are considering an upgrade, but don't want to stray too far from the familiar. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F3 if you prioritize performance, fast charging, and long battery life, and are comfortable with a plastic frame. It's the ideal choice for gamers, power users, and anyone seeking maximum value for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco F3's Snapdragon 870 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is more than capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG at high settings. Its improved CPU and GPU architecture, combined with efficient thermal management, ensure smooth and consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates with minimal throttling.
❓ Is the HTC U11+'s older software still secure and receiving updates?
The HTC U11+ is no longer receiving official software updates from HTC. This poses a security risk, as it's vulnerable to newly discovered exploits. While custom ROMs are available, they require technical expertise to install and may not offer the same level of stability as official updates.
❓ Does the Poco F3 support 5G connectivity, and will it work on all 5G networks?
Yes, the Poco F3 supports 5G connectivity thanks to the Snapdragon 870 5G chipset. However, 5G network compatibility varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check with your carrier to ensure the Poco F3 supports the specific 5G bands used in your area.
