The HTC U12 Life represented a solid mid-range offering in its time, but the newer HTC U23 Pro aims to deliver a more modern experience. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on whether the U23 Pro’s advancements justify an upgrade, particularly for users prioritizing performance, camera capabilities, and charging convenience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC U23 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly improved performance and efficiency, coupled with faster 30W charging and the added convenience of wireless charging. While the U12 Life remains a functional device, the U23 Pro provides a substantial leap forward in key areas.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 66 | 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 (3CA) Cat11 600/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, August. Released 2018, September | 2023, May 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 75.4 x 8.3 mm (6.24 x 2.97 x 0.33 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~77.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 509 | Adreno 644 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired
15W wireless
5W reverse wireless
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3600 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Blue, Twilight Purple | Snow White, Coffee Black |
| Models | U12 life, 2Q6E1 | 2QC9200, 2QC9100, 2QCB100 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 220 EUR |
HTC U12 life
- Potentially lower price point (due to age)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated Snapdragon 636 chipset
- Likely inferior camera performance
HTC U23 Pro
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor
- 30W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price compared to the U12 Life
- Camera specs are not fully detailed
- May not be a substantial upgrade for extremely basic users
Display Comparison
The HTC U23 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 727 nits, compared to the U12 Life’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the U23 Pro’s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit. We lack detailed color accuracy data for both, but the U23 Pro’s newer panel technology likely offers improved color reproduction. Bezels are also expected to be slimmer on the U23 Pro, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The context data for the U23 Pro simply states 'Photo / Video,' lacking specifics. However, given HTC’s recent focus, we can expect a more sophisticated camera system than the U12 Life. The U12 Life’s camera specs are also unavailable, but it’s reasonable to assume a less advanced sensor and image processing pipeline. The U23 Pro likely benefits from improved computational photography algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The absence of detailed camera specs for both devices makes a precise comparison difficult, but the U23 Pro’s newer chipset and likely more advanced image signal processor (ISP) give it a clear advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The U12 Life’s Snapdragon 636, built on a 14nm process, is a capable but aging processor. The U23 Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, fabricated on a more efficient 4nm node, represents a substantial performance upgrade. The 7 Gen 1’s octa-core configuration (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) offers a more modern architecture and higher clock speeds than the U12 Life’s (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The U23 Pro’s endurance rating of 83 hours suggests a well-optimized battery life, despite the lack of specific mAh information. The U12 Life’s battery capacity is also unknown. However, the U23 Pro’s 30W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the U12 Life’s slow 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times. Furthermore, the U23 Pro adds 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, offering unparalleled convenience. The inclusion of reverse wired charging is also a unique feature, allowing the U23 Pro to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U12 Life if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks and prioritize extreme affordability. It's suitable for users who primarily make calls, send texts, and browse the web with minimal demands on processing power. Buy the HTC U23 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, better camera quality, and the convenience of modern features like fast and wireless charging. It’s ideal for users who enjoy social media, streaming video, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the U23 Pro get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1’s 4nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the U12 Life’s 14nm Snapdragon 636. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the U23 Pro is less likely to experience significant throttling, allowing for more sustained performance. However, prolonged, graphically intensive gaming will still generate heat.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the U23 Pro useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse wireless charging on the U23 Pro is convenient for slowly topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It’s not a fast charging solution, but it can provide a useful boost when you’re away from a power outlet. The reverse wired charging is also a unique feature for sharing power with other devices.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the U23 Pro compared to the 10W charging on the U12 Life?
The 30W charging on the U23 Pro will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect the U23 Pro to charge roughly three times faster than the U12 Life. This means a quick top-up during a short break is far more feasible with the U23 Pro.
