HTC U12+ vs U11+: A Detailed Comparison of HTC's Flagship Phones
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HTC U11+ remains the more practical choice. Its superior endurance rating of 73 hours significantly outweighs the U12+'s performance gains from the Snapdragon 845. However, users prioritizing raw processing power and a slightly brighter display will find the U12+ a worthwhile upgrade.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HTC U12+ | HTC U11+ |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 49, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018, May 23 | 2017, November 02. Released 2017, November 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2018, June 29 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156.6 x 73.9 x 8.7 mm (6.17 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 158.5 x 74.9 x 8.5 mm (6.24 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) Pressure-sensitive buttons | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super LCD6, HDR10 | Super LCD6 |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 540 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), Sense UI |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS 16 MP (12 MP effective), f/2.6, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, AF | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), HDR, 24-bit/96kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 35 min (advertised) | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Talk time | Up to 24 h (3G) | Up to 25 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3930 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Translucent Blue, Ceramic Black, Flame Red | Translucent Black, Ceramic Black, Amazing Silver |
| Models | U12, 2Q55100 | U11 plus, htc_2q4d100 |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -52.7dB | Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.0dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 64h | Endurance rating 73h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1818:1 (nominal), 3.085 (sunlight) | Contrast ratio: 1626:1 (nominal), 2.556 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 77dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 99dB | Voice 91dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 90dB |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 263696 (v7) GeekBench: 9001 (v4.4) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | GeekBench: 6654 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U12+
- Faster processor for demanding tasks
- Slightly brighter display for outdoor use
- Potentially improved camera image processing
- Lower battery endurance
- Higher price (typically)
- May be more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load
HTC U11+
- Superior battery life (73h endurance)
- Excellent value for money (especially at discounted prices)
- Proven reliability and performance
- Older processor
- Slightly lower display contrast and brightness
- May struggle with the most demanding modern games
Display Comparison
Both the U12+ and U11+ feature similar display characteristics, but the U12+ boasts a noticeably higher contrast ratio of 1818:1 (nominal) compared to the U11+'s 1626:1. This translates to deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Furthermore, the U12+ achieves a peak brightness of 3.085 nits in sunlight, exceeding the U11+'s 2.556 nits, improving outdoor visibility. While both displays are excellent, the U12+ offers a marginal improvement in visual quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer capable photo and video recording, but detailed camera specs are limited in the provided data. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the U12+ likely benefits from the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 845, potentially leading to better low-light performance and faster image processing. Without further data, it's reasonable to assume the U12+ offers a slight edge in image quality, but the real-world difference may be minimal for casual users.
Performance
The U12+’s Snapdragon 845 represents a significant architectural leap over the U11+’s Snapdragon 835. The 845, built on a 10nm process, features Kryo 385 cores clocked up to 2.8 GHz, offering a performance boost over the 835’s 2.45 GHz Kryo cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While both chipsets are capable, the 845’s improved efficiency also contributes to better sustained performance under heavy load, reducing the likelihood of thermal throttling. The U12+ will benefit users who frequently engage in resource-intensive tasks like video editing or high-end gaming.
Battery Life
The U11+ holds a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving a rating of 73 hours compared to the U12+'s 64 hours. Despite both phones supporting 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, the U11+'s larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset result in longer usage times. The U12+ advertises a 50% charge in 35 minutes, but this doesn't compensate for the overall lower endurance. Users prioritizing battery life will find the U11+ a more reliable companion.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U12+ if you demand the fastest possible performance for demanding applications and games, and are willing to accept a reduction in battery endurance. Buy the HTC U11+ if you prioritize all-day battery life, a proven track record of reliability, and value for money, especially given its current price point. The U11+ is ideal for users who prioritize longevity over bleeding-edge specs.