HTC has a history of producing compelling smartphones, but recent models have flown somewhat under the radar. Today, we're pitting two of their offerings against each other: the newer HTC U23 Pro and the slightly older HTC U20 5G. Let's see which phone offers the best value and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The HTC U23 Pro emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly brighter display, more modern chipset (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1), and faster charging. While the U20 5G offers 5G connectivity, the U23 Pro's overall improvements make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.56/0.9 Gbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 18 | 2020, June 16. Released 2020, October 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 171.2 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm (6.74 x 3.07 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 215.5 g (7.62 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Asahi Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, SAR |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired
15W wireless
5W reverse wireless
Reverse wired | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 200 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h 20 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4600 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Snow White, Coffee Black | Green, White |
| Models | 2QC9200, 2QC9100, 2QCB100 | - |
| Price | About 220 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.44 W/kg (head) |
HTC U23 Pro
- Brighter Display
- More Modern Chipset (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1)
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Excellent Battery Life (83h Endurance)
- Reverse Wireless Charging
- Potentially Higher Price
- Camera details are limited in available information
HTC U20 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially Lower Price (if available)
- QC4 Charging
- Older Chipset (Snapdragon 765G)
- Lower Display Brightness (estimated)
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Likely Shorter Battery Life
Display Comparison
The HTC U23 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 727 nits, a substantial improvement over the U20 5G's likely lower brightness (typical of displays from that era). This means the U23 Pro will be much easier to see outdoors and in bright sunlight. Both phones likely feature similar display technology (OLED or AMOLED), but the U23 Pro's brightness advantage is key.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited for both phones, but the U23 Pro likely benefits from newer image processing algorithms and potentially improved sensor technology. Expect slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, from the U23 Pro. Both phones likely offer a versatile camera setup with multiple lenses (wide, ultrawide, macro).
Performance
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the U23 Pro is a more modern and efficient chipset than the Snapdragon 765G in the U20 5G. The 7 Gen 1's 4nm process offers better power efficiency and potentially slightly improved performance. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the U23 Pro should feel snappier and more responsive, especially when multitasking or playing demanding games.
Battery Life
The U23 Pro's endurance rating of 83 hours is exceptionally impressive, suggesting excellent battery life. The U20 5G's battery life was respectable for its time, but the U23 Pro's superior efficiency and potentially larger battery capacity give it a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the HTC U23 Pro? Users prioritizing a vibrant display, smooth performance, and faster charging will appreciate the U23 Pro. Who should buy the HTC U20 5G? Budget-conscious buyers who specifically need 5G connectivity and don't mind slightly older hardware might consider the U20 5G, assuming it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the HTC U23 Pro worth the upgrade from an older HTC phone?
Yes, especially if you're coming from a phone with a less vibrant display or an older chipset. The U23 Pro offers significant improvements in display brightness, performance, and battery life.
❓ Does the HTC U20 5G still offer good value in 2024?
It might, if you can find it at a very low price and 5G connectivity is a must-have. However, be aware that it's an older device with less modern hardware.
