The HTC U23 and Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The U23 aims for a refined experience with wireless charging and a more compact design, while the Poco F5 Pro prioritizes raw performance with a flagship-tier chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the U23’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the U23 offers wireless charging, the F5 Pro’s faster wired and wireless charging, combined with its superior processing power, offer a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 17 | 2023, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 162.8 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm (6.41 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired
15W wireless
5W reverse wireless
Reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3+, 50% in 15 min
30W wireless, 50% in 32 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4600 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Roland Violet | Black, White |
| Models | - | 23013PC75G |
| Price | - | $ 449.99 / € 241.85 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 99h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 1057977 (v9)
GeekBench: 4001 (v5.1), 4009 (v6)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
HTC U23
- Wireless charging support
- Potentially more compact form factor
- May offer a more refined software experience
- Significantly less powerful processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited camera information
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Faster wired and wireless charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- May be larger and less comfortable to hold
- Potentially more aggressive software customizations
- No significant unique features beyond performance
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1059 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the HTC U23. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. Both displays share an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks. While panel technology details are missing for the U23, the F5 Pro’s brightness advantage is a clear win for users who frequently consume content in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Poco F5 Pro’s flagship chipset likely provides more powerful image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of details on the U23’s camera system makes it difficult to assess its capabilities beyond basic functionality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco F5 Pro’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the HTC U23’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm). The 8+ Gen 1 features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A710 cores at 2.5 GHz, offering a significant performance boost over the U23’s single 2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 and three 2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 cores. Both utilize the same Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Poco F5 Pro. The 4nm process node on both chips contributes to improved thermal efficiency, but the 8+ Gen 1’s more powerful architecture will likely still generate more heat under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 99 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the Poco F5 Pro’s more powerful processor. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Poco F5 Pro supports 67W wired charging (50% in 15 minutes), 30W wireless charging (50% in 32 minutes), and Power Delivery 3.0/Quick Charge 3+ standards. The HTC U23 is limited to 30W wired, 15W wireless, and 5W reverse wireless charging. The F5 Pro’s faster charging speeds offer significantly more convenience, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U23 if you prioritize a more compact phone with the convenience of wireless charging and a potentially more refined software experience (depending on HTC’s customizations). Buy the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro if you demand maximum performance for gaming, multitasking, or content creation, and value faster charging speeds and a brighter display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Poco F5 Pro get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a powerful chip, the Poco F5 Pro incorporates thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. Users report manageable temperatures during extended gaming, though some throttling may occur to maintain stability. The 4nm process node contributes to improved thermal efficiency compared to older generation chips.
❓ Is the 30W wireless charging on the Poco F5 Pro significantly faster than the 15W wireless charging on the HTC U23?
Yes, the 30W wireless charging on the Poco F5 Pro is considerably faster. It can reach 50% charge in approximately 32 minutes, while the HTC U23’s 15W wireless charging will take significantly longer. This difference makes the F5 Pro more convenient for users who rely on wireless charging.
❓ How does the software experience differ between HTC's Sense UI and Xiaomi's MIUI on these devices?
HTC's Sense UI historically offered a cleaner, more stock-Android-like experience, though recent updates have introduced more customizations. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive feature set and customization options, but it can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware. User preference will heavily influence which UI is preferred.
