HTC U11 Life

B

I was walking my dog and he pulled the leash suddenly making me drop my phones (HTC U11 Life and Galaxy S5 fell from my hoodie pocket). Neither had a case but only the HTC got damaged - screen broke. I guess that's an unplanned drop test? Anyway I just managed to replace the screen using a youtube guide and it is working again. Having taken the phone apart and put back together I can say it is very fragile - the back is thin and flexible, the front glass has little support near the corners particularly - so be careful pressing there. The Bluetooth connection seems to be really weak, even compared to my galaxy s5 from several years ago. I am happy with the photo quality though. If you get this phone put it in a strong case - I don't think a silicone case alone will be good enough. If you have to repair the screen, there is a good walkthrough video on youtube but it is tedious to do...you will need to replace the adhesive for the the back panel with new adhesive. I needed a T5 torx screwdriver to work with it, and there are delicate cables for the squeeze sensors along the sides so be careful not to cut them. I haven't used the phone much yet and am more utilitarian with it them so I won't comment much about the apps and speed or whatever. Battery seems pretty decent - I have listened to audiobooks for an hour and the battery dipped to 99% compared to probably a 15% drop on my S5.

Spanky

This phone is the absolute worst piece of crap I've ever owned. I've had it since they came out. I've tried to contact HTC customer service, who are in Columbia, and they are rude and extremely non-helpful. The phone shuts down on a regular basis and ejects the SD card multiple times a day. I was told that I bought it, so I should shut up about it. I asked for a supervisor and was told NO and hung up on. I was hung up on by HTC customer service on more than one occasion, just trying to get help. As soon as I can get a different phone, I'm taking this one to the range. It's only good as a target. I'll never but any HTC product again and encourage others not to either.

Ilija

I have it for about 10 months now. Excellent device. For the price of 200 euro that I've got it I'm very happy with it.

HTCfan

Anyone using this phone for a year or more?

Anonymous

The most garbage phone I've ever owned. Stopped working after a month, returned it and got a replacement which stopped working after 2 weeks. The two other people I know that had one had the same issues. Also the USB C headphone jack makes it impossible to get replacement headphones when the included ones inevitably break so make sure you don't lose the adapter that comes in the box. It also means you can't have headphones in while your phone is charging, an extremely useful design feature assuming the goal was to inconvenience your customers.

miki

My HTC U11 life suicide on charger. Work nice, charging, dead... :( Mainboard dead. Where I can find mainboard, used unlocked?

DKS

Does any HTC U11 Life users have received Android 9 update

Calrodz

I've had this phone for a week and this are the good things and some bad about it: Pros: -Performance: Its buttery smooth, the cpu clocked at 2.2 helps a lot when moving through apps and opening them along with the 3gb of ram (Mexico) -Screen: I based my decisions primarily on wether the phone had amoled screen or not, because i love the true blacks and functionality like always on display, but this IPS panel is really great beacause of the viewing angles, color accuracy and ppi. -Edge sense: I can take screenshots with just a squeeze, genious! -Audio: This is really important to me because i am able to play 24bit 99kHz audio thru the usb c headphones provided and it sounds incredible. Also support for bluetooth 5 and aptX and LDAC. -Connector: This is not a big one but i like having the new standard of usb type c -Camera: It takes incredible pictures, good detail and saturation, its not a flagship camera but definitely a very good one -Front mounted fingerprint scanner: More useful for when you have the phone on a table, also is very quick! -Color: The blue version of this phone is astonishing -OS: Im currently on Oreo but love the almost stock android, just a launcher and a few boost and editing apps Now the cons: -No 3.5mm headphone jack and no adapter included: I need this to connect to my car stereo and guitar amplifier, so im gonna have to buy the original htc adapter ~ $17 dlls w/shipping, but you can connect a dac and amp adapter like the hidizs sonata -Battery: I wish it had at least 3000 mAh, anyway im getting 5.5 hrs screen on time with 15% left -Bezels: The bottom bezel on this phone is huuuge but at least it has nav buttons and fingerprint scanner so no big deal And thats it folks i hope this review helped you out.... A little tip, dont fall for every negative comment, try for yourself and you might get surprised in a good way...

USADave

Missing 3.5mm headphone jack is UNACCEPTABLE

Genial

Android 9 update finally

Asheenlevrai

Bought this phone in a swiss retail shop. - Type-C to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter was NOT provided with the device. USB-C headphones (instead)

Khan G

I'm living in KSA, how i can get this mobile

Valaryon

The inside of the back cover is peeling off around the edges after a year of use. Also, the Edge Sense feature is terrible compared to a gyroscope based solution for gestures, like in Lenovo's Moto G5 which I used before. Other than that, good phone.

Aadrian

It will probably take a while before it arrives.

Leone

Picture Quality is damn great!

Timalay

No one uses 3.7mm headphone jacks, because it's not a thing. Headphone jacks are normally 3.5mm.

Anonymous

HTC U11 Life from T-Mobile Screen on this phone is EXTREMELY FRAGILE!!! This has got to be a defective design. 2 screens, 2 months Functionally, I am not thrilled either. The bottom bezel is poorly executed such that you have to hunt for the sweet spot (big bezel + micro sweet spot = wasted space) Edge sense is not designed for daily rigorous use - a really dumb idea. It triggers pulling from pocket. Random uncontrolled split screens appear occasionally. Want custom themes? You must go to an HTC site to get them! True, some are free. but you have limited ctrl over them, and they are mostly ugly.

Anonymous

I wait for U12 life! When will it arrives?

Anonymous

It's a great phone plus who uses 3.7 mm jacks anyway just buy a 30 buck pair of Bluetooth headphones and call it a day. My u11 life is super fast, great battery life, it's a very smooth

AnonD-628117

For anyone trying to decide between X4 and U11 Life please consider that the X4 is 20g heavier than the HTC. If you have an active profession which requires you to carry your phone while being on your feet all day its a very important consideration. Just got the X4 and have to say that though it has a great feature set, it weighs a ton. Its like a brick.

Anonymous

Does anyone know what camera sensors the U11 Life is using? I'm surprised as how well the rear camera does given it's modest aperture and lack of OIS, and I'm rather curious on sensor and pixel size, but I cannot for the life of me find any info on it. HTC's algorithms are even more impressive if it's a dinky 1.0 micron pixel sensor like the IMX351 used on the U Play or an Omnivision OV16880/16885. Thanks!

Aadrian

Is the HTC smart display app available for the U11 Life?

Moopthy

Moto x4 is best

jimmy

u11 life

Anonymous

What about the rear camera, your opinion?

Anonymous

Which one to choose, U11 life or Moto X4???

AnonD-347782

What's with that giant bottom bezel? In a year where phones are getting smaller bezels this one is getting the opposite

Aadrian

HTC should add always on display to its phones, would be very nice.

Chupaero

I hate this phone. No 3.5 mm jack. Industry is trying to kill what has been a useful commodity. Sheer capitalism! Innovation your face. R I P HTC, you will never be forgotten. HTC 10 was though to be a game changer for you but oh my, you fail every single decisions every now and then. Hire some competitive designers and advisers from Oneplus, Samsung and Apple. That could save your souls. What a trash. Space saver for a 2600mAh battery? Dafuq.

codename

2600 mah battery...Really ....I have to say this phone will.......fail drastically

Helbert galarga

Nice phone, at first I was worried to purchase this phone because of some posts but now I love this phone. Best phone ever.

Anonymous

When will this be available in the Philippines?

Anonymous

Small unsimetrical buttons. Bye.

joe nodden

Why should you need an adapter though?

Aadrian

In terms of specifications I think not, but in software I think it is. Fast updates becuae of androidone.

Rogel

Is this a better phone than the Ultra?

Anonymous

You get an adapter in the box. Headphones also.

Anonymous

This phone is really amazing and awesome. The U11 life has every thing i want from a smartphone(at this price).and i,d rather take u11life instead of xiaomi or oneplus or ...,bikaz this is htc fon n is very differ... with other 2nd grade phone.pliz dont compare htc,iphone,with other brands like xiaomi,huawei or.... Go for this fon with no doubt .after many months or one year the differences will appear when xiaomi,oppo,oneplus or ... quality will drop but htc will works like first days(not only htc,also lg and even samsung quality is more better than xiaomi,oppo or ...) In android htc is far better and would be the first choice in ui,quality,design,stamina and ...

Anonymous

Google's statement is that, any Android phone that releases with Oreo out of the box will support Project Treble. I simply trust that Google will not take back their words, with which it follows that this phone should support Project Treble. Moreover, this is an Android One mobile, the phone which is powered by Google.

Anonymous

does this phone support project treble (android one version)

AnonD-709656

May I know what it your budget? If your budget is 300 EUR or less then Xiaomi Mi A1 ; another Google's Android One phone is the best one although Nokia 6 and Moto G5 Plus has similar spec sheet to Mi A1. If your budget is around 400 EUR, this is the best phone available, pairing with it's another Google opponent, Moto X4 and the China-Only Nokia 7. I would say OnePlus 3 but it may not be available now. If your budget is around 500 EUR, I recommend OnePlus 5T or LG G6. They both do amazing but the G6 does have an outdated spec sheet. If your budget is below 1000 EUR, Pixel 2/2 XL, LG V30, HTC U11+ / Huawei Mate 10 Pro will do amazing.

The "Pixel Mini"

I agree with you, but not with you say about One Plus 5. Android One devices should recieve better updates. One Plus 5, like Nokia or Motorola, has little modifications. Any mod generates adtional bugs or a future system problems or app incompatibility (you can search "Hauwei Snapchat" at Google, for example). If you want the best software experience, you wil go to Google Play Experience, Nexus, Pixel, Android One or Android Go devices. I need more camera samples, but today I think HTC U11 Life has better camera quality than One Plus 5. You can compare it with the Pixel 2 in some reviews, it is not equal, but is very close to the Pixel. Also better than HTC 10 (not for the video stabilization, of course). Cheers. :-)

huit

would you recommend on buying this phone ? and what do you think about HTC Bolt ?

AnonD-709656

For the same price. Moto X4 can be a choice. Same thing like this but with a headphone jack and IP 68. It's lowlight is worse than U11 Life but it is okay. U11 Life has one of the best cameras in it's price range after OnePlus 3. I say that if you want IP 68 and a headphone jack for the same price with the compromise of camera then go for Moto X4. and if you want better camera and nearly the same waterproofing with a much better customer care then U11 Life and if you want Oreo to be the last update and better performance than both of the above phones and better camera than both then go for OnePlus 3.

Dm

Does anyone know when it will actually be shipped? I've ordered one, but I can't find the date anywhere either through their website or elsewhere online

lanelane

Wat about updates for us version? Will we get two years?

DRADV

Does anyone know how the Headphone Jack adapter works with a credit card reader? Say Square... Thanks

Sand

Actually, it seems that you must buy the official HTC adapter, any other wont work with this phone (yet)

Andy

No headphone jack is a set back. But, you can buy a headphone adapter for it...problem solved! :)

Deepansh

But you are getting the active noise cancellation earbuds in the box...

AnonD-621893

Same here, dumbest decision ever to not include the headphone jack anymore (especially from HTC which are known for their good music quality). It's like giving up your strongest advantage for nothing.

regular

no earphone jack? bye-bye then

Anonymous

I mean in looks and design especially everything's in front panel Mr god of technology

F1rstman

This seems like a really good phone for the price of only 350 euro for the Android One version in The Netherlands. I've seen some reviews on YouTube and this seems like the best mid-ranger at the moment. Comes with Oreo and you'll receive at least two major updates (Android P and Q). Of course you can buy cheap Chinese brands that offer good specs, but no one care about those her in my country. We use quality brands like Samsung, Apple, LG, Sony and HTC. The U Play will soon come out and I will definitely buy it!

Arash

I wishat least you put htc 10 camera in it !!!!!!!

Anonymous

It's the second coming of the One A9, praise Jeebus!

The "Pixel Mini"

I agree for the lack of the Jack (and also for the FM Radio, but this is because a Google policy for Android Stock devices). This device have also a premium IP67 built. I consider SuperLCD as a good technology, better color representation than AMOLED. Not as bright as AMOLED, but sunlight legitibility is OK. IPS LCD and SuperLCD are betther for the eyes, Please don't compare this phone with Xiaomi (worse camera and microphone quality too, not IP protection, and one or nothing system updates), Motorola (worse camera lower than Z2 Play, worse updates) and with Samsung devices (good quaility, also good camera, but laggier user interface day by day, and poor updates support). I consider this phone as a better choice than others. I consider as a Pixel Mini (two years of system updates in the Android One version). Good camaera (night and estabiization), good microphone in videos. Android Stock. The battery is not as bad, Android Stock is very optimizated, as you can see in Google Pixel with 2700MAH. 630 is a very good SoC also for that. I prefer 3000MAH, but 2600 for this phone are OK. Not good, but OK for one day.

Anonymous

I really really hope you're kidding. You obviously don't know anything about technology.

Anonymous

Another iPhone's clones

Aadrian

It’s up for preorder now. I think it’s a nice phone, good software updates so it’s futureproof.

shabbirene

from the specifications it is clear that it is a single sim variant... the main plus is it is an android one device .... so your software will be updated for the next two years ....it will be a very good mid range device for sure... hope they price it well...........looking forward for this device.

Potential buyer

Will this be available with dual sim?

Dave

Poor battery capacity. For a phone with a 5.2" 1080p screen, 3000mAh should be the minimum acceptable battery capacity. I understand manufacturers need to keep costs low for a mid/low range phone, but battery shouldn't be something to be stingy about. This is not just HTC. Sony XZ1 also has a sub-3000mAh battery. Not acceptable.

Mr. Electronics

I mean unless people are crazy over the edge sense feature on this phone, which I doubt.

Harish

I want to buy this.....when launching in India

red

g5 plus with the snapdragon 630 fixed all that. I went from a nexus 5x to moto g5 plus and it is worlds better. The ram upgrade to 4gb on the 64 version with the 630 performs great. The snapdragon 400 series has always been okay but the OS and apps are becoming more demanading making the 600 series the sweet spot for price to performance phones. Like the g5 plus and newer g series and this phone.

AnonD-554966

Another HTC phone . Let's see . Normal sized phone sanapdragon 630 ok . cons still no head phone Jack in a midrage phone😥 with over 8mm thick and small battery no fast charging still SLCD which I don't like (poor brightness and can't get too dim in night) Very few camera tricks nd small aperture . So much cons people will buy Xiaomi,Moto or Samsung for premium built .

Thesis86

I'm not too sure about that because the Snapdragon 820 as a chip throttled and overheated. Phones with the 821, maybe.

AnonD-525483

I don't know about U11 Life. But Moto G5? Worst Moto G ever. It hangs like whenever possible. I am using it. Regret my decision. Should have gone after one of the chinese OEMs. With that price, I would have got a better phone (atleast in paper).

Konvict Antar

Everything is fine without the price 400$. OP3/3T, S7 & and all the hit flagships of 2016 are the best option in this price range.

Serpieri

According to early reviews U11 Life's battery is is all right, not the best on market, but enough foor it's price.

AnonD-712648

HTC 10 is still great and the same price

AnonD-712607

Has NFC and Bluetooth 5 though. Also since is Android One maybe more/faster updates.

Vic4BBM

Nearly twice the price of Mi A1.

Jack

Just get the Moto G5 Plus. It's cheaper, has better battery life, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Anonymous

good Spec....but low battery as per today's need it must have been 3000mAh

Anonymous

I don't see any reason why one should buy this over Moto X4.

AnonD-604906

Go for sam A52018 ithink is the best

AnonD-462421

I really don't know why everyone hates on HTC so much. they've made mistakes but not (much) worse than Samsung, LG, or any of the other big manufacturers... And I still think they are the most attractive phones, I know everyone freaks out about the "huge" bezels.. but they don't bother me. This will be my next phone if it has all the t-mobile bands (except maybe 71.. i don't expect those until midish next year). The only real unfortunate thing about a phone like the u11 life is because it's not a flagship or likely won't be popular, it might not get twrp support, and even if it does it won't have much rom support :(

AnonD-40493

HTC's policy should be taught in economy books as a excellent exampleof how NOT to act to stay afloat in a highly competitive industry segment.

AnonD-441601

Too expensive not worth the money.

AnonD-710132

Just got rid of my HTC U11, poor battery and no headphone jack, dongle provided stopped working, not buying another one for same result. Bought a Moto Z Play, awesome battery life lasts 3 days without a charge and has a headphone jack. They decided to go with a low capacity battery so you can just make it through the day with this HTC U11 Life phone, and no headphone jack. Just buy a Moto G or Z its basically stock android, quick updates and very affordable.

Didosa

The bessels of this phone are Big AF... It's only rummor, but if in the end it have this bessels I hope they will make compensation with bigger battery like 4000~5000 mah.

AnonD-622300

Ugliest phone I have ever seen in my life.

The.Chosen-One

Omg what is wrong with the comments?! This phone is a rumor, the picture displayed is a rumor and the battery capacity is a rumor! So please stop judging... there may not be such a phone at all!

Anonymous

Andrio O don't use much battery am guessing that why and HTC 2017 phone are very optimized

Mark_S

If it looks like, feels like, smells like............ Moto X4!!!!

AnonD-565179

for god sake its a midrange phone put a large battery 4000 or 5000 even samsung use large battery in some devices like c9 PRO & a9 PRO....4000...5000mAH like ASUS zenfone 3 zoom but sony & htc to now, they do not use any 4000 or 5000 battery in midrange devices

ssbatman21

its feels like they are ruining themselves on purpose. trying to show forced losses on d books.

AnonD-564711

htc U11 end your LIFE

AnonD-378974

it looks like a phone with zerolemon case but not with big battery. #largechin

Force Majeure

A 5.2" device with only 2600 mAh battery in 2017? Is it removable? With HTC don't think so. For me battery time is 2nd most important thing on the list. I wouldn't use this phone if even was $120 only.

Anonymous

Looks like something from 2011

AnonD-694856

Ugliest phone i've seen in 2017 I think this will probably be the final nail for HTC..

AnonD-663385

When the forehead is larger i can still accept it, but phone looks like carrying a baby inside :(

Vineet290

And the worst phone of 2017 is HTC U11 Life ...

Anonymous

What the heaven that design?

AnonD-499774

Hahaha .thank God it's a rumour

AnonD-441601

Should have IP 68 and much bigger battery also USB C and not Micro USB 2.0 like this now looks crappy.

AnonD-441601

Man thats Samsung S8 S8plus Note 8 and Iphone X this one is compared to them miss world 2017 for sure.

TomSeo

ugliest phone of 2017

AnonD-699935

u can find all of the weakest battery in the mobile world in HTC