HTC U24 Pro Smartphone Overview

Sep 2, 2024

HTC U24 Pro Overview

Introduction

  • HTC announces its return with the HTC U24 Pro, a smartphone launched in 2024 after several years of absence.
  • Initial market position: HTC had about 10% market share in the smartphone market 7 years ago.
  • Sold a significant part of its smartphone business to Google for $1.1 billion, leading to a halt in smartphone production (except for a crypto phone in 2019).
  • New HTC U24 Pro priced at $600.

Design and Build

  • Angular design inspired by the Cybertruck.
  • Aluminum rails are not curved or straight, making it less comfortable to hold.
  • Curved glass screen; uses standard Gorilla Glass instead of sapphire crystal.
  • 50 MP front-facing camera, unique for the market.
  • Proximity sensors integrated into the frame instead of under the screen.
  • Features a headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones.

Hardware Specifications

  • Back Panels: Plastic back, which is common in this price range.
  • Camera Setup:
    • Triple camera: 50 MP telephoto camera, 50 MP regular camera, 8 MP ultra-wide depth sensor.
    • Single LED flash.
  • Display:
    • 6.8 inches, 120Hz, 1080p OLED display.
  • Fingerprint Scanner: Under-screen scanner had issues recognizing prints.

Durability Tests

  • Bend Test:
    • Survived bend tests better than previous models, with no visible damage to the screen or back.
  • Disassembly:
    • Plastic back is easy to remove, allowing for better repairability compared to older models.
    • Components are modular, with a simple motherboard design.
    • Dual-cell battery with 4,600 mAh capacity supports fast charging.

Features and Functionality

  • Water Resistance: IP67 rating.
  • Charging Port: 60W wired USB-C port.
  • Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging capability.
  • OIS: Lacks optical image stabilization on the new front-facing camera, despite HTC's historical innovation in this area.

Conclusion

  • The HTC U24 Pro is positioned as a mid-range smartphone with some unique features but overall resembles older smartphone designs.
  • HTC is potentially paving the way for future flagship models.
  • Awaiting further innovations from HTC after this comeback.