HTC U12+ Unveiled Specs Features and Verdict

Introduction to HTC U12+

The HTC U12+, launched in 2018, is a flagship smartphone that boasts a combination of powerful hardware, innovative features, and a sleek design. It competes in the high-end market with the likes of devices from Samsung, Apple, and others. This article delves into the various aspects of the HTC U12+, including its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of what this smartphone offers.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC U12+ stands out with its distinctive design, featuring a glass front and back, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and an aluminum frame. This choice of materials not only provides a premium look but also ensures durability. The smartphone measures 156.6 x 73.9 x 8.7 mm and weighs 188 grams, making it relatively easy to handle.

The phone is available in exquisite color options like Translucent Blue, Ceramic Black, and Flame Red. Moreover, the translucent variant adds a touch of uniqueness, allowing users to glimpse into the phone's internals. The device supports a single Nano-SIM or a hybrid dual-SIM configuration, providing flexibility for users who require additional storage via a microSD card.

Display

The HTC U12+ features a 6.0-inch Super LCD6 display with HDR10 support, offering vibrant and accurate colors. The display has a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density of approximately 537 ppi. This ensures sharp and detailed visuals, which are particularly noticeable when watching high-definition content or playing games.

The screen occupies about 80.3% of the phone's front, providing an immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of HDR10 means that users can enjoy content with enhanced contrast and a wider color gamut. Gorilla Glass 3 protection adds to the display's durability, safeguarding it against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC U12+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, a 10 nm octa-core processor with four cores clocked at 2.8 GHz (Kryo 385 Gold) and four cores at 1.7 GHz (Kryo 385 Silver). This setup is complemented by the Adreno 630 GPU, providing robust performance for gaming and demanding applications.

The device comes equipped with 6 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient handling of intensive tasks. It is available in two storage variants, 64 GB and 128 GB, both expandable via microSDXC cards up to 1 TB, allowing users to have plenty of space for apps, media, and documents.

Software

Originally launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, the HTC U12+ is upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie with HTC's Sense UI. The interface offers a clean and intuitive user experience, with several customization options and proprietary features like Edge Sense, which allows users to squeeze the phone's sides to perform certain actions.

HTC Sense Companion is another software feature that provides personalized suggestions to enhance the user experience. Additionally, the device supports Google Assistant, enabling voice commands and smart home integration.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC U12+ is equipped with a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 12 MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and a 16 MP (12 MP effective) telephoto lens with an f/2.6 aperture. This setup supports features like dual pixel PDAF, laser autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and 2x optical zoom.

The rear cameras are capable of recording 4K videos at 60 fps and 1080p videos at up to 240 fps, offering excellent video quality with detailed and smooth footage. The inclusion of HDR, gyro-EIS, and stereo sound recording enhances the video capabilities of the device. The front camera is also a dual setup with 8 MP sensors, supporting features such as HDR, panorama, and 1080p video recording at 30 fps, ensuring great selfies and video calls.

Audio and Connectivity

The HTC U12+ does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, a common trend among flagship devices. However, it compensates for this with high-quality stereo speakers that deliver rich and immersive sound. The USB Type-C 3.1 port supports audio output through compatible headphones or adapters.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for high-quality wireless audio, and NFC for mobile payments. The device also boasts comprehensive positioning support, including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, offering reliable navigation capabilities.

Battery Life

The HTC U12+ is equipped with a 3500 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, which provides sufficient power to last a full day under moderate usage. The device supports Quick Charge 3.0, allowing the battery to charge up to 50% in just 35 minutes, reducing downtime significantly.

In performance tests, the battery's endurance rating is approximately 64 hours, which, while not the best in its class, is adequate for most users. It offers up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G networks, ensuring users can stay connected throughout the day without frequent recharges.

Additional Features and Sensors

The HTC U12+ is equipped with a range of sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the device's functionality, providing security features and enabling augmented reality applications.

Edge Sense 2.0, a highlight of this device, allows users to squeeze the sides of the phone to trigger shortcuts like launching apps or taking photos. This feature adds convenience and customization to the user experience.

Conclusion

The HTC U12+ is a well-rounded flagship smartphone that combines stylish design with powerful hardware and innovative features. While it faces stiff competition from other high-end devices, it distinguishes itself with unique elements like the Edge Sense technology and excellent audio capabilities. The camera performance, coupled with the solid build quality and vibrant display, makes it a worthy consideration for users seeking a premium smartphone experience.

At the time of its release, the HTC U12+ was priced at about 450 EUR, positioning it competitively in the market. Although HTC has since faced challenges in the smartphone space, the U12+ remains a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation.