Price and specifications of HTC U Play advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction

The HTC U Play is a mid-range smartphone that was launched in January 2017. It offers an elegant design and a balanced mix of features that appeal to users who are looking for a reliable Android device. In this article, we will cover its specifications, performance, design, camera, battery life, and additional features.

Design and Build Quality

The HTC U Play has an impressive glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which ensures a degree of scratch resistance. It features a plastic back and a plastic frame, maintaining a lightweight profile of 145 grams. Its dimensions are 146 x 72.9 x 8 mm, making it a compact device that is easy to hold and operate with one hand. The phone supports a Hybrid Dual SIM, allowing the user to balance between personal and professional connections.

Display

The device sports a 5.2-inch Super LCD display, with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 428 ppi. The display ensures vivid colors and sharp images, which is ideal for media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio is around 68.7%, which provides a decent-sized viewing space without making the phone too bulky.

Performance

HTC U Play is powered by the Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10 chipset, featuring an Octa-core CPU with four cores running at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, and four cores at 1.1 GHz Cortex-A53. Paired with a Mali-T860MP2 GPU, it handles day-to-day tasks competently. The phone comes in two variants: one with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, and another with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, both supporting microSDXC for memory expansion via the shared SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

The HTC U Play is equipped with a 16 MP rear camera offering an aperture of f/2.0. It supports PDAF and OIS for stable and focused shots. It comes with a Dual-LED dual-tone flash and a panorama mode, ensuring versatile photography options. The front camera is also 16 MP, with an aperture of f/2.0, and supports Auto-HDR, making it suitable for high-quality selfies. Both cameras can record videos at 1080p at 30fps, providing solid video recording capabilities.

Battery Life

The device houses a non-removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery, which supports 10W wired charging. The battery life offers up to 427 hours of standby time and up to 15 hours of talk time on 3G networks. Though the battery capacity may seem modest, it is optimized to last a full day under normal usage conditions, given the hardware it supports.

Operating System and Connectivity

HTC U Play originally shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and may offer possible updates depending on regional and carrier support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with GLONASS, and NFC, which cover a broad spectrum of wireless communication. Although it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, users can utilize Bluetooth and the USB Type-C port for audio output. Notably, there is no radio option on this device.

Sensors and Additional Features

The front-mounted fingerprint sensor provides an added layer of security and convenient unlocking. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, all contributing to a versatile smartphone experience. For audiophiles, despite the absence of a 3.5mm jack, the smartphone is equipped with a capable loudspeaker system for consuming media.

Colors and Models

The HTC U Play is available in various color options, including Brilliant Black, Cosmetic Pink, Ice White, and Sapphire Blue, catering to different consumer tastes. The available models—U Play, U-2u, and 2PZM3—ensure compatibility across different regions and networks.

Price and Market Position

At its launch, the HTC U Play was priced at approximately 150 EUR, targeting the mid-range smartphone market. Given its set of features, it is positioned as an affordable option for users seeking quality without investing in flagship devices.

Conclusion

Overall, the HTC U Play offers a commendable package in its segment with a combination of stylish design, competent performance, decent photographic capabilities, and a reasonable price point. It remains a viable choice for users who prioritize design and functionality in a balanced smartphone.