[HTC U Ultra Questions & Answers] sephstyler:
Hi there,

I posted the following on a local forum for AU users. I am cross posting it here.

As promised, the following is my mini / non scientific / empirical, review. For context, I have always been a new adopter, and have owned, in the past 12 months: Pixel XL 128, Sony XZ, HTC 10 (x2), Sam Note 7, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, HTC Desire eye....plus maybe a couple of others.

The context of this review will be primarily based around my experiences with the HTC 10, and the Pixel XL, naturally as one is the predecessor, and the other being the Android "benchmark" with the same chipset.

Fluidity / Speed / General Co-hesiveness

HTC U Ultra Score: 8.5

HTC 10 Score: 8.5

Pixel XL Score: 9

So, this is probably the area where the HTC U Ultra least met my expectations. The HTC 10 was a surprisingly smooth phone, and I raved about its fluidity and smoothness which was miles ahead of its competition at the time. The Pixel XL took that a bit further and was near flawless.

The U Ultra is NOT slow, or laggy by any stretch of the imagination, but there are times where, due to the chipset (being same as XL) where I felt perhaps I expected certain actions to be a touch faster. To be very specific, I have noticed a split second wait when disconnecting from Android Auto in the car – the phone takes a second to terminate AA, and to resume smooth handheld operation. This COULD be a result of a recent AA update (until I test side by side with Pixel/10, this cant be verified). The second place where I feel it isn't quite as super snappy as the PixXL is in camera launch. Both phones support double click of power to turn on camera, I feel the U Ultra is a split second behind (although, super reliable. Do not interpret this as being as slow to miss a shot, absolutely not).

Given this is the first release firmware, I am absolutely not fazed or concerned with this. I am sure coming updates will simply make this better. In general use, and app loading, the phone is silky smooth, super quick.

Camera

HTC U Ultra: 9

HTC 10: 8

Pixel XL: 9

Boom, I said it, U Ultra just as good as PixXL. In my opinion, and for MY use, the HTC U Ultra is even a BETTER camera overall than the Pixel XL. THIS may NOT be your thoughts, I will now CLEARLY elaborate.

Areas of strength for U Ultra: The HTC U Ultra has OIS, and a good sensor, in my test shots posted previously, you will have noticed that in extreme darkness, the HTC U Ultra keeps ISO lower than the Pixel XL, resulting in less noise (as long as you can hold steady for a slightly longer exposure). Should you have the time to compose a shot, the U Ultra's Pro mode allows you to take control and tweak a shot to suit.

The U Ultra's f/1.8 also produces a better "natural" DOF on the native shot – Although the artificial version on the Pixel XL is awesome, and would come in handy sometimes on the U Ultra (but it doesnt have it).

Macros – The Pixel XL doesnt focus closely, at all, no matter how hard I try. The U Ultra kicks it to the kerb here.

Finally, in the selfie area, the HTC wins, hands down. The HTC can use voice capture, which makes it so much easier when your arms are outstretched for a selfie, plus the Selfie Panorama mode allows you to get 6+ people in within arms length.

Areas of weakness (vs Pixel XL) – The Pixel XL has more saturation – Looks "nicer" but sometimes a touch less natural. The Pixel XL will take just as good of a shot, and sometimes more "pleasing" of a shot MOST of the time for MOST people – As its Auto mode is very good. The U Ultra I occasionally need to brighten during the shot taking process as it picks a slightly more reserved area for exposure (just slide finger up).

I have NOT tested video, slow motion, hyperlapse ENOUGH yet at this stage to make comment. If you have questions here, ask, and I'll go find out.

Battery

HTC U Ultra: 8

HTC 10: 7

Pixel XL: 9

The following statements are with 1 week of use on the U Ultra. For reference, I typically have brightness between 50% and 75% – probably on the BRIGHT side compared to most people. I further have 1 Gmail, 1 Exchange on push, and Whatsapp, telegram, WeChat, Line, Twitter, Slack, etc all on push.

My averages as recorded in GSam are 3h36m SOT, and 12h46m standby. This is about the same SOT and about ½ to 1 hr less standby than the Pixel XL.

The U Ultra uses battery quicker when screen is on use, but is very good when in standby. The U Ultra charges much quicker than the Pixel XL from a low percentage (even though its 15W vs 18W?). AS recorded in GSam, on a QC 3.0 Charger, the U Ultra had even hit 100%/hr charge at one stage, but consistently goes above 60-65%/hr. A half hour top up can easily provide 35-40% battery.

The U Ultra will be able to deal with a heavy work day for most people without requiring a top up through the day. For days where you will go out after work, a 30-60 minute top up in the afternoon will easily be fine. I think most will find this perfectly acceptable.

Phone / Speakers

HTC U Ultra: 8.5

HTC10: 8

Pixel XL: 7.5

The HTC U Ultra is clearer, louder than both the 10 and the Pixel XL. On phone calls, this also means clearer audio quality, and louder conversations on both earpiece and speakerphone. Also, the U Ultra is dual sim, so this might be handy if you travel (like I do). I didnt not experience significantly more battery usage when using dual sim, this is probably testament to the network coverage in TW being quite good. For those who are curious, the second sim can go up to 3G (not dual LTE standby).

Audio

I have NOT tested the U Ultra via wired audio. It does not have a 3.5mm jack – so you may not like it -. Also, there was NO USB-C to 3.5mm in the box for me, there was a set of USB-C earphones with HTC "U-Sonic". I have not tried these too.

I HAVE tried Bluetooth Audio. Based on this, the U Ultra scores a 9, and both the 10 and the Pixel XL score a 7. Both the 10 and the Pixel XL suffer from stuttering and choppy audio occasionally when connected to my B&O H5, Bose Soundlink Mini II and my car. To the point that I thought that is just life with BT audio. The HTC U Ultra does NOT exhibit any of these behaviours at all.

Build / Body / Design

HTC U Ultra: 8

HTC 10: 8

Pixel XL: 7

I give the edge to the U Ultra here because: its so damn pretty, it has typical good HTC build quality and perceived material quality. The 10 is the better size in the hand, but design is too derivative of past devices, the Pixel is OK, with a big chin, the U Ultra seems just as strong / well made as the 10, is a bit too big, but is so pretty. Wish it was IP67/68 thought. That being said, with no 3.5mm jack, a flush sitting fingerprint sensor, and a very small cutout for the top earpiece, chances are it is probably just as "weatherproof" like the IP53 HTC 10, if not a bit better ? But the Ultra is a fingerprint magnet, especially in Blue. The white version did seem less fingerprinty.

Above are a summary of my thoughts and experience so far. Feel free to ask clarification questions, and i'll continue to update this thread as I live with this phone.

---------- Post added at 10:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 AM ----------

Further to this. Here is a review (in Mandarin) from a well known Taiwanese reviewer. He has taken extensive photos if you guys want more samples.

http://egg3c.tw/?FID=1&CID=870