HTC, once a titan in the smartphone industry, has unveiled its latest mid-range offering - the U24 Pro. This device marks an interesting return to form for the company, packing some unexpected features that may turn heads in a competitive market.
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| HTC teases new phone launching on June 12, could be the U24 Pro |
Display and Design
The U24 Pro boasts a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 1080 x 2436 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is slightly curved on the sides, adding a premium feel. HTC has also included a nostalgic touch with a dual-color LED notification light on the front.
Camera System
Photography enthusiasts might be intrigued by the U24 Pro's camera setup:
- 50MP main camera with OIS
- 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
- 8MP ultrawide camera
- 50MP front-facing camera
HTC has incorporated AI enhancements like improved group shots and low-light portrait mode. The device can also record 4K video with optical image stabilization.
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| HTC U24 Pro's triple 50MP cameras |
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the U24 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of expandable storage. HTC claims this offers a 50% boost in graphics rendering and 20% better power efficiency compared to its predecessor.
The 4,600mAh battery supports 60W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wireless charging.
Additional Features
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Android 14 out of the box
- VR integration with HTC Vive headsets
Pricing and Availability
The HTC U24 Pro is priced at €564 (approximately $606 USD) for the 256GB model in Europe. In Taiwan, it starts at TW$18,990 ($586 USD). However, U.S. availability remains uncertain.
Analysis
While the U24 Pro offers some compelling features like a versatile camera system and a high-refresh-rate display, HTC faces stiff competition in the mid-range market. The inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage may appeal to some users, but the pricing could be a stumbling block when compared to offerings from more established brands in this segment.
HTC's attempt to differentiate with VR integration and AI camera features is commendable, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough to carve out a significant market share. The U24 Pro represents a solid effort from HTC, but the company may need to be more aggressive with pricing or offer truly standout features to make a major impact in today's smartphone landscape.
Update: Monday June 24 12:10
HTC is offering pre-order bonuses for early buyers in Europe, including a free HTC wireless charger. The U24 Pro features expandable storage via microSD, which adds to its appeal for users who need extra space. The device's front-facing camera is noteworthy, with a 50 MP sensor and autofocus capability, potentially enhancing selfie quality and video call experiences. These additional features, combined with the nostalgic elements like the headphone jack and notification LED, could help HTC differentiate its offering in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.
