HTC U24 Pro: Does it stand a chance in the Mid-Range Arena?
HTC, a name synonymous with innovation in the early smartphone days, is back with a new contender in the mid-range segment – the HTC U24 Pro. Launched just yesterday, June 11th, 2024, this phone packs some interesting features at a competitive price point. Let’s dive deeper and see if the U24 Pro lives up to the HTC legacy.
Display and Design: A Big and Beautiful Canvas
The U24 Pro boasts a large 6.8-inch OLED display with a FHD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution. While not the sharpest on the market, OLED technology ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience. The highlight, however, is the 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and animations, perfect for gamers and social media enthusiasts.
The phone embraces a curved display design, adding a touch of elegance and making it comfortable to hold despite its size. Gorilla Glass protects the display from scratches and minor bumps.
Performance: Capable Enough for Everyday Tasks
The U24 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, a mid-range chipset known for its efficiency. It’s paired with a generous 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling most everyday tasks with ease. While it might not be the best for heavy gaming, it should suffice for casual users and those who prioritize battery life.
Cameras: A Mixed Bag
The U24 Pro features a triple-camera system on the back. The main sensor is a 50-megapixel shooter with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper photos and steadier videos. Accompanying it are an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom for bringing distant subjects closer.
On the front, a 50-megapixel selfie camera caters to selfie enthusiasts and video calls. While the megapixel count sounds impressive, real-world performance remains to be seen. We’ll have to wait for reviews to see how the cameras handle various lighting conditions and image processing.
Battery and Software: A Stamina Champ with the Latest Android
The U24 Pro packs a decent 4,600mAh battery, which should offer a full day’s charge for most users. The phone also supports 60W fast charging, getting you back up and running quickly when needed. Additionally, it boasts 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging for topping up your other devices.
On the software side, the U24 Pro runs the latest Android 14 out of the box, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. HTC’s custom UI is typically lightweight and bloatware-free, offering a clean and user-friendly experience.
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Other Features: A Few Extras
The U24 Pro comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and supports the latest connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, it also retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome addition for audiophiles who prefer wired connectivity. And also at a price of €450
Early Verdict: A Promising Mid-Ranger with Caveats
The HTC U24 Pro appears to be a solid mid-range offering with a large and beautiful display, a capable older flagship processor, a potentially capable camera system and a long-lasting battery. The inclusion of the latest Android 14, 120Hz refresh rate, and a variety of camera options makes it even more attractive.
Conclusion: Should You Buy It?
The HTC U24 Pro is a compelling option for users looking for a feature-rich mid-range phone with a big screen, long battery life, and the latest software. The price (expected to be around 450 euros) makes it even more interesting.
However, if you’re a power user who needs top-notch performance or a camera fanatic seeking exceptional low-light photography, you might want to consider other options.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities and budget. The HTC U24 Pro offers a good balance of features at a competitive price, making it a contender worth considering in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Stay tuned for further reviews to get a clearer picture of its strengths and weaknesses.