HTC U Ultra Rant: Skip this One!

The HTC U Ultra is introduced as a high-end flagship with premium materials, a distinctive mirror-like back, and top-tier internals such as the Snapdragon 821 and 4GB of RAM. The reviewer immediately questions the value proposition for a phone of this size, pointing out that at launch it sits at a $749 price point while occupying significant physical space that could have been used for more practical features. He compares its footprint to other large devices like the iPhone 7 Plus, Galaxy Note 7, and Pixel XL, noting that the U Ultra remains notably thick at 8mm and feels unwieldy in the hand. The discussion then shifts to the camera hump, a large rear camera bump that contributes to a sense of wasted space on a device that already compromises usability. Extraction of space is further criticized with the absence of a headphone jack, despite the overall interior space suggesting room for one, and the device’s battery capacity of 3000 mAh is described as insufficient for a phone this large. The reviewer also remarks on the small capacitive navigation buttons placed far down the device, arguing that on-screen or software-implemented controls would be more ergonomic given the size. Water resistance is another missing feature, which the reviewer expects from a premium flagship, and light bleed around the display near the top left corner under the webcam is highlighted as a notable quality concern. The overall verdict is that at $750, the U Ultra does not deliver enough unique value or space-efficient design to justify its price, suggesting alternative devices like the Galaxy S8, LG G6, or HTC’s own upcoming models might offer a better balance of features and value. The camera is acknowledged as strong, with a capable 12-megapixel UltraPixel sensor and fast phase-detection autofocus, and expandable storage is praised as a rare plus in high-end devices. The secondary top display is recognized for its utility in showing notifications and time when the main screen is off, a feature borrowed from the LG V20, but the reviewer emphasizes that beyond these positives, the phone does not offer enough compelling advantages to warrant purchase. In closing, the reviewer reiterates the call to skip this model, recommending waiting for the next HTC release or choosing a different flagship that provides better space efficiency and overall value.

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