Htc U11 Vs Iphone 7 Looking Back Was The Upgrade Worth It

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s proven ecosystem or explore what Android had evolved into. The HTC U11 and iPhone 7 represented two very different philosophies in mobile design and functionality. One was a bold attempt by HTC to reclaim relevance with cutting-edge features; the other, a refined iteration from Apple that prioritized consistency over revolution. Now, years later, we can assess whether upgrading from the iPhone 7 to the HTC U11—or choosing between them at launch—was truly worth it.

Design and Build: Innovation vs Refinement

The iPhone 7 marked Apple’s transition away from the headphone jack, a controversial but forward-looking move. It featured an aluminum unibody, water resistance (IP67), and a home button that used haptic feedback instead of mechanical pressing. Its design language was familiar—clean lines, minimal bezels for its time, and a focus on durability.

In contrast, the HTC U11 introduced “Liquid Surface” glass, giving it a glossy, almost iridescent finish that stood out physically and visually. It also carried IP67 rating and included edge-sensing technology called \"Edge Sense,\" allowing users to squeeze the sides of the phone to launch apps or take photos. While innovative, this feature felt more like a novelty than a necessity for most users.

Tip: When comparing phones today, consider how unique features have aged—many flashy innovations fade in usefulness over time.

From a tactile standpoint, the U11 felt more premium due to its glass body, but it was also more prone to fingerprints and slips. The iPhone 7, while less flashy, offered better grip and practicality. For long-term ownership, build longevity favored Apple’s approach.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the HTC U11 ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835—the flagship chipset of 2017—paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM depending on region. This gave it strong multitasking capabilities and excellent gaming performance. Stock Android with HTC’s Sense UI overlay provided a clean experience, though updates were slow compared to Google’s Pixel line.

The iPhone 7 used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, which, despite having fewer raw specs on paper, delivered snappy real-world performance thanks to iOS optimization. Apple’s tight hardware-software integration meant smoother animations, faster app launches, and longer software support. iOS updates continued for five years, a significant advantage over Android counterparts at the time.

“Apple’s sustained software support often outweighs initial hardware advantages in Android flagships.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For users who kept their phones beyond two years, the iPhone 7 remained functional much longer than expected. The U11 received Android 8.0 and 9.0 but missed out on later versions, limiting access to newer security patches and features.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results Over Specs

HTC marketed the U11 as having one of the best cameras of 2017, earning a then-record-breaking 90 on DxOMark. It featured optical image stabilization, dual-pixel autofocus, and impressive HDR processing. In daylight, photos were vibrant and sharp, with accurate color reproduction. Low-light performance was competitive, though not class-leading.

The iPhone 7 also had OIS (on the Plus model) and a 12MP sensor. While DxOMark scored it lower initially, Apple’s image processing produced natural tones and excellent dynamic range. Videos were noticeably superior, with better stabilization and audio recording.

Feature	HTC U11	iPhone 7
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel AF	12MP, f/1.8, OIS (Plus only)
Front Camera	16MP, f/2.0	7MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps, OIS	4K @ 30fps, OIS (Plus only)
DxOMark Score	90 (at launch)	86

In practice, both devices took great photos, but personal preference played a big role. HTC leaned toward saturation and contrast; Apple favored realism. Neither consistently beat the other across all conditions, but the iPhone’s video quality gave it an edge for content creators.

User Experience Case Study: Two Years Later

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who bought the HTC U11 at launch for its camera promises. She appreciated the squeeze gesture for quick photo capture during shoots and loved the vivid display. However, by late 2018, she noticed slower app loading times, delayed notifications, and no update path beyond Android 9.

Her colleague Mark, using an iPhone 7, still experienced smooth performance into 2019. He updated to iOS 13 (albeit with some limitations) and continued using professional editing apps without issues. Though his phone lacked cutting-edge hardware, the consistent software environment made it more reliable over time.

This illustrates a broader trend: innovation without sustained support often leads to shorter effective lifespans. The U11 dazzled early adopters but didn’t deliver long-term resilience.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For iPhone 7 owners considering a switch to the HTC U11 in 2017, the answer depends on priorities:

• If you valued novelty and customization: Yes, the U11 offered a fresh Android experience with unique features like Edge Sense and high-end audio via USonic earbuds.
• If you prioritized reliability and longevity: No, the iPhone 7 (or waiting for the iPhone 8/X) was the smarter choice.
• If you were coming from Android: The U11 was among the best non-Galaxy Android experiences available, making it a compelling standalone purchase.

Tip: Always evaluate not just current performance, but projected software support when upgrading smartphones.

Checklist: Was Your Upgrade Likely Worth It?

1. Did you need expandable storage or a headphone jack? → U11 had neither, iPhone 7 dropped the jack too.
2. Did you rely heavily on app ecosystem consistency? → iOS wins for uniformity.
3. Were you drawn to experimental features? → U11 offered more novelty.
4. Did you plan to keep the phone beyond 3 years? → iPhone 7 had better long-term viability.
5. Was camera versatility key? → U11 had stronger stills scoring, iPhone 7 had better video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the HTC U11 receive Android 10?

No, the HTC U11 stopped receiving major OS updates after Android 9 (Pie). Security patches ended shortly thereafter, limiting its usability in later years.

How did battery life compare between the two?

The U11 had a 3000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0, offering solid all-day use. The iPhone 7’s 1960mAh battery was smaller but optimized through iOS, delivering comparable endurance under moderate use. Neither supported wireless charging.

Is either phone usable today in 2024?

As daily drivers, both are severely limited. Most modern apps run slowly or lack compatibility. They may work as backup devices or media players, but security risks increase without updates.

Final Thoughts: Looking Back with Perspective

The HTC U11 was a technical triumph that arrived at the wrong time. HTC’s declining market presence hindered its ability to deliver timely updates and post-sale support. Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 wasn’t the flashiest phone, but its combination of efficient hardware, polished software, and extended lifecycle made it one of Apple’s most enduring models.

Upgrading from the iPhone 7 to the HTC U11 in 2017 offered short-term excitement but compromised long-term satisfaction. For those already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the benefits rarely outweighed the learning curve and reduced support window. Conversely, standalone buyers seeking a powerful Android alternative found much to love—until the software stagnated.

Ultimately, the lesson here extends beyond these two devices: sustainable innovation matters more than momentary specs. A phone isn’t just about how it performs on day one—it’s how well it serves you over months and years.

💬 Still using a phone from 2017? Share your experience—was your upgrade worth it? Join the conversation and help others reflect on their tech choices.