When the HTC U11 and iPhone 7 Plus launched in 2017, they represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design and functionality. The HTC U11 was a bold Android experiment with edge-sensing technology and high-end audio, while the iPhone 7 Plus delivered Apple’s signature refinement, ecosystem integration, and long-term software support. Now, nearly seven years later, it's clear that longevity, updates, and real-world usability matter more than initial specs. So, which phone truly held up over time?
The Context: Two Flagships, Two Worlds
In May 2017, HTC launched the U11 as its last major attempt to reclaim relevance in the premium Android space. It featured a Snapdragon 835, 4GB RAM, a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, and a single 12MP rear camera that won praise from DxOMark. Its standout feature—Edge Sense—allowed users to squeeze the sides of the phone to trigger actions like launching the camera or taking screenshots.
Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus, released six months earlier in September 2016, had already set a new standard for iOS flagships. With its dual 12MP cameras (wide and telephoto), Portrait Mode, water resistance, and A10 Fusion chip, it became one of the most popular iPhones ever. Unlike many Android phones, it received five years of iOS updates—far beyond typical Android support cycles.
At launch, both phones were priced around $770. But their paths diverged sharply after release.
Performance and Software Longevity
The U11 ran Android 7.1 Nougat at launch and eventually received Android 9 Pie. However, HTC stopped providing security patches by early 2019, just two years post-release. By 2020, many modern apps began dropping support for its outdated OS, making daily use increasingly difficult.
In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus launched with iOS 10 and received updates all the way to iOS 16—released in 2022. That means users could run current versions of Instagram, WhatsApp, banking apps, and even some productivity tools well into 2023. This extended lifecycle is rare in the Android world and gave the iPhone a massive advantage in practical longevity.
“Software support isn’t just about new features—it’s about security, stability, and staying connected.” — David Liu, Mobile Security Analyst at TechResilience Group
Benchmarks from 2017 showed the U11 slightly ahead in raw power thanks to its newer chipset, but real-world usage favored the iPhone’s optimized hardware-software integration. Even as it aged, the 7 Plus felt snappier in everyday tasks than similarly specced Android devices struggling with bloatware and fragmentation.
Camera Quality Over Time
On paper, the U11’s camera scored higher initially. DxOMark gave it a 90 at launch—the highest score at the time—praising its dynamic range and low-light performance. The single-lens setup used advanced HDR and image processing to compete with dual-camera systems.
The iPhone 7 Plus started with a DxOMark score of 86 but improved significantly through software updates. Apple introduced machine learning-based enhancements, better noise reduction, and refined Portrait Mode blur effects over multiple iOS versions. By 2019, its photo quality matched or exceeded the U11 in consistency, color accuracy, and video stabilization.
| Feature | HTC U11 | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 12MP f/1.7 (single) | 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.8 (dual) |
| Front Camera | 16MP f/2.0 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| DxOMark Score (Launch) | 90 | 86 |
| Portrait Mode | Simulated via software | Hardware-assisted depth sensing |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps with OIS |
| Low-Light Performance | Strong, but inconsistent | Reliable across conditions |
While the U11 impressed critics early on, its lack of ongoing camera tuning meant photos degraded in comparison as computational photography evolved. The iPhone’s iterative improvements kept it competitive far longer.
User Experience and Ecosystem Integration
HTC’s Sense UI added visual flair but also bloat. Over time, background processes slowed down the device, especially as storage filled up. Features like Alexa integration and Edge Sense were novel but underutilized. After HTC exited the mainstream market, accessories and repair options vanished almost overnight.
The iPhone 7 Plus benefited from seamless integration with iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Mac devices. Even today, finding replacement batteries or screens remains feasible through Apple-certified providers. Its Lightning port, though outdated, ensured broad accessory compatibility for years.
A real-world example illustrates this gap: Sarah, a freelance photographer, used her iPhone 7 Plus for client emails, Lightroom edits, and portfolio sharing until late 2022. She upgraded only when iOS 16 made her aging device feel sluggish. Meanwhile, her friend Mark sold his U11 in 2019 due to app crashes and failing Wi-Fi—a common issue reported among long-term U11 owners.
Checklist: What Makes a Phone Age Well?
- ✅ At least four years of OS updates
- ✅ Regular security patches
- ✅ Strong app ecosystem support
- ✅ Repairability and parts availability
- ✅ Consistent camera software improvements
- ✅ Minimal bloatware or skin interference
Battery Life and Durability
The U11 came with a 3000mAh battery—modest even for 2017. Heavy users often needed a recharge by midday. Battery degradation accelerated after two years, and official replacements became scarce once HTC scaled back operations.
The iPhone 7 Plus packed a larger 2900mAh cell but benefited from Apple’s power management optimizations. Many units still hold 80%+ battery health in 2024 if regularly calibrated. Apple’s battery replacement program, offered globally at fixed prices until recently, made maintenance affordable.
Both phones had IP67 ratings, meaning they could survive brief submersion. However, moisture detection issues plagued the U11, sometimes disabling speakers after minor exposure. The iPhone handled environmental stress more reliably.
FAQ
Can either phone run modern apps in 2024?
The iPhone 7 Plus can run most apps, though performance is limited. The App Store dropped support for 32-bit apps in 2018, which ironically helped 64-bit-only devices like the 7 Plus remain functional. The HTC U11 struggles with Google Play Services updates and frequently fails authentication in banking or social apps.
Which phone holds resale value better?
The iPhone 7 Plus retained value significantly longer. In 2020, used models sold for $100–$150; today, they go for $30–$50. The U11 dropped below $50 within two years and is now virtually unsellable. Brand reputation and ecosystem lock-in play big roles here.
Was the U11 a failure?
Commercially, yes. HTC shipped fewer than 3 million units, and the model did little to reverse the company’s decline. Technologically, it was innovative—Edge Sense influenced future haptics research, and its audio recording capabilities were unmatched. But innovation without sustainability rarely wins in consumer tech.
Conclusion: The Verdict After the Hype Faded
In 2017, the HTC U11 seemed like a glimpse into the future—sleek, smart, and full of ideas. The iPhone 7 Plus looked conservative by comparison. But time revealed a deeper truth: consistency beats novelty. Apple’s commitment to long-term support, reliable performance, and ecosystem cohesion made the 7 Plus the better choice for anyone planning to keep a phone beyond two years.
The U11 reminds us how fragile innovation can be without follow-through. Great hardware alone isn’t enough. Without updates, repairs, and developer support, even the most promising devices become obsolete quickly.
If you're choosing a phone today—not just for now, but for years to come—look beyond the spec sheet. Consider who stands behind the product, how long they’ll support it, and whether it will still work when you need it most.
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