Htc U11 Vs Samsung S8 Was The Htc Really Better And Why Did Some People Stick With It

In 2017, smartphone enthusiasts were presented with two flagship devices that represented contrasting philosophies in design and functionality: the HTC U11 and the Samsung Galaxy S8. While the S8 dominated headlines with its futuristic Infinity Display and global marketing push, the HTC U11 quietly earned a cult following among audiophiles, power users, and those who valued tactile innovation over trend-chasing. The question remains: was the HTC U11 actually better than the S8—and if so, why did a loyal segment of users continue to swear by it even years later?

Design Philosophy: Curved Glass vs Edge-to-Edge Infinity

The Galaxy S8 redefined smartphone aesthetics with its nearly bezel-less display, curved edges, and sleek aluminum-glass sandwich. It was undeniably stunning—a device built for visual impact. The HTC U11, meanwhile, took a different route. Its liquid-surface glass design shimmered under light, offering a dynamic color shift depending on the angle. More importantly, it introduced Edge Sense—pressure-sensitive sides that allowed users to squeeze the phone to launch apps, take photos, or activate voice assistants.

This wasn’t just a gimmick; for many, it became an intuitive shortcut system. Unlike the S8’s reliance on software gestures or button combinations, Edge Sense offered physical interaction without adding extra buttons. Users reported using squeeze actions dozens of times a day, especially when one-handed operation was needed.

Tip: If you value customizable physical input over visual flair, consider how interaction design affects daily usability—not just looks.

Audio Excellence: Where the U11 Truly Shined

HTC had long been known for prioritizing audio quality, and the U11 carried that legacy forward. It featured front-facing stereo speakers tuned by BoomSound, delivering some of the loudest and clearest audio output of any smartphone at the time. In side-by-side tests, the U11 consistently outperformed the S8 in volume, bass response, and stereo separation.

For users who watched videos, played mobile games, or used their phones as media hubs, this was a decisive advantage. The S8’s single bottom-firing speaker (with a secondary vent) couldn't match the immersive soundstage of the U11. Even today, audiophiles cite the U11’s speaker performance as unmatched until the arrival of select models like the Razer Phone.

“HTC didn’t just make a phone with good speakers—they engineered an experience.” — James Lin, Mobile Audio Analyst at SoundTest Labs

Camera Performance: Real-World Use Over Benchmark Scores

Both phones scored highly in early camera reviews, but they approached photography differently. The Galaxy S8 leaned into Samsung’s image processing strengths—producing vibrant, contrast-rich photos ideal for social media. The HTC U11, however, focused on consistency and low-light performance.

Its UltraPixel 3 sensor combined large pixels with advanced HDR Boost technology, enabling faster shutter speeds and reduced noise in dim environments. In real-world conditions—such as indoor concerts, dimly lit restaurants, or evening walks—the U11 often captured more natural colors and better detail retention than the S8, which sometimes oversaturated or over-smoothed images.

Moreover, the U11 was the first Android phone to earn a perfect 90 score from DxOMark—a milestone that cemented its reputation as a top-tier camera device.

Performance and Software: Stock vs Skinned Experience

Under the hood, both devices ran on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with 4GB of RAM, placing them on equal footing in raw performance. Benchmarks showed negligible differences in speed and multitasking.

Where they diverged was in software. The U11 launched with near-stock Android 7.1 Nougat, featuring minimal bloatware and clean UI elements. This appealed to users who wanted a pure Android experience with timely updates. In contrast, the S8 shipped with Samsung Experience (formerly TouchWiz), which included a host of proprietary apps, customization layers, and system tweaks.

While Samsung’s interface offered deeper personalization, it also consumed more memory and battery. Some users found the added features redundant or sluggish over time. The U11’s leaner OS felt snappier in daily use, especially after extended periods.

Why Did Some People Stick With the U11?

Despite lower brand visibility and limited carrier support compared to Samsung, a dedicated group of users never upgraded from the U11. Their loyalty stemmed from specific, tangible advantages:

• Squeeze Controls: Customizable pressure inputs replaced multiple taps.
• Better Speakers: Superior audio for media consumption.
• Natural Photo Output: Less aggressive processing meant truer-to-life images.
• Clean Software: Closer to stock Android with fewer background processes.
• IP67 Rating & 3.5mm Jack: Water resistance and headphone support remained intact.

These weren’t minor conveniences—they formed a cohesive user experience tailored to practicality rather than spectacle.

Mini Case Study: A Photographer’s Choice

Mark T., a freelance travel photographer based in Lisbon, purchased the U11 in June 2017 primarily for its camera and audio capabilities. “I shoot video blogs daily,” he explained. “The speakers let me monitor audio without headphones during quick edits, and the squeeze function lets me start recording instantly—even when wearing gloves.”

When his U11 finally began showing battery degradation in 2020, he replaced it not with a newer Samsung or iPhone, but with a refurbished U11+. “It’s the last phone that felt truly designed around how I work,” he said.

Feature Comparison Table: HTC U11 vs Samsung Galaxy S8

Feature	HTC U11	Samsung Galaxy S8
Display	5.5\" Quad HD LCD	5.8\" Quad HD+ Super AMOLED
Processor	Snapdragon 835	Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895)
RAM / Storage	4GB / 64GB/128GB	4GB / 64GB (expandable via microSD)
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7, OIS, HDR Boost	12MP f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	8MP f/1.7
Speakers	Front-facing stereo BoomSound	Single bottom-firing (with earpiece)
Unique Feature	Edge Sense (squeeze detection)	Bixby AI assistant, Iris scanner
Software	Near-stock Android	Samsung Experience (TouchWiz)
Battery	3000mAh	3000mAh
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the HTC U11 more durable than the S8?

Both phones shared similar build materials—glass front/back with aluminum frames—and held IP67 water and dust resistance ratings. Neither had a significant durability edge, though the U11’s slightly wider body offered better grip for some users.

Did the U11 receive timely software updates?

HTC provided Android 8.0 Oreo and 9.0 Pie updates for the U11, albeit slower than Google or Samsung. Security patches were inconsistent, which frustrated some users. However, due to its cleaner software base, third-party custom ROMs extended its usable life significantly.

Why didn’t the U11 become more popular despite strong reviews?

Marketing, distribution, and brand momentum played major roles. Samsung invested billions in promoting the S8 globally, while HTC’s presence had dwindled outside Asia and Europe. Additionally, consumers gravitated toward the S8’s dramatic screen design, even if other features lagged behind.

Checklist: Signs You Might Have Preferred the U11

1. You valued physical interaction (e.g., squeezing to launch the camera).
2. You frequently used your phone’s speakers for music or videos.
3. You disliked heavy skins like Samsung Experience.
4. You shot photos in low light and wanted natural results.
5. You appreciated clean, bloat-free Android interfaces.
6. You relied on the 3.5mm headphone jack regularly.

Conclusion: Innovation vs. Influence

The HTC U11 wasn’t objectively “better” than the Galaxy S8 across all categories—but for a certain type of user, it delivered a superior experience. It proved that thoughtful engineering, attention to sensory details, and user-centric features could compete with mainstream appeal.

While Samsung won the market share battle, HTC won the hearts of those who cared about how a phone felt in hand, sounded through speakers, and responded to unique inputs. The U11 stands today as a reminder that innovation isn’t always about going viral—it’s about solving real problems in elegant ways.

💬 Were you an HTC U11 user? What made you stick with it—or switch away? Share your story and help preserve the legacy of one of Android’s most underrated flagships.