Is The Htc U Ultra Still Worth It In 2024 Or Is The Galaxy S7 Edge A Better Buy

In 2024, flagship smartphones have evolved dramatically—featuring AI-powered cameras, multi-day battery life, and near-instant app responsiveness. Yet some consumers still consider older flagships like the HTC U Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge for budget reasons or nostalgia. But are these devices still viable in today’s mobile ecosystem? This article dives deep into both phones, comparing their hardware, software support, performance, and real-world usability to determine which—if either—is still a worthwhile purchase.

Hardware Comparison: A Look at the Specs

The HTC U Ultra and Galaxy S7 Edge were both premium devices when launched in early 2017. While they share similarities, key differences in design, display, and internal components affect their longevity and daily use in 2024.

Feature	HTC U Ultra	Galaxy S7 Edge
Display	5.7\" QHD LCD + 2.0\" secondary screen	5.5\" QHD Super AMOLED (curved)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 821	Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820 (region-dependent)
RAM	4GB	4GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (non-expandable)	32GB / 64GB (microSD expandable)
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8 (UltraPixel)	12MP f/1.7 Dual Pixel
Front Camera	16MP f/2.0	5MP f/1.7
Battery	3000mAh	3600mAh
Water Resistance	IP57	IP68
Software Updates	Last on Android 8.0 (Oreo)	Last on Android 8.0 (Oreo)

The S7 Edge holds a clear advantage in battery capacity and storage flexibility. Its IP68 rating also means better protection against water damage compared to the U Ultra’s IP57. Meanwhile, the U Ultra's dual-screen setup was innovative but adds little practical value today—especially since the secondary screen drains power and cannot be customized extensively.

Tip: When buying used older phones, always check if the battery has been replaced—capacity degrades significantly after 5+ years.

Performance and Software Support in 2024

Both devices launched with Android 7.0 Nougat and received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. Neither has official security patches beyond 2019. In 2024, this presents serious limitations:

• Lack of critical security fixes increases vulnerability to malware.
• Many modern apps—including banking, social media, and productivity tools—no longer support such outdated OS versions.
• Google Play Services may function intermittently or not at all.

While custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend life by offering newer Android versions, installation requires technical knowledge and voids any remaining warranty. Even then, driver compatibility issues often plague camera, fingerprint sensors, and audio.

“Phones stuck on Android 8 without security updates are essentially digital liabilities.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

The Snapdragon 821 and Exynos 8890 were top-tier chips in 2016–2017, but they struggle with multitasking and heavy web browsing in 2024. Tabs reload frequently, video streaming stutters, and background processes are aggressively killed due to limited RAM management in older Android versions.

Camera Quality: Then vs. Now

Back in 2017, both cameras were praised. The S7 Edge’s Dual Pixel autofocus offered snappy performance, while the U Ultra’s wide-aperture rear sensor captured more light than most competitors. However, modern computational photography has changed expectations.

Today’s mid-range phones use AI-enhanced HDR, night modes, and multi-frame processing to outperform these older flagships—even in daylight. The lack of software tuning and manual controls on stock firmware further limits photo quality.

In low-light conditions, the S7 Edge performs slightly better due to its larger aperture (f/1.7) and superior noise processing at the time. The U Ultra’s front-facing 16MP shooter wins for selfies, but only if lighting is ideal.

Real Example: Daily Use in 2024

Consider Maria, a freelance writer who picked up a used HTC U Ultra for $60 to use as a secondary device. She quickly found that WhatsApp Web wouldn’t load consistently, her email client crashed when syncing large folders, and Instagram failed to upload photos. After two weeks, she switched to an older iPhone SE (2020), citing better app compatibility despite similar age.

This illustrates a broader trend: raw hardware specs matter less than ongoing software support. Even powerful processors can’t compensate for outdated APIs and deprecated frameworks.

Which Phone Offers Better Longevity?

Between the two, the Galaxy S7 Edge has a slight edge—not because it’s inherently superior, but due to three key factors:

1. Better battery life: At 3600mAh, it lasts longer per charge, reducing strain from frequent charging cycles.
2. Expandable storage: microSD support allows users to upgrade space without relying on cloud services, which many older apps don’t integrate well with.
3. Stronger build resilience: IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass 5 provide better durability against spills and drops.

However, neither phone supports VoLTE or modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6/6E), limiting network performance on current carriers. Some providers have already begun phasing out LTE bands these devices rely on, particularly in rural areas.

Checklist: Is Buying One of These Phones Right for You?

• ✅ Need a temporary backup phone for calls/texts only?
• ✅ Planning to install a custom ROM with active development?
• ✅ Willing to accept high app incompatibility and potential security risks?
• ✅ Can verify the battery health before purchase?
• ❌ Avoid if you need reliable access to Google services, banking apps, or social platforms.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If your goal is affordability without sacrificing usability, several newer options outperform both the U Ultra and S7 Edge:

• Google Pixel 4a (2020): Still receives security updates, excellent camera, clean Android experience.
• Samsung Galaxy A32/A52: Modern chipsets, 4G+/VoLTE support, up-to-date software.
• Refurbished iPhone SE (2020 or 2022): Longer software support, strong app optimization, better resale value.

Even entry-level 2023–2024 phones like the Redmi A3 or Moto E13 offer Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, and full compatibility with modern networks—features absent or outdated in the 2017 flagships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on the HTC U Ultra or Galaxy S7 Edge?

Officially, WhatsApp dropped support for Android 4.1–8.0 devices in 2023. While the app might install, functionality is unreliable—you may be logged out frequently or unable to send messages.

Are these phones safe from hackers?

No system without regular security patches is truly safe. Both phones are vulnerable to known exploits in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and web browsers. Using them for sensitive tasks like online banking is strongly discouraged.

Do either of these phones support 5G?

No. Both are strictly 4G LTE devices and lack the necessary radio hardware for 5G connectivity.

Final Verdict: Are They Worth It in 2024?

The HTC U Ultra and Galaxy S7 Edge were groundbreaking in their time, but by 2024 standards, they are obsolete. Their outdated operating systems, lack of security updates, and poor app compatibility make them unsuitable as primary devices. Even as emergency backups, they fall short compared to modern budget alternatives.

If you're drawn to the U Ultra for its unique design or the S7 Edge for its curved display, treat them as collector’s items rather than functional tech. For under $100, you can buy a new phone with better performance, battery life, and long-term reliability.

Technology moves fast. Holding onto yesterday’s flagships may feel nostalgic, but it comes at the cost of convenience, security, and peace of mind.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your thoughts on legacy smartphones or comment with your favorite budget-friendly pick in 2024—we’d love to hear what works for you!