Samsung S8 Vs Htc U11 Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year

In 2024, when smartphones routinely feature triple-lens cameras, 5G connectivity, AI processors, and foldable displays, it might seem odd that two devices from 2017— the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the HTC U11 —still spark passionate debates online. Neither device receives software updates, supports modern apps at peak performance, or meets today’s hardware standards. Yet, on forums like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and dedicated Android communities, users continue to compare them as if they were released last quarter.

This isn’t nostalgia for outdated tech—it’s a reflection of how profoundly both phones shaped mobile design, user experience, and brand loyalty. The enduring discussion reveals more than preference; it speaks to the emotional resonance of innovation during a pivotal era in smartphone evolution.

The Legacy of 2017: A Turning Point in Smartphone Design

The year 2017 marked a shift toward edge-to-edge displays, refined materials, and voice-enabled assistants. The Galaxy S8 and HTC U11 were among the first mainstream flagships to fully embrace this vision. While Apple introduced the iPhone X later that year, Samsung and HTC had already set the tone with bold designs and experimental features.

The S8 redefined what a phone could look like with its curved Infinity Display, minimal bezels, and symmetrical front design. Meanwhile, the U11 countered with an equally striking liquid glass body, squeezable frame (Edge Sense), and arguably the best single rear camera of its time. Both devices stood out not just technically but aesthetically—offering something rare today: distinct identity.

“2017 was the last year where flagship phones felt genuinely different from one another. Since then, we’ve seen convergence.” — David Kim, Mobile Industry Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Today’s homogeneous designs make older models stand out even more in retrospect. When users debate the S8 and U11 now, they’re often mourning the loss of differentiation in an age where most high-end phones follow the same blueprint.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Then vs Now

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S8	HTC U11
Release Date	April 2017	May 2017
Display	5.8” Quad HD+ Super AMOLED, 18.5:9	5.5” Quad HD LCD, 16:9
Processor	Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835	Snapdragon 835
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7, OIS	12MP f/1.7, OIS, DxOMark #1 (at launch)
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	16MP f/2.0
Battery	3000mAh	3000mAh
Unique Features	Face unlock, iris scanner, Bixby, IP68	Edge Sense (squeeze), USonic fingerprint, BoomSound Hi-Fi, IP67
Last OS Update	Android 9 (Pie)	Android 9 (Pie)

On paper, both phones were evenly matched. The S8 offered broader global availability, stronger brand support, and better water resistance. The U11 responded with superior audio quality, a top-tier camera score at launch, and a tactile interaction model via Edge Sense that remains unmatched in usability and novelty.

Tip: If you're using either device today, disable background sync and auto-updates to preserve battery and prevent app crashes due to outdated system support.

Why the Debate Persists: Five Key Reasons

1. Emotional Attachment and Nostalgia

For many, the S8 or U11 was their first premium smartphone experience. These weren't incremental upgrades—they were leaps forward. People remember unlocking their S8 with iris scanning for the first time or squeezing the U11 to launch the camera instantly. Such moments create lasting impressions.

2. Peak of Pre-Foldable Innovation

Before folding screens and under-display cameras, manufacturers experimented boldly. The U11’s squeeze function, HTC’s focus on audio fidelity, and Samsung’s push into biometrics represented real risk-taking. Today’s flagships prioritize reliability over surprise.

3. Build Quality That Still Holds Up

Both phones used premium materials—glass and aluminum—with craftsmanship that rivals some 2024 mid-range models. Users report that well-maintained units still feel solid years later, unlike cheaper-feeling plastics common today.

4. Community Passion Keeps Them Alive

Dedicated modding communities have extended the life of both devices. Custom ROMs like LineageOS allow rooted users to run Android 11–13 on either phone. Enthusiasts share kernel tweaks, UI mods, and battery optimization guides, proving these devices aren't dead—just unsupported.

5. Symbolism of Lost Potential

The HTC U11 is often cited as “the last great HTC phone.” Its critical acclaim didn’t translate into sales, and the company gradually exited the global market. For fans, defending the U11 is also defending innovation without corporate backing. Similarly, the S8 represents the height of Samsung’s pre-Bixby, pre-clutter era—simple, elegant, powerful.

“I still use my U11 as a secondary device. Not because I have to, but because I enjoy it. It does everything I need without tracking me to death.” — @ModdedGalaxy, X user and Android tinkerer

Real-World Example: The Case of Alex Rivera

Alex Rivera, a freelance photographer based in Portland, Oregon, uses his original Galaxy S8 as a dedicated note-taking and sketching device. He removed Google services, installed a privacy-focused OS, and paired it with a stylus-friendly launcher. “It’s small enough to fit in my jacket pocket, has excellent screen visibility outdoors, and doesn’t distract me with notifications,” he explains. “My Pixel 8a does more, but the S8 *feels* better in hand.”

Alex isn’t alone. Many professionals repurpose older flagships for specific tasks: music players, dashcams, baby monitors, or travel-only phones. In this context, comparing the S8 and U11 isn’t about which was better in 2017—it’s about which adapts better to second-life roles today.

Checklist: How to Maximize an Older Flagship in 2024

• ✅ Install a lightweight custom ROM (e.g., LineageOS, crDroid)
• ✅ Remove bloatware and disable unused services
• ✅ Use a privacy-respecting app suite (F-Droid, Signal, DuckDuckGo)
• ✅ Limit background data and disable auto-sync
• ✅ Replace the battery if degraded (available for both models)
• ✅ Use as a dedicated device (camera, media player, hotspot)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung S8 or HTC U11 still be used daily in 2024?

Possibly, but with limitations. Basic tasks like calling, messaging, light browsing, and music playback work fine. However, modern apps like Instagram, banking platforms, or streaming services may lag or lack support. Security updates ended years ago, so avoid storing sensitive data.

Which phone had better long-term software support?

Nearly identical. Both received two major Android updates (from Android 7 to 9) and about three years of security patches. Samsung provided slightly wider regional support and faster rollout times, but neither offers official updates today.

Was the HTC U11 really better than the S8?

Depends on priorities. The U11 had better audio, a higher-rated camera at launch, and more innovative input methods. But the S8 offered broader ecosystem integration, better durability (IP68 vs IP67), and far greater resale value and repair accessibility. Objectively, they were equals—but subjectively, the U11 appeals to audiophiles and tinkerers, while the S8 won mainstream adoption.

Conclusion: More Than a Phone, Less Than a Trend

The continued debate between the Samsung S8 and HTC U11 isn’t irrational. It reflects a deeper longing—for devices that felt special, for brands that took risks, and for a time when upgrading meant experiencing something truly new. These phones weren’t just tools; they were statements.

As modern smartphones become increasingly similar, revisiting the past helps us define what we’ve gained—and what we’ve lost. Whether you favored the elegance of the S8 or the ingenuity of the U11, acknowledging their impact honors the spirit of innovation that should never be obsolete.

💬 Still using your S8 or U11? Or do you remember switching between them back in 2017? Share your story in the comments—let’s keep the conversation alive.