HTC U11 Review UK – WholesaleSquad 2025

HTC U11 Review UK is a complete guide for UK buyers in 2025 who are looking for a reliable smartphone that balances performance, design, and camera quality. Despite being a slightly older model, the HTC U11 remains relevant for users who want solid performance, premium design, and Edge Sense features. In this WholesaleSquad review, we examine the HTC U11 across design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and UK pricing to help you decide if it’s worth buying today.

HTC U11 Overview – Premium Feel with Edge Sense

The HTC U11 made waves upon its launch for its Edge Sense technology, allowing users to squeeze the sides of the phone to launch apps or control functions. Even in 2025, this feature, combined with premium build quality, makes the U11 an attractive choice for UK buyers who want something unique.

Key Highlights

• Edge Sense squeezable frame for app shortcuts

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor

• 12MP UltraPixel 3 rear camera

• 5.5-inch Super LCD5 display

• IP67 water and dust resistance

The HTC U11 is ideal for UK users who enjoy innovative features, reliable performance, and a compact yet premium design.

Design & Build Quality – Glass and Metal Premium Feel

The HTC U11 is a sleek, glass-backed device with a metal frame that feels premium in hand. Its reflective glass finish catches attention, and the Edge Sense technology is integrated seamlessly.

Design Features

• Build: Glass front and back with aluminium frame

• Dimensions: 153.9 × 75.9 × 7.9 mm

• Weight: 169g

• Colours: Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Solar Red

• Special Feature: Edge Sense – squeeze-sensitive sides for shortcuts

UK users who value design and innovation will appreciate the HTC U11’s unique Edge Sense feature, which differentiates it from competitors.

Display Review – Bright and Vibrant

The HTC U11 comes with a 5.5-inch Super LCD5 display with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels, providing crisp visuals and vivid colours.

Display Highlights

• 5.5-inch Quad HD display (2560 × 1440)

• Sharp text and clear icons

• HDR10 support for videos

• Brightness: ~600 nits for outdoor visibility

This display is suitable for UK users who watch videos, play games, or use the phone outdoors.

Performance Review – Snapdragon 835 Power

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and 4GB RAM, the HTC U11 still offers smooth performance in 2025 for daily tasks.

Performance Features

• Fast app launches and smooth multitasking

• Edge Sense responds instantly to gestures

• Handles moderate gaming with decent graphics performance

• Long-term software support via Android updates (up to Android 10 unofficially)

UK users will find the U11 fast enough for social media, web browsing, streaming, and productivity apps.

Camera Quality – UltraPixel 3 Excellence

One of the standout features of the HTC U11 is its camera. The 12MP UltraPixel 3 rear camera delivers excellent image quality, even in low light, thanks to large pixel size and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).

Camera Table

UK Photography Notes:

• UltraPixel sensor captures bright and detailed photos in low-light conditions

• Front camera suitable for selfies and video calls

• Edge Sense allows quick camera launch with a squeeze

For UK users who enjoy photography, the HTC U11 remains a strong contender even against some modern mid-range phones.

Battery Life & Charging

The HTC U11 has a 3000mAh battery that offers a full day of moderate use. Combined with Quick Charge 3.0, charging is fast and convenient.

Battery Highlights

• 3000mAh battery, removable feature not available

• Fast charging via Quick Charge 3.0 (~50% in 30 mins)

• Good battery for daily usage: calls, browsing, social media

• Edge Sense does not significantly drain battery

UK users who need reliable battery life for commuting or work will find the HTC U11 sufficient.

Software & User Experience

The HTC U11 runs Android 7.1 Nougat at launch, upgradeable unofficially to newer versions. The user experience is smooth, especially with HTC’s Sense UI.

Software Features

• Edge Sense shortcuts enhance usability

• HTC Sense UI for clean interface and multitasking

• Supports Google Play Store apps and services

• Gestures and squeeze shortcuts simplify navigation

Even in 2025, UK users benefit from Edge Sense and Sense UI for faster access to apps and features.

UK Price Comparison – Affordable Premium Device

Despite its age, the HTC U11 remains available in the UK at affordable prices, offering premium design and unique features at a fraction of modern flagship costs.

Price Table (2025 UK Market)

Summary:

• Affordable for a premium phone

• Edge Sense and camera justify the price

• Suitable for users who want innovation without paying flagship prices

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Edge Sense innovative feature

• Premium glass and metal design

• Excellent camera performance

• Fast performance with Snapdragon 835

• IP67 water and dust resistance

Cons

• Slightly outdated software support

• Battery life moderate by 2025 standards

• No 5G connectivity

Final Verdict – Is HTC U11 Worth Buying in 2025 UK?

The HTC U11 is a strong choice for UK users who value design, camera quality, and innovative features like Edge Sense. While it may not compete with modern 5G phones, it delivers excellent performance, photography, and a premium feel at an affordable price.

WholesaleSquad recommends the HTC U11 for buyers who want a unique, reliable, and budget-friendly premium smartphone in the UK.