The HTC U Ultra, previously known as the HTC Ocean Note, is a fresh new 5.7-inch phablet and HTC’s first big phone launch of 2017. Here’s everything you need to know, including the HTC U Ultra’s specs, UK price and release date news.
Fans of massive smartphones, rejoice! HTC has begun 2017 with a bang, launching its much-hyped super-powered phablet previously leaked as the HTC Ocean Note. Now called the HTC U Ultra, this mighty mobile could prove serious competition for the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Huawei Mate 9, Google Pixel XL and iPhone 7 Plus.
Here’s everything you need to know about the HTC U Ultra, including specs and best features plus what we know about the UK price and release date. And check out our hands-on HTC U Ultra review for our personal thoughts.
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HTC U Ultra specs
| Screen sizes | 5.7-inches + 2.05-inches |
|---|---|
| Screen resolutions | Quad HD (2560×1440) + 160×1040 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 162.41×79.79×3.6-7.99 |
| Weight | 170 grams |
| OS | Android 7.0 Nougat w/ HTC Sense |
| Front camera | 12-megapixels |
| Rear camera | 16-megapixels |
| Processor | 2.15GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB, Expandable via microSD up to 2TB |
| Battery | 3000mAh |
| Extras | HTC Sense Companion, fingerprint sensor, HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi Edition, 3D audio recording, Hi-Res audio support, HTC USonic headphones, case |
HTC U Ultra in a nutshell: Features and performance
This is HTC’s biggest phone in a while, although the U Ultra isn’t too much heftier than the 5.5-inch HTC 10. HTC is keen to point out that the U Ultra isn’t its new flagship phone either, but rather a new premium device that sits alongside the HTC 10 (and upcoming HTC 11 presumably) in its mobile handset line-up.
That 5.7-inch screen boasts a crisp Quad HD resolution and you get the latest Snapdragon 821 processor on-board, backed by 4GB of RAM. That means it’ll be a strong choice for movie and TV fans who want something pocket-sized (ish) to watch a bit of video on the move, as well as gamers and other demanding users.
More intriguing is the 2-inch secondary screen, boxed in above the main display. This acts as a low-powered notifications panel, which can deliver key info to your eyeballs without the need to turn on the main screen. In this way, the HTC U Ultra should happily keep you informed without killing the battery life.
Other interesting features include the 12-megapixel rear camera which sports HTC’s UltraPixel 2 tech, along with PDAF, laser autofocus and OIS. Should make for some sharp, detailed snaps across a range of conditions. That 16-megapixel front camera will also capture every line and wrinkle, as well as combine pixels for brighter images in low light.
Finally you get the HTC Sense AI, which can learn your habits and help to set up your phone for more efficient running.
Check out our full HTC U Ultra vs U Play feature for a full comparison and more feature analysis.
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HTC U Ultra UK price and release date
The HTC U Ultra will go on sale here in the UK in mid-to-late February 2017. Given the premium specs, you can expect to pay at least £500 SIM-free for the phone. However, we’re yet to receive official confirmation from HTC.
Stay tuned for our full HTC U Ultra review.