HTC is making phones again, it seems, after exiting the market a couple of years ago. HTC has returned with the unveiling of the new HTC U23 Pro, a mid-range smartphone that offers impressive features at an affordable price. While HTC has focused on virtual reality, the popularity and steady growth of its HTC Vive series have prompted the company to give smartphones another shot.
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Under the hood, the HTC U23 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The inclusion of expandable storage is a rarity in mid-range devices, catering to a small but dedicated niche.
The smartphone boasts a large 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The front-facing camera sits within a centred punch-hole cut-out, while the bottom features a slim chin. The design of the U23 Pro appears stylish and minimal, drawing inspiration from recent Motorola smartphones. The flat sides and slightly curved back panel house a prominent camera island in the top right corner.
The HTC U23 Pro is equipped with four cameras: a 108MP f/1.7 primary lens, an 8MP f/2.4 ultrawide lens, a 5MP f/2.2 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Although it lacks a telephoto sensor for optical zoom, this compromise helps keep the costs of the device down.
The U23 Pro features an IP67 certification, ensuring water and dust resistance. It also includes a USB-C port, a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power key, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC capabilities. The phone houses a 4,600mAh battery and supports 30W wired charging, as well as 15W wireless charging and 5% reverse wireless charging.
Notably, the HTC U23 Pro is designed to enhance compatibility with HTC’s VR headsets and software, particularly the Vive XR Elite headset. It leverages the phone’s power to deliver an immersive VR experience and supports HTC’s Viverse platform.
While the HTC U23 Pro appears to be a promising smartphone, its long-term support and availability in stores, particularly in the UK and Europe, remain uncertain. Nonetheless, HTC’s return to the smartphone market with the U23 Pro offers consumers a solid option in the mid-range segment.
It is available for pre-order through the HTC website for £499.00.
