HTC U Play Review: A beautiful phone with stunning performance

Another smartphone from the house of HTC with new refreshing design elements. HTC is targeting high-end users with its two new U series devices – Play and Ultra.

The new series of smartphone comes with whole lots of changes in terms of design plus features in comparison with popular 'Desire' series of phones.

Glossy body with out of the crowd design
These days, most of the devices seem similar to each due to some similar design elements. HTC U Play stands out of the crowd with its stunning looks. Its shell is made with glass which not new to the market, yet HTC used it smartly enhancing the overall look plus makes the device attractive.

The phone has a new, beautifully contoured, liquid surface with symmetrical construction. But my fear with the glossy body is smudges and scratches;  U play is not an exception, it also attracts smudges thankfully not prone to scratches. The phone is packaged with a transparent back cover to protect the body from smudges and scratches. However, I was expecting a protective layer at the back rather than using a cover that steals the beautiy of the phone.

Vibrant FHD screen
The glossy body holds a 5.2-inches Full-HD screen with 1080p resolution and 428ppi pixel density. It’s a sharp screen with vibrant colors and fair amount of brightness. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, but not sure about the version, however, U Ultra has 5th gen Gorilla glass and expecting the same, will update you once I will get the confirmation for the same.

The display is quite touch responsive and produces accurate colors with dark blacks. I enjoyed playing games, watching movies, etc on it. Even in direct sunlight, I was able to read texts, thanks to it bright screen.

What is U series all about?
"U" is actually about you, meaning the phone will adopt you. The phone comes with HTC Sense Companion that tracks your activities then suggest you the best. It is a personal companion to every user who is always learning from you and the things you do every day. It can suggest leaving early if heavy traffic congestion on your daily route or any weather change could happen. It can recommend a restaurant when you are looking for a break or be going to celebrate with your loved ones.

HTC Sense can also recognize your voice and respond even when it is locked. You can make a call, send messages, set an alarm and begin hands-free navigation. It can also identify your ear to offer the immersive experience.

Enjoy whatever you want to
The phone is combined with powerful hardware, I played several high-graphics intensive games on it including WWE, NFS, Asphalt 8 Airborne and Mortal combat, etc. The phone manages all the games easily without any visible performance lag. Even while switching between them there was no glitch.

The speaker is as awesome as we can expect from HTC. It produces rich sound with balanced treble and bass. The phone comes with a type C headphone, which is really awesome, but a few people may miss 3.5mm jack as they won't be able to charge or transfer the data while using the headphone.

Capture beautiful snaps quickly
The phone packs 16 MP camera at both sides front and rear. Holding the BSI sensor, it allows you capture images in different light conditions with the fair amount of details. The daylight images come with good details and rich colors. Images are not so over exposed, but considering the price, I was expecting better results.

HTC U Play Camera: Auto Mode

HTC U Play Camera: PRO Mode

HTC U Play Camera: Close up

HTC U Play Camera: Auto Mode

HTC U Play Camera: Full Zoom Auto Mode

HTC U Play Camera: Selfi Panaroma

HTC U Play Camera: Panaroma

The camera UI offers different modes including Zoe camera that captures 3 sec of video. It also has pro option where you can control every part be it exposure, sensitivity, shutter speed, ISO and many other. Using the pro, I got better quality images.

Could be better battery
The compact phone is powered by a 2500 mAh battery. It can run for an entire day with moderate usage like calls, internet surfing etc. On the other hand, watching videos or playing games on it will drain the battery soon. In our battery loop test, it lasted for 5 hours 12 minutes while playing video over Wifi with full brightness and volume.

To attract consumers HTC U Play comes with a one-year insurance that covers liquid damage and any physical damage to the phones, meaning you can use it worry less. Also Standard Chartered Debit and Credit card holders can avail 10% cash back on the MOP value of the phone. One can also exchange the device under HTC Buyback scheme at retail stores.