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HTC is preparing to launch an unlocked 128GB version of its latest flagship HTC U11 smartphone, which features innovative squeezable sides to control various functions, by accepting preorders for the new handset, which will sell for $729.
The new model will include 6GB of RAM, which is an upgrade over the 4GB of memory included in the original version of the U11 big screen handset that was introduced in June. The original U11 handset included only 64GB of built-in storage.
HTC has confirmed the upgraded 128GB U11 phablet, with its 6GB of memory, will be available starting Aug. 10. The 4G LTE handset had been introduced previously in other markets around the globe, but is now going on sale in the U.S.
The company also announced special reduced prices on its HTC U Ultra and HTC 10 smartphone models through Aug. 7.
All HTC U11 models, including the new 128GB version, feature a 5.5-inch quad HD Super LCD curved display (2560 x 1440 resolution) with a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core 64-bit processor and a microSD card slot for an additional data storage capacity of up to 2TB.
The phones also include a 12-megapixel rear-facing main HTC UltraPixel 3 camera with an f/1.7 autofocus lens, Optical Image Stabilization, dual LED flash and 4K video recording with 3D audio, as well as a 16-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.0 lens, voice and automatic selfie capabilities and full HD 1080p video recording.
Audio features in the handset include HTC USonic earbuds with active noise cancellation, HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers and 3D audio recording with four microphones. The phone, which runs the Android 7.1 operating system, meets IP67 standards for dust and water resistance.
Rounding out the U11 phone is a 3,000mAh rechargeable battery, a quick charger and several other connectivity options, including Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5GHz) and Near-Field Communications (NFC). The handset includes one USB 3.1 Type-C port. The handset is 6.06 inches long, 2.98 inches wide, 0.31 inches thick and weighs 5.96 ounces.
All U11 models include HTC’s Edge Sense feature, which reacts to squeezes by allowing users to choose and switch apps, take photos and more, giving users a new way to control their handsets. To take a photo, users can hold the device, squeeze it, smile, and take a photograph, according to HTC.
Sending texts uses a similar process, by lightly squeezing the edges of the phone, verbalizing a message and sending the text, all using the HTC Edge Sense for Voice to Text capability.
Users can also customize the squeeze gesture, allowing them to open emails or apps with a squeeze as well. Users can also use advanced touch settings that use short squeezes or long squeezes to pull up other functions at will. HTC claims the Edge Sense features work whether users operate them using bare or gloved hands.
HTC had launched its 64GB locked version of the U11 in the U.S. in June in a marketing deal with Sprint. An unlocked version of that model was also available directly through HTC.com for use with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
Special Pricing for HTC U Ultra and HTC 10
The special pricing from HTC on its HTC U Ultra smartphone cuts the phone’s price to $499, a $250 reduction from its normal $749 price tag. The handset, which was launched in January, features a 5.7-inch quad HD display, a secondary display for notifications, 4GB of memory and 64GB of internal storage.
The HTC 10 also gets special pricing at $399, a $300 drop from its normal $699 price. The handset, which was launched in 2016, features a 5.2-inch quad HD display, 4GB of memory and 32GB of internal storage.