HTC U Ultra Play Smartphones Announced

HTC has announced two new smartphones, the HTC U Ultra, shown above, and the HTC U Play, shown below. 

The HTC U Ultra features two screens, and a stylish design with a glass front and back. The main camera has a 12mp BSI CMOS sensor (1.55micron pixels) and a bright f/1.8 lens, with Phase Detection and Laser Auto Focus (AF), and the lens also features Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). This is the same camera as found in the HTC 10, and has raw format support. There's also a dual LED flash on the back, and the camera records 4K video. The front facing selfie camera has a wide-angle lens and a 16mp BSI sensor. 

The main screen is a QHD resolution 5.7inch screen, and a low-power second screen can be found above. There's a 3000mAh battery, and the phone runs Android v7. The phone uses Gorilla Glass 5 to protect the screen, and HTC will be releasing a Sapphire glass special edition later in the year. 

The phone comes with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to learn from you, giving you intelligent notifications. The system uses four always-on microphones that can respond to commands. For security there is biometric voice unlock and controls. The phone also features BoomSound, supports MicroSD memory, and has a USB 3.1 Type C connection, with no headphone socket. USB 3 earphones are provided with the smartphone.

The HTC Play has a FullHD 5.2inch screen with Gorilla Glass, and both the front and rear cameras use a 16mp BSI CMOS sensor, with the rear camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture and OIS, as well as raw support. The U Play records FullHD video, has a 2500mAh battery, and USB 2.0 Type-C connection. The U Play will also feature HTC's new AI system.

Pricing and availability is expected to be announced in February.