I commented on the article but will post here as well...
I snagged a U12+ at the NYC launch event. And I've already sent it back. I could have written this review - as my complaints are the same. The issues with the pressure sensitive buttons and sides are a deal breaker from the jump. But even if those are fixed, the staleness of the software ruins the rest of the experience. As Alex mentions, its very close to stock - yet so far away. The dialer, contacts, etc are years old and just detract from the flagship experience this otherwise delivers. I just dont understand why at that point HTC doesnt just include the google dialer?
I love the haptic button idea in theory. But for something as essential as power and volume buttons - it needs to work every single time. And it just doesnt. Not even 75% of the time. The iPhones home button works exactly like a physical button. Sure the response is a bit different since you only receive haptic feedback - but it works. Every single time.
Though, speak of, the haptics in the U12+ are pretty stellar. Its so close to offering such a great overall experience. And yet a few very small, yet very important things, keep it from being anything close to something anyone should recommend. At least in this market filled with devices like the S9 and OP6.