How good is the audio on the U11, really?

[wynand32]

So, I've posted elsewhere on the question of how to charge the U11 while plugged into the 3.5mm AUX jack in my car (no Bluetooth audio support). It's a pain but it can be done via a Bluetooth adapter or a USB-C hub.

But that leads me to my real question. I'm replacing my Nexus 6p that died due to the boot loop error. I'm really enticed by the purported audio quality provided by the U11 via headphones (the included headset or via the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with DAC).

So, before I make my final decision, some input would be welcome: is the U11 audio really _that much_ better than, say, a Pixel XL? I have an iPhone 6 that I'm using in the meantime which puts out decent sounding audio. Is the U11 better than that?

That's really what's most attractive to me about U11, because I do want the best possible sound. I also don't want to spend $850 on a phone, and $650 is a little more attractive.

Anybody who can provide some thoughts there, that would be much appreciated.

 

[Mathrania]

Pixel XL was an amazing phone. But HTC U11 is a step above... And to you cannot compare u11 sound to Pixel. U11 has given life to my bose headphones... Amazing sound from a phone

 

[wynand32]

Pixel XL was an amazing phone. But HTC U11 is a step above... And to you cannot compare u11 sound to Pixel. U11 has given life to my bose headphones... Amazing sound from a phone

Thanks, that's what I'm looking to hear.

 

[Rob Chew]

I think you'll be satisfied.

 

[wynand32]

I think you'll be satisfied.

Well, I hope so, thanks. Shouldn't be too long before I pull the trigger and find out.

 

[Rob Chew]

Well, I hope so, thanks. Shouldn't be too long before I pull the trigger and find out.

You might consider ordering through Amazon for an easy no-hassle return just in case you don't like the device.

 

[isdaako]

I preordered the U11. So, when it arrived I began the process of checking it out. While super-sexy I was fearful of the all glass construction. Any chance of the device being returned vanished when I listened to it. That's using the included buds.

Having given that praise, have you checked out the reviews online? This one with Juan is informative.

https://youtu.be/4bqOuQe_pmM

 

[wynand32]

You might consider ordering through Amazon for an easy no-hassle return just in case you don't like the device.

Yeah, I saw the thread on the return hassles with HTC, that's a real bummer. I was kind of liking their 18-month no-interest financing. So, I get that there's a risk-reward equation there.

Otherwise, absolutely, I'd buy from Amazon.

 

[wynand32]

I preordered the U11. So, when it arrived I began the process of checking it out. While super-sexy I was fearful of the all glass construction. Any chance of the device being returned vanished when I listened to it. That's using the included buds.

Having given that praise, have you checked out the reviews online? This one with Juan is informative.

https://youtu.be/4bqOuQe_pmM

Yeah, I've been scouring reviews and I'm impressed with the phone. Money's tight, though, so this purchase has to last. So far it seems like the best choice for me.

 

[deadlywill]

The sound coming from mine using the supplied in box headphones is the best I've ever heard on any phone full stop. My U11 has been as smooth as silk since I got it.

 

[wynand32]

The sound coming from mine using the supplied in box headphones is the best I've ever heard on any phone full stop. My U11 has been as smooth as silk since I got it.

Thanks! I'm going to buy one, just need to get the extended warranty money for the Nexus 6P.

 

[anon(9785393)]

You might consider ordering through Amazon for an easy no-hassle return just in case you don't like the device.

THIS! I took the $50 off and ordered from HTC and I'm regretting that.

 

[anon(9785393)]

So, I've posted elsewhere on the question of how to charge the U11 while plugged into the 3.5mm AUX jack in my car (no Bluetooth audio support). It's a pain but it can be done via a Bluetooth adapter or a USB-C hub.

But that leads me to my real question. I'm replacing my Nexus 6p that died due to the boot loop error. I'm really enticed by the purported audio quality provided by the U11 via headphones (the included headset or via the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with DAC).

So, before I make my final decision, some input would be welcome: is the U11 audio really _that much_ better than, say, a Pixel XL? I have an iPhone 6 that I'm using in the meantime which puts out decent sounding audio. Is the U11 better than that?

That's really what's most attractive to me about U11, because I do want the best possible sound. I also don't want to spend $850 on a phone, and $650 is a little more attractive.

Anybody who can provide some thoughts there, that would be much appreciated.

Sound is way better than my s7edge. I am using the adapter to B&O phones. The V10 and V20 had similarly great sound. It blows away most phones. HOWEVER: The lack of the headphone jack is a MAJOR flaw to me. It has me considering a return.

 

[wynand32]

Sound is way better than my s7edge. I am using the adapter to B&O phones. The V10 and V20 had similarly great sound. It blows away most phones. HOWEVER: The lack of the headphone jack is a MAJOR flaw to me. It has me considering a return.

I've decided that getting a bluetooth audio adapter for my car is worth it for the overall improvement. There's also the fact that this is just the way things are headed, and I might as well go ahead and adjust to it now. Probably by next year all phones won't have 3.5mm jacks.

 

[usguyver]

now what do you mean by that does not work with Bluetooth on your phone meaning with your car. does your car not have Bluetooth.

 

[wynand32]

now what do you mean by that does not work with Bluetooth on your phone meaning with your car. does your car not have Bluetooth.

My car has Bluetooth support for phone calls only. It doesn't support Bluetooth audio (it's a 2009 Infiniti G37).

 

[jwbekens]

Audio on U11 with the Usonic headphones is fantastic, better than iPhone 7Plus and better than my HTC M8 with Harman Kardon headphones. The phone speakers are not as loud as the iPhone 7 Plus or the M8HK, but sound is much clearer. The audio with video recording is unbelievably good. Streaming bluetooth with APTX/ADP2 is also excellent. Phone audio is also very good, better than iPhone 7Plus. I actually like the audio with the Usonic headphones and noise cancelling better than using my Harman Kardon earphones withe the 3.5 mm adapter/dongle. Go to a sprint store and try one out with the Usonic headphones and your own, even if you buy elsewhere.

 

[Ben_70]

My car has Bluetooth support for phone calls only. It doesn't support Bluetooth audio (it's a 2009 Infiniti G37).

Same with my 2010 Mini. Are you considering any audio adapter in particular?

 

[wynand32]

Same with my 2010 Mini. Are you considering any audio adapter in particular?

I've been looking at a few, but none jump out at me so far. I'll get researching harder once I'm closer to getting the phone -- no idea when I'll order and then get the 128GB version.

 

[Rumblee1]

The sound on my Axon 7 is still the best I've ever heard on a phone. Either through speakers or headphones. Ant with the dolby atmos, music and movies are breathtaking