The HTC U23 Pro reintroduces HTC into the mid-range smartphone market with notable specs, an attractive design, and a few unique features. However, while it boasts powerful internals and an impressive display, it isn’t without its flaws. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the most common issues and problems reported by users, sharing real owner experiences and troubleshooting tips. We'll conclude with a final verdict on whether the HTC U23 Pro is worth your money and recommend alternative phones in the same category.
HTC U23 Pro Specifications Overview
Before exploring common issues, here’s a quick look at the HTC U23 Pro’s specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB options
- Storage: 256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 4600mAh with 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging
- Camera: Quad rear camera (108MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor); 32MP front camera
- OS: Android 13
- Special Features: IP67 dust and water resistance, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, and HTC’s VIVERSE metaverse platform compatibility
Common Issues with the HTC U23 Pro
Despite its appealing specs, users of the HTC U23 Pro have encountered a range of issues. Let’s break down the most common problems with insights and quotes from actual users.
1. Battery Life and Charging Issues
Equipped with a 4600mAh battery, the HTC U23 Pro is intended to offer good endurance. However, some users have reported challenges with battery performance, including faster-than-expected drain and occasional charging issues.
- Battery Draining Quickly: Some users report that, despite the decent battery size, the phone doesn’t hold a charge well, especially when using 120Hz refresh rate and resource-heavy apps.
- User Quote: “I was hoping for a battery that could last me a day and a half, but it barely makes it through a single day with regular use.” — Mark T.
- Slow Charging Speeds: While the HTC U23 Pro supports 30W fast charging, a few users have noticed that their phone charges slowly or doesn’t reach full charge as quickly as advertised.
- User Quote: “It seems to take longer than expected to reach 100%, even when I use the HTC charger that came with it.” — Olivia R.
Solutions:
- Switch to 60Hz refresh rate when battery conservation is needed.
- Turn off unnecessary background apps or adjust app permissions to limit power usage.
- Use the original charger provided by HTC or an HTC-compatible fast charger for the best results.
2. Display Issues and Touch Sensitivity
The U23 Pro’s 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is one of its strongest selling points. However, some users have faced issues with screen responsiveness, brightness control, and occasionally, color balance.
- Touch Sensitivity Problems: Users have occasionally reported that the screen becomes unresponsive or fails to register touches accurately.
- User Quote: “The screen sometimes ignores my taps or registers a swipe when I’m just tapping. It’s frustrating during texting or scrolling.” — Sarah M.
- Brightness and Color Concerns: Some users have noticed inconsistency in brightness levels, especially in direct sunlight, and others have mentioned that the display's color balance may appear oversaturated.
- User Quote: “The colors look too vivid sometimes. While it’s fine for media, it feels a bit unnatural for regular use.” — Jon P.
Solutions:
- Restart the device periodically to improve touch sensitivity.
- Adjust color settings in the display settings to achieve a more natural look.
- Turn off adaptive brightness and set a fixed brightness level to prevent fluctuations.
3. Software Bugs and Performance Lag
The HTC U23 Pro runs on Android 13, but users have reported occasional performance issues and software bugs that impact the experience.
- Random Freezes and Reboots: Some users experience the phone freezing or rebooting unexpectedly. This issue could be linked to software conflicts or insufficient optimization.
- User Quote: “It’s a fast phone most of the time, but then it randomly freezes for a few seconds. It can be annoying, especially during calls or video streaming.” — Liam K.
- Lag with Multi-Tasking: Although the phone has 8GB or 12GB RAM, it can sometimes lag when multiple apps are open.
- User Quote: “For a phone with 12GB of RAM, I didn’t expect it to slow down while switching apps, but it happens from time to time.” — Amara D.
Solutions:
- Clear app cache and restart the device regularly to free up memory.
- Disable or uninstall unused apps to reduce resource usage.
- Look for software updates from HTC, as they may include performance improvements and bug fixes.
4. Camera Performance in Low Light
The HTC U23 Pro’s 108MP main camera delivers impressive photos in well-lit environments. However, low-light performance and shutter speed have been points of criticism.
- Low-Light Challenges: The camera struggles in low-light conditions, with photos turning out grainy or losing detail.
- User Quote: “Pictures are amazing in good lighting, but once the lights go down, it’s a different story. It lacks the clarity I expected.” — Chris W.
- Slow Shutter Speed: The shutter can be slow in darker environments, leading to blurred images if the phone isn’t held steady.
- User Quote: “It’s not ideal for nighttime shots. There’s a delay, and it doesn’t capture movement well.” — Emily H.
Solutions:
- Enable Night Mode to improve low-light photography.
- Use a third-party camera app that may offer better low-light optimization.
- For best results, ensure good lighting conditions when taking photos.
5. Connectivity and Network Issues
While the HTC U23 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, some users have encountered connectivity issues.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: The device sometimes fails to maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection, especially at a distance from routers.
- User Quote: “I’ve noticed Wi-Fi drops, especially when I move to another room. My old phone didn’t have this issue.” — Jason P.
- Intermittent Bluetooth Pairing Problems: Bluetooth connectivity can occasionally be unreliable, particularly with certain wireless headphones.
- User Quote: “My Bluetooth headphones randomly disconnect, and it’s irritating when I’m on a call.” — Kelly S.
Solutions:
- Reset network settings to address connectivity glitches.
- Update the software as HTC may release patches to fix connectivity bugs.
- Use a Wi-Fi booster if signal strength is an issue at home or work.
Is the HTC U23 Pro Worth Buying?
The HTC U23 Pro is a stylish, mid-range smartphone that brings impressive hardware and unique features to the table. It’s a solid choice for users who prioritize display quality, large storage, and a decent camera setup. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, such as inconsistent battery performance, occasional display issues, and average low-light camera results.
Pros of HTC U23 Pro:
- High-quality 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Good performance with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and ample RAM
- Generous storage and microSD expansion
- Unique features, including wireless charging and IP67 rating
Cons of HTC U23 Pro:
- Battery life may be insufficient for heavy users
- Display and touch sensitivity issues
- Low-light camera performance could be better
- Occasional software lag and performance hiccups
Alternative Phones to Consider: If the HTC U23 Pro’s issues are concerning, here are some alternatives that might offer better reliability:
- Google Pixel 6a: Known for smooth performance, reliable camera quality, and better low-light photography.
- Samsung Galaxy A53: Excellent display, consistent software updates, and good battery life in a similar price range.
- OnePlus Nord 2T: Offers smooth performance, faster charging, and a well-rounded camera experience for the price.
Conclusion
The HTC U23 Pro is a good mid-range phone with a premium display, solid performance, and decent camera setup. However, potential buyers should weigh its strengths against its weaknesses—especially if they need better battery life or low-light camera performance. For those looking for a stylish and feature-rich device with high-end display quality, the HTC U23 Pro can be a compelling option. However, those who prioritize smooth software, better battery life, or low-light photography may want to explore other alternatives in the same price range.
Final Verdict: The HTC U23 Pro is a solid choice for mid-range users but may not be ideal for those with high performance or camera demands.