It looks like HTC will be releasing a rebranded version of their HTC U11 smartphone with Google Android One. The handset will come with stock Android Oreo and it will be an Android One device, it will ditch all of the HTC apps.
The news was revealed by LlabTooFeR on Twitter and then later confirmed by Evan Blass, the specifications are expected to be different than the original HTC U11.
HTC Ocean_Life will be released under Android One program. It will lose most of the HTC apps and run stock Android O with Sense 9.0_A1.
— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) September 13, 2017
Specifications and Features
This new rebranded HTC U11 Life will apparently come with a 5.2 inch display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The device will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor and it will come with a 16 megapixel camera on the front and a 16 megapixel camera on the back. The Snapdragon 630 is known for its efficiency and performance, making it a solid choice for a mid-range device. Additionally, the phone is expected to feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot.
The HTC U11 Life will also include a 2600 mAh battery, which should provide a decent battery life given the efficient processor and the optimizations of stock Android. The device will also feature a fingerprint sensor for added security, and it will be IP67 certified, meaning it will be dust and water-resistant.
Android One and Software Experience
One of the most significant changes in this rebranded version is the software. As an Android One device, the HTC U11 Life will run a pure version of Android Oreo, free from any HTC-specific apps or customizations. This means users will get a clean, bloatware-free experience, with faster updates directly from Google. Android One devices are known for their timely updates, which is a significant advantage over many other Android devices that often face delays in receiving the latest software updates.
The stock Android experience also means that users will have access to Google’s suite of apps and services, including Google Assistant, Google Photos, and Google Play Protect, which provides regular security updates and scans for malware. The absence of HTC’s Sense UI might be a welcome change for those who prefer a more straightforward and uncluttered user interface.
As yet there are no details on when this new Android One smartphone will launch, as soon as we get some more details about the handset, we will let you guys know. The pricing of the HTC U11 Life is also yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be competitive, given the specifications and the target market.
The rebranded HTC U11 Life as an Android One device is an exciting development for fans of stock Android. With its solid hardware specifications, clean software experience, and promise of timely updates, it could be a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and pricing.
Source LlabTooFeR, Android Authority
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