Can’t get the Pixel 2 in Malaysia? HTC’s U11+ is the killer alternative

If you’ve been pining for a Google Pixel-like device but couldn’t stomach the thought of picking one up from grey importers, there’s good news. Today, HTC Malaysia launched their latest flagship smartphone, the U11+, a phone that some say started out life as a Pixel project.

HTC’s original U11 was an excellent smartphone. It was a far cry from the disappointing U Ultra and a real return to form for the company. With the U11+, HTC takes that up a notch and has managed to come up with an even better phone, fixing quite a number of the original’s flaws.

First up, it gets a gorgeous new 6″ screen with an 18:9 aspect ratio Quad HD+ 2880×1440 pixel Super LCD5 display that’s got HDR10 support. Then, HTC also beefed up the battery capacity to a much larger 3,930 mAh. Finally, the last big upgrade is that they made their already awesome BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers 30% louder with “richer sound”.

Inside, it’s still powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor mated to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage — yep, we’re getting the high spec variant. It will also have expandable storage and the phone can take microSD cards up to 2TB.

For photos, you get the same 12MP UltraPixel 3 camera with an f/1.7 aperture lens — which we already know is a very capable camera — plus an 8MP selfie shooter in front with HDR Boost.

On the software side of things, the U11+ runs pretty much the same skin as the U11 — upgraded to Android 8.0 Oreo — but they added more functionality to Edge Sense (that’s the squeeze function) called the Edge Launcher. Basically, it allows you to launch your favourite apps, contacts and quick settings with a squeeze.

Although the body is still shiny, which you may or may not like, it also retains the excellent IP68 water resistance that will allow you to submerge it up to 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes. What’s more, it also comes in a new translucent black that makes the back case a little see-through. One thing you may not like is that because the new screen takes up so much space in front, the fingerprint scanner has been moved to the back.

HTC’s U11+ will retail for RM3,099 and be available for pre-order in Malaysia from the 15th of January to the 21st of January through Brightstar’s online partners in Lazada, 11street and Shopee. Then, the device will be available for direct purchase through Brightstar’s authorised retailers nationwide from the 22nd of January onwards.

In Malaysia, we will only be getting the translucent Black colour variant for now. If you pre-order you’ll get a whole lot of goodies that include a leather pouch, an 8,000 mAh power bank, a travel kit + U Notebook, lanyard and phone stand worth over RM250.