HTC U24 Pro Review: Resurrection Phone Worth $600?

HTC's Surprising Comeback: First Impressions

When HTC exited smartphones after its $1.1B Google deal, few expected a resurrection. Yet here's the U24 Pro - a $600 "uniquely brilliant" device emerging after years of silence. Having tested every major HTC flagship historically, I immediately noticed its angular aluminum frame clearly inspired by the Cybertruck aesthetic. Unlike curved contemporary designs, this polygon shape prioritizes style over ergonomics. The space blue plastic back feels standard for this price range, though the curved 6.8" OLED display suggests HTC missed the flat-screen revival memo. Most intriguing? That 50MP selfie camera and the unexpected return of beloved legacy features.

Key Initial Observations

The industrial design makes a statement but compromises comfort. While the 120Hz 1080p display looks sharp, our heat test revealed it fails after 30 seconds of lighter exposure - matching mid-tier competitors. The real surprises emerge in the connectivity department: a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot. These "retro" inclusions feel revolutionary in 2024, though HTC's proximity sensor placement in the frame edge feels like an awkward workaround versus Apple's Dynamic Island approach.

Hardware Analysis: Durability & Performance

Build Quality Stress Testing

HTC historically delivered durable flagships, though the U11's infamous bend failure haunted their legacy. For the U24 Pro, our bend test delivered positive results: the angular aluminum rails resisted significant force from both directions. The plastic back flexed without cracking, and the Gorilla Glass survived expected daily abuse. However, the under-display fingerprint scanner completely failed during testing - unable to register worn fingerprints. Considering manual workers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is a significant flaw.

Camera Capabilities Examined

The triple-camera setup sounds impressive on paper: dual 50MP sensors (main + 2x telephoto) plus an 8MP ultrawide. Physical inspection revealed only the main shooter has optical image stabilization - a cost-cutting measure visible in low-light samples. The 50MP selfie camera is notably sharper than competitors, but lacks HTC's pioneering front-facing OIS from their glory days. In practice, camera performance matches $400-500 devices rather than premium flagships.

Internal Teardown: Repairability Insights

Component Layout & Engineering

Opening the plastic back revealed surprisingly organized internals. The 4,600mAh dual-cell battery features easy-access ribbon cables instead of pull tabs - a repair-friendly design earning our approval. The modular motherboard connects via Lego-like ribbons, simplifying component replacement. HTC implemented thoughtful waterproofing throughout: rubber-sealed USB-C port, microphone membranes, and IP67-rated construction. The 15W wireless charging coil sits centrally beneath a removable NFC patch.

Notable Hardware Choices

• Dual-battery system: Explains the 60W fast charging capability
• Accessible cameras: Main sensor features robust OIS mechanism
• Vibration motor: Small square haptic driver below charging port
• Headphone jack survival: Full wired audio circuit preserved

The teardown confirms this isn't just a rebranded OEM device. Clever engineering touches exist, though the fragile fingerprint flex cable attached to the charging board suggests potential repair complications.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?

Value Proposition Breakdown

The U24 Pro delivers nostalgia rather than innovation. Its unique brilliance comes from resurrecting abandoned features, not pioneering new ones. For $600, you get:

1. Expandable storage via microSD
2. Wired audio without dongles
3. Above-average repairability
4. Distinctive angular design

Yet compromises exist: the plastic back, average cameras, and fingerprint scanner issues. When compared to similarly priced Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54, HTC lacks camera processing polish and software update commitments.

Actionable Recommendations

• Media consumers benefit from headphone jack and large display
• Travelers appreciate dual-SIM + microSD flexibility
• DIY repair enthusiasts will enjoy the accessible internals
  Avoid if you prioritize biometric security or computational photography

HTC's Resurrection: Final Thoughts

The U24 Pro feels like a 2018 flagship teleported to 2024 - complete with "outdated" features that many users still crave. While not class-leading, it demonstrates HTC's engineering competence remains intact. The successful bend test and modular design suggest genuine effort, though the fingerprint scanner failure is concerning. If this marks HTC's true return, I'd expect future models to refine these foundations rather than chase gimmicks. For now, it's a competent niche device for those valuing expandability over cutting-edge specs.

Which discontinued feature matters most to you - headphone jack or SD slot? Share your dealbreakers below!