The HTC U11 and LG G6 are premium phones with similar price points. However, the two flagships have several distinctions when it comes to specs and features. Here's how the new squeezable U11 compares to the slim-bezeled LG G6.
Size
The HTC U11 is the larger phone. It's about 3-percent taller and 5-percent wider.
Weight
Unsurprisingly, the U11 is also about 4-percent heavier.
Build
Both makers opt into the glass-on-glass trend that's spreading to premium smartphones. They both have glass backs and aluminum frames; the frame is less prominent on the G6.
Colors
The HTC U11 has more color options, but availability depends on region. Here, the asterisked variants are not available in the US.
Water resistance
The LG G6 has a slightly higher water resistance rating, but either one should withstand a quick splash or dip.
Pressure-sensitive edges
One of the U11's headlining features is its pressure-sensitive sides. Depending on the app, giving the phone a squeeze launches actions like snapping a photo and launching voice-to-text.
It's a novel way of increasing touch interactivity, but the value of this hardware feature will depend on how well software developers put it to use.
Display size
Like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, the LG G6 opts for a large display that's relatively tall and narrow. The G6 squeezes in a touch more overall display area than the larger U11.
Display resolution
Both phones have QHD displays that pack in the pixels.
Display type
Both makers go for IPS display technology over AMOLED.
HDR display
The LG G6 supports HDR 10 and Dolby Vision HDR, so it can support HDR content from Netflix and other services (when available).
Home button
The HTC U11 hangs onto the physical home button below the display. The G6 has an onscreen home button.
Fingerprint sensor
The fingerprint sensor on the U11 is embedded in the home button. On the G6, it's on the back.
Processor
The HTC U11 contains the latest Snapdragon 835 processor, which clocks in ever-so-slightly higher than last year's still-capable Snapdragon 821.
RAM
This pair has a matching 4 GB amount of memory.
Storage
The U11 offers twice the amount of built-in storage. Both phones are available in only one size.
MicroSD
But if storage is a concern, you're covered either way. Both phones have microSD slots for expandable storage up to 2 TB.
Hi-Fi audio
The HTC U11 supports Hi-Fi audio. In the US, the LG G6 does not, though this feature is available in some international markets.
Headphone jack
Despite catering to audiophiles, the HTC U11 took a cue from the iPhone 7 and axed the traditional headphone jack. An adapter is included in the box, but otherwise you'll need to use either USB-C or Bluetooth headphones.
Bundled headphones
HTC has also included a pair of wired USB-C U Sonic headphones, which offer some degree of active noise cancellation.
Battery
The LG G6 has a slightly higher battery capacity, though of course many factors beyond size go into overall battery life.
Fast charging
Both phones support Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.
Wireless charging
The LG G6 supports wireless charging with a charging pad (sold separately), but only in the US version.
Camera megapixels
The HTC U11 actually has higher resolution in the front camera than in the rear. It should take much sharper selfies than the LG G6.
Camera aperture (rear)
The U11 also has a slightly larger camera aperture, which could mean an incremental improvement in depth of field effects and low light shooting.
Dual lens camera
The LG G6 has a dual lens rear camera that combines a standard and wide-angle lens. When shooting, you can toggle back and forth between the two to fit more or less into the frame.
Optical image stabilization (OIS)
Both cameras use OIS to combat hand shake and blurry captures.
Mobile payments
Since both are NFC-equipped, you can either one to use Android Pay at participating retailers.
Voice assistant
Tech companies are getting increasingly competitive with their AI-driven voice assistants. Like all new Androids, both of these have Google Assistant, but the U11 also comes with Amazon Alexa and HTC's own Sense Companion.
Mobile VR-ready
If you're hoping to don a mobile VR headset (beyond a basic Google Cardboard setup) you'll have to look elsewhere. Neither of these are Daydream or Gear VR-ready.
Software
Both run Android Nougat skinned with a manufacturer UI.
Release
The HTC U11 is available for pre-order now and starts shipping in a few weeks. The LG G6 hit shelves earlier this year.
Starting price (full retail)
These two phones have different approaches to premium, but they're at the same price point. The HTC U11 is available unlocked for US$649, while you can expect LG G6 prices to fluctuate a little more depending on payment plan and carrier.
If you're drawn to Hi-Fi audio, the new squeezable edges or smartphone standbys like a physical home button with a fingerprint sensor, the HTC U11 could be worth a try. If you'd prefer a more on-trend phone with a big, slim-bezeled display, the LG G6 is probably a better choice.
