The new U11 Eyes phablet sees (sorry, no pun intended) HTC offer another new twin camera configuration handset, but this time around with a deliberate focus on targeting mobile users who are fond of taking selfies. Indeed, the device’s pair of 5 megapixel cameras on the front side come with the HDR Boost function, a bokeh effect that allows users to play around with depth of field (live or after capturing an image), and a selfie mode that features support for live beautification (more on this later).
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, here are the basic specifications -- HTC’s U11 Eyes smartphone delivers a commanding 6 inch Full HD+ display screen, paired nicely with the aforementioned dual 5 megapixel camera set up on the front side, and a 12 megapixel main sensor on the rear side. In terms of hardware specs, the phablet boasts an eight core 64 bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 chip set, supported by 4 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM) and 64 gigabytes of built in storage. Other notable features and specs include an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, a Face Unlock feature, a 3,930 mAh battery, and Google’s Android 8.0 Oreo mobile operating system.
Now back to the HTC U11 Eyes’ camera and photo capturing capabilities. It is said that the device’s sensor (via the Face Unlock feature) can tell by itself if it is shooting a real human face, or an image render of a person. Also, Face Unlock is also able to identify a user’s face even if he is wearing sunglasses or even a medical mask (which basically hides the lower part of the face and only exposes the eyes).
The HDR Boost and live bokeh effect features are obviously nice touches, but so is the live beautification functionality. When using the selfie mode, users can either go auto mode or manual, and get to choose from several options for smoothing skin, brightening complexion, reshaping faces, and even adjusting eye size.
Another fun feature is the augmented reality (AR) stickers for selfies. Similar to what Facebook and Snapchat has done, the HTC U11 Eyes phablet offers cartoon stickers for fake beards, animal ears, silly hats, ridiculous eyewear, and many more. The AR stickers, however, work on still images only.
HTC’s U11 Eyes will hit the Hong Kong mobile market first this week, for a price of around five hundred bucks. The device will come in color options of black, silver, and red. No details have been released yet regarding pricing and availability for US or international release. Wanna compare this phablet to other devices? Explore more phones and plans from HTC at Wirefly now.
