HTC U 11 release date, specs rumors: Swipeable edge function makes smartphone easy to use

Screengrab from the latest HTC U teaser.YouTube/HTC

The HTC U 11, which is supposed to be revealed within the month, is HTC's competitor against the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6. One of the most-awaited features of the HTC U 11 is Edge Sense, which is a function on the phone that lets the user choose certain actions just by swiping the edge of the screen. This function makes the phone easy to use with just one hand.

Other specifications of the HTC U 11 have been leaked multiple times. It's expected to have a faster processor that comes from Qualcomm and is also used by the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Snapdragon 835. This means the HTC U 11 will have a longer battery life and higher performance compared to the HTC 10.

HTC U 11 is supposed to have random-access memory (RAM) that packs 6 GB capacity and buyers will have the option to choose from either 64 GB or 128 GB of storage for the phone. Users do not have to worry about running out of memory since there will be a microSD card slot that can hold up to 2 TB.

HTC U 11 may have a smaller display at 5.5 inches compared to other high-end phones, but it makes up for it with the camera and connectivity. The phone will come with a 12-megapixel f/1.7 sensor with UltraPixel 3 and a 16-megapixel camera on the front for better selfies for the users. It will be dual-SIM and will support 4G VoLTE as well as the newest Bluetooth 5.0 standard. The phone is also expected to lack the 3.5 mm headphone jack but will make up for it with HTC BoomSound speakers.

HTC U 11 is set to launch on Tuesday, May 16, and will be available in stores before the month of June. HTC has yet to announce the cost of the phone, but it's expected to have a premium price tag.