Earlier this year, we covered the announcement of HTC’s newest smartphones: the premium U Ultra, and more mid-range U Play. If you've been hanging out for more info on both gorgeous 'liquid' glass devices, great news: pricing and availability has finally been confirmed.
HTC is partnering exclusively with Vodafone to offer both the U Ultra and U Play on the telco’s Red postpaid plans. Each device will hit Vodafone retail stores March 8, but customers can pre-order the U Ultra from today.
HTC U Ultra
If you’re into the higher-end U Ultra, Vodafone is offering the flagship-level release for $8 per month, on its $80 MyMix Red plan over 24 months.
Customers who pick Vodafone’s $80 plan or higher will also receive two months of service free, provided you order before May 9 – a saving of $176, including two phone payments.
Vodafone will stock the U Ultra in Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White and Cosmetic Pink. More Vodafone plan prices for the U Ultra are as follows:
| Price per month | Minimum total cost | |
|---|---|---|
| $40 Red Plan | $30 per month over 24 months | $1680 |
| $60 Red Plan | $18 per month over 24 months | $1872 |
| $70 Red Plan | $13 per month over 24 months | $1992 |
| $80 MyMix Red Plan | $8 per month over 24 months | $2112 |
| $80 MyMix Red Global Plan | $8 per month over 24 months | $2112 |
| $90 Red Data Plan | $5 per month over 24 months | $2280 |
| $120 MyMix Red Global Plan | Includes device | $2880 |
| $120 MyMix Red Data Plan | Includes device | $2880 |
| $100 My Mix Red Global Plan | Includes device | $2400 |
| $100 My Mix Red Data Plan | Includes device | $2400 |
Customers wishing to purchase their phone off-contract can pick up the U Ultra from JB HI-FI and Harvey Norman from March 8, for $1199 upfront. Available colours from both outlets include Sapphire Blue, Cosmetic Pink and Brilliant Black.
HTC U Play
Prefer the smaller HTC U Play? We don't have all the plan details just yet, but we do know that customers can take home the U Play for $5 per month over 24 months on Vodafone's $60 Red plan. Available colours include Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black and Ice White.
As with the U Ultra, JB HI-FI and Harvey Norman will stock the U Play from March 8, in Sapphire Blue, Cosmetic Pink and Brilliant Black. Customers buying from either store can expect to pay around $799 upfront for the U Play.
Specs and features
The HTC U Ultra features a 5.7-inch display, a top-range Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor, a 3,000mAh battery, and runs Android 7.0 Nougat. In addition to its Sense Companion AI platform, you’ll get the renowned HTC BoomSound audio experience, plus 16MP and 4MP UltraPixel cameras.
The Ultra also includes the all-new Dual Display: an always-ready, convenient top screen bar for easy access to notifications, contacts, and most-used apps. Dual Display adapts to how you use your device, and prioritises notifications, shortcuts and favourites based on your usage and preferences.
In comparison, the U Play includes a smaller 5.2-inch display, 2,500mAh battery, and two 16MP cameras in front and back. It’s not quite as feature-packed as the pricier U Ultra, but still offers plenty for customers with mid-range needs: you'll get HTC Sense, the new USonic earbud technology, and UltraPixel camera modes.
We’ve discussed both new devices in more depth here. The U Ultra is available to pre-order now from Vodafone's online store.
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