HTC U Play wants to bring you AI for less (hands-on)

The HTC U Play is the smaller than the new HTC U Ultra, but we wouldn't call it the runt. It's meant to be a more affordable version of HTC's new line of phones that use AI, or artificial intelligence, software to try giving you a more streamlined experience.

We didn't get enough time to set up the phone and see how well its AI works, but we do know that this glass phone -- which comes in shimmering white, pink, blue and black -- is the less expensive, more midrange alternative to the flagship U Ultra. For example, although its 16-megapixel camera sounds heftier than the U Ultra's 12-megapixel "Ultrapbixel" shooter, HTC says that the Ultra's camera will take the crisper photos of the two.

The U Play lacks the Ultra's 2-inch strip of screen to display alerts, but it does have the same AI software running on top of Android 7.0.

Preorders began in select markets on January 12 for £399, which converts to $494 and AU$655.

Hardware specs

• 5.2-inch screen (1,920x1,080 pixels)
• 2-inch notifications screen (swipable)
• 16-megapixel front and rear cameras
• Octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 processor
• 32GB and 64GB options (3/4GB RAM)
• Up to 2T microSD card
• 2,500mAh battery
• Fingerprint sensor with NFC
• Dual-SIM optional
• Colors: Ice white, sapphire blue, cosmetic pink, brilliant black