HTC U12+ has a clear back panel, and it’s available in colors like Ceramic Black and Flame Red — gives it a distinctively futuristic look. Its aluminum frame makes it feel solid on hand, and the device is IP68 rated against water and dust (fine for the daily abuse).

One of the stars of the U12+ is what it calls a 6-inch Super LCD6 display. The display itself measures 6.3 inches diagonally and boasts a Quad HD+ resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels, providing rich, vibrant visuals ideal for gaming, media consumption or simply perusing. Colors are accurate and brightness is sufficient for outdoor use. There might be some people who are disappointed that HTC shunned an OLED screen but that can't take away from the fact that the quality on the display still remains one of the best out there.

U12+ excels in the camera department, however. Its dual rear camera is a 12MP wide angle and a 16MP telephoto lens, its cameras can see 2x closer, and shoot extremely well in darker situations. Performance-wise, the camera takes very sharp, well-exposed photos with decent colors. At the front, dual 8MP cameras allow for improved selfies with bokeh effects. The camera app is simple, with AI scene detection and Pro master controls.

HTC's audio pedigree also remains strong and the U12+ does not break that tradition. It hosts BoomSound Hi-Fi speakers to deliver deep, immersive audio. The omission of the headphone jack is compensated for with the USB-C earphones, which come packaged in with the device so you have to invest absolutely nothing, alongside high-res audio support, so you’ll be able to experience the highs and lows of sound proper.

It runs Android 8.0 Oreo with HTC’s Sense UI over the top. The bloatware is minimal and the interface feels light and straightforward. HTC basically was like, “Hey, how about squeezing a phone?” So, HTC has their Edge Sense 2.0, where you squeeze down the sides of the phone to do things — kind of an under-the-radar thing that’s not as gimmicky as it sounds but will take a beat to get used to. The 3500mAh battery is pretty good and lasts a full day on moderate usage. But it’s lacking compared with some rivals, and despite this generation’s standardization of features, it has no wireless charging, either — a conspicuous omission.

HTC U12+ is a good flagship in build, display, and camera performance. It also ups its desirability with unique features like Edge Sense and BoomSound speakers. But it faces stiff competition from devices with better battery life and more advanced features. If you’re shopping for a stylish capable smartphone with a few quirky features the HTC U12+ deserves to be on your radar. All in all, the above represents merely hints of the full iceburg that is the HTC U12+, a smartphone looking to merge premier specs with an eye-popping design in order to offer a premium experience for those who are out for something besides a cute facade.