The Nostalgic Newcomer: Why the HTC U24 Pro is Underrated Yet a Mid-Range Marvel Delivering Real ValueIn the mid-range smartphone melee of October 2025, where Samsung’s Galaxy A55 and Google’s Pixel 8a dominate with their polished ecosystems and AI flair, the HTC U24 Pro emerges as a whisper from a bygone era. Launched in June 2024 as HTC’s tentative return to the consumer fray after years in the wilderness, this Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 device boasts a 6.8-inch OLED display and a feature-packed chassis—yet it’s largely overlooked as a “nostalgic relic” in reviews from NotebookCheck and TechAdvisor.
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Priced around $600 at debut, it’s critiqued for “strange bugs” and a “short lifespan” due to modest software support, per GSMArena user forums.
But for Kenyan users—commuters in Nairobi’s matatus or photographers in the Rift Valley—this phone isn’t just good; it’s a value vindication. Underrated amid HTC’s faded glory, the U24 Pro revives practical perks like a headphone jack and expandable storage in a sleek, efficient package, offering flagship-like features at everyday prices that make it a smart, satisfying buy.Echoes of Glory: The U24 Pro’s Unfair Fade from FavorHTC once ruled Android’s golden age with icons like the HTC One M8, pioneering stereo speakers and all-metal designs that set benchmarks. But post-2018, the brand retreated to VR and enterprise, leaving the U-series as rare consumer breadcrumbs. The U24 Pro, successor to the unremarkable U23 Pro, improves with a slimmer aluminum frame (199g, 8.9mm thick) and curved edges for comfort, yet NotebookCheck dubs it “modern and yet out of date” for clinging to analog holdovers like the 3.5mm jack and notification LED.
Reddit’s r/Android users praise its efficiency—”doesn’t even get warm during gaming”—but lament the lack of U.S. bands and spotty updates, confining it to “nostalgia buys.”
In Kenya, where mid-rangers like the Poco X6 Pro flood Jumia with aggressive specs, HTC’s 2-3% market share (CAK Q3 2025) amplifies the snub—no flashy ads, just imports from Europe or Asia. TechAdvisor notes its “nice touches” like IP67 resistance but warns of “awkward handling” from the camera bump, ignoring how the plastic back aids repairability.
Underrated because it defies the wireless-everything trend, the U24 Pro appeals to purists: a phone that nods to HTC’s innovative past without chasing foldable fads or AI overload.Practical Powerhouse: A Phone That Delivers Without the DramaThe U24 Pro sheds “relic” skin with solid mid-range mettle. Its 6.8-inch FHD+ OLED (1080×2420, 120Hz adaptive, HDR10+) pops with 700 nits brightness for sunny Kenyan streets, curved for immersive Netflix or PUBG sessions, protected by Gorilla Glass (unspecified).
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm octa-core up to 2.63GHz, Adreno 720 GPU) with 12GB RAM and 256/512GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable to 1TB via microSD) multitasks smoothly—AnTuTu scores ~700k for lag-free WhatsApp, M-Pesa, and light editing—without overheating, per Reddit benchmarks.
Cameras shine for creators: a 50MP main (OIS, f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto (2x optical) trio captures vibrant, detailed shots with AI enhancements like smile-fixing—Pocket Gamer calls it “good value for everyday use,” though low-light trails Pixels.
The 50MP front cam excels in 1080p selfies, while stereo speakers (HTC’s BoomSound nod) deliver punchy audio with Dolby Atmos. The 4,600mAh battery lasts 1.5 days of mixed use, with 15W wireless and 44W wired charging—efficient, as r/htc fans note over the U23 Pro.
Android 14 (upgradable to 15, three years security) is near-stock with HTC tweaks like enhanced widgets—clean, no bloat. Perks abound: IR blaster for TV control, USB 3.0 for fast transfers, and semi-removable battery for longevity. Flaws? Vibration downgrade from U12+ and occasional bugs, but at KSh 55,000-65,000, it’s a reliable daily driver that revives HTC’s “Quietly Brilliant” ethos.Shilling-Smart Revival: Mid-Range Magic at Everyday EquityThe U24 Pro’s $600 launch (~KSh 77,000 at October 1, 2025’s 129 KES/USD) echoed HTC’s premium past, but Kenyan imports have grounded it at KSh 55,000-65,000 for the 12GB/256GB model—averaging KSh 60,000 via Avechi and Jumia, including duties.
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That’s a steal versus the A55’s KSh 70,000+, packing similar RAM, faster USB, and expandable storage no rival offers—value that retains 70% resale (Jiji trends).Efficiency seals the deal: superior battery per mAh than the OnePlus 12R (r/Android tests), repairable back cuts fix costs, and three-year support suffices for most without overpromising.
In Kenya’s feature-phone holdout culture, the jack and IR add utility for music lovers or remote workers. As Pocket Gamer affirms, it’s “good value for money” for non-gamers—KSh 15,000/year over four years, undercutting upgrade churn.
Ethical win: recyclable plastics align with eco-buyers.Reviving HTC in Kenya: Where to Score the U24 ProAs an import staple, the U24 Pro stocks via e-tailers—October 2025 sees availability on Jumia, with Jiji for P2P gems. Verify global bands for Safaricom 5G; duties add 10-15%. EMI eases access. Here’s the October 1 guide:Store/Platform
Price Range (KES)
Notes
Jumia Kenya (jumia.co.ke)
55,000 – 60,000
Search “HTC U24 Pro”; third-party imports with buyer protection, free Nairobi delivery. Flash sales on 12/256GB blue—bundles include cases.
Avechi Kenya (avechi.co.ke)
58,000 – 65,000
12GB/256GB focus; Westlands pickup/shipping. EMI via M-Pesa, 7-day returns—green variants.
Jiji Kenya (jiji.co.ke)
50,000 – 58,000
P2P in Nairobi/Mombasa; haggling on ex-EU stock. Inspect ports—often with chargers.
Phones Store Kenya (phonesstorekenya.com)
60,000 – 65,000
CBD walk-in/setup; full variants. Cash on delivery, screen guards included.
Ubuy Kenya (ubuy.ke)
62,000 – 68,000
Global imports; kits with warranty. DHL to Kenya—add KSh 5,000 for duties.
Pro tip: Jumia’s Pay on Delivery suits imports; HTC’s sparse support via partners. Budget KSh 5,000 for extras like tempered glass.The Pro Comeback: Underrated Resilience, Unbeatable ReturnThe HTC U24 Pro is underrated not for obsolescence, but for its quiet competence—a mid-ranger that revives jacks and LEDs in a wireless world, lost in HTC’s echo chamber. As a Snapdragon-solid, camera-capable contender with battery bliss, it’s a good phone that honors heritage without hype. At KSh 50,000-65,000 in Kenya, value isn’t retro; it’s revolutionary, outlasting flashier foes in practicality and price. In October 2025’s rush, why chase trends when HTC quietly conquers? The U24 Pro isn’t just a phone—it’s a revival worth rooting for. Grab one, and relive the brilliance.
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