HTC's newest smartphone only costs $349, but packs a surprisingly great camera

If the only thing you knew about the new HTC U11 Life was its price - $349 - you probably wouldn't expect much from its camera. 

You'd be wrong. 

The U11 Life, HTC's newest smartphone that arrives Thursday, boasts a surprisingly competent camera, despite its bargain price. 

I spent some time using the phone over the last few days. I didn't put the phone through its full paces, but I tested a few of the features that are most important to me in the phone - the camera being one them.

And while I can't recommend its camera over, say, the iPhone 8, Pixel 2, or any other top-tier smartphone, I can confidently say you get much more than you pay for. 

Take a look: