[gavin shipman]

I am due an upgrade I'm in two minds just to get the I Phone 5 As i've never had an I phone. But the new samsung galaxy looks amazing and I also love the HTC model.

What you all think?

[Trevor_Malone]

HTC One hands down.

[slick1two]

Originally Posted by gavin shipman

I am due an upgrade I'm in two minds just to get the I Phone 5 As i've never had an I phone. But the new samsung galaxy looks amazing and I also love the HTC model.

What you all think?

Maybe it will help to read some user reviews?

HTC One

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revi...DateDescending

Samsung S4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revi...DateDescending

Have a skim through these.

Depends what you want from a phone really. If you want the total package, you can't go wrong with the One. Great Camera in low light, Great stereo sound from the speakers and amazing mic for recording.Fast snappy interface and it's simplified now so easy to use and not congested and full of bloat.Also the Design is gaining bags of praise. Really is a stunning looking phone.

The S4 gives you a lot of features at the cost of performance to some extent, Future firmware updates may improve upon that though. But users are reporting lag.You do get cool features like air gestures and smart pause when you look away from the screen. Bare in mind, that the 16gb version, only has 9gb of available space, and you cannot install apps to SD. The HTC One, has 32 gb as standard, so has over 20gb of available space, but not SD card support so have a think about that. Pros and cons on both phones.

The Iphone 5 is much like the previous couple of Iphones, in that the UI hasn't changed much, has a slightly taller screen, but is still within the 4 inch bracket. So if you need a bigger display then opt for one of the others. Of course iphone is an easy phone to use and has plenty of apps, but the app debate has long since been put to rest so not sure how much that is a factor now.

From using the One for the past 2 weeks now, I would say it's a fantastic handset which you wouldn't be disappointed in if you grab it.

[finbaar]

OP what are you using now? If you are already invested in Android I would stick with that. If I were you and all things were equal the HTC One is the best phone around now and I would get that. The S4 would only come into it if I needed to put a 64gb SD card in it. And the iPhone if I needed a very specific app or had a large iTunes account.

[John_Patrick]

Originally Posted by slick1two

Maybe it will help to read some user reviews?

HTC One

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revi...DateDescending

Samsung S4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revi...DateDescending

Have a skim through these.

Depends what you want from a phone really. If you want the total package, you can't go wrong with the One. Great Camera in low light, Great stereo sound from the speakers and amazing mic for recording.Fast snappy interface and it's simplified now so easy to use and not congested and full of bloat.Also the Design is gaining bags of praise. Really is a stunning looking phone.

The S4 gives you a lot of features at the cost of performance to some extent, Future firmware updates may improve upon that though. But users are reporting lag.You do get cool features like air gestures and smart pause when you look away from the screen. Bare in mind, that the 16gb version, only has 9gb of available space, and you cannot install apps to SD. The HTC One, has 32 gb as standard, so has over 20gb of available space, but not SD card support so have a think about that. Pros and cons on both phones.

The Iphone 5 is much like the previous couple of Iphones, in that the UI hasn't changed much, has a slightly taller screen, but is still within the 4 inch bracket. So if you need a bigger display then opt for one of the others. Of course iphone is an easy phone to use and has plenty of apps, but the app debate has long since been put to rest so not sure how much that is a factor now.

From using the One for the past 2 weeks now, I would say it's a fantastic handset which you wouldn't be disappointed in if you grab it.

What is said above about the S4 not been able to save apps to SD card is correct, but thats a google thing, not a Samsung thing.

All devices have their pro's and cons.

Is a removable battery and SD card important to you?

Thats not just if your battery runs out at the end of the day, if you mean to keep your phone for a while then the battery will deteriorate over a (long) period of time. Maybe been able to just pop a new one in may be a relief?

I think because both HTC and Samsung have their own 'Skin' over Android, the user experience you get from them and how you get along with them (either Sense 5 or TouchWiz) is very personal. What I like in TW, you may not like etc.

They are all good handsets in their own rights, both have their own reported issues. Some will be sorted out in time with updates.

Even though I have an S4, I agree that the Htc One is great (better) looking phone. But, I always cover my phone up with a reasonable tough case due to the nature of my work. Samsung has traditionally had more choice of accessories/cases available then HTC's flagships as there is more money to be made by manufacturers. Having said that, I do truely like the feel of the bare S4 in my hands, it feels a premium device, even if its mainly made from plastic. If you do keep your phone bare, then at least the S4 back cover can be replaced.

I used to have the HTC One X. Good device, really good device but the battery life on that was a slight issue for me sometimes, so assuming the One would be the same (ish) I went for the S4 cos of the removable battery.

Note that the HTC is a 4.7" screen, the S4 is 5". Thats another reason I went S4. Coming from a note2, which was slightly too big, I wanted the larger screen for my sausage fingers. Yet, even with a screen larger than the s3, the S4 is actually a SMALLER phone!

The iPhone.... well nothings really changed with that in recent years, where they used to innovate, they are now stale. Nothing new or exciting at the Apple table nowadays.

But, if you want a simple to use phone, with good choice for accessories then its an option. The iPhones are not as customisable as the 'droids, you have to use ringtones etc from iTunes, rather than your own....adding multiple attachments to a mail can be a pain (you have to start with the file or files first, then add to mail, rather than starting the mail, so if you forget a file, you have to start over). They have their weaknesses too.

Best thing to do is to try a few working models in the phone shops, even if its not the network you will use. Most of them have the S4 and iP5 on display, and some have the HTC One. Also look at the Xperia Z too. 5" Screen as well and a different take on android with their own skin.

[slick1two]

Originally Posted by John_Patrick

What is said above about the S4 not been able to save apps to SD card is correct, but thats a google thing, not a Samsung thing.

All devices have their pro's and cons.

Is a removable battery and SD card important to you?

Thats not just if your battery runs out at the end of the day, if you mean to keep your phone for a while then the battery will deteriorate over a (long) period of time. Maybe been able to just pop a new one in may be a relief?

I think because both HTC and Samsung have their own 'Skin' over Android, the user experience you get from them and how you get along with them (either Sense 5 or TouchWiz) is very personal. What I like in TW, you may not like etc.

They are all good handsets in their own rights, both have their own reported issues. Some will be sorted out in time with updates.

Even though I have an S4, I agree that the Htc One is great (better) looking phone. But, I always cover my phone up with a reasonable tough case due to the nature of my work. Samsung has traditionally had more choice of accessories/cases available then HTC's flagships as there is more money to be made by manufacturers. Having said that, I do truely like the feel of the bare S4 in my hands, it feels a premium device, even if its mainly made from plastic. If you do keep your phone bare, then at least the S4 back cover can be replaced.

I used to have the HTC One X. Good device, really good device but the battery life on that was a slight issue for me sometimes, so assuming the One would be the same (ish) I went for the S4 cos of the removable battery.

Note that the HTC is a 4.7" screen, the S4 is 5". Thats another reason I went S4. Coming from a note2, which was slightly too big, I wanted the larger screen for my sausage fingers. Yet, even with a screen larger than the s3, the S4 is actually a SMALLER phone!

The iPhone.... well nothings really changed with that in recent years, where they used to innovate, they are now stale. Nothing new or exciting at the Apple table nowadays.

But, if you want a simple to use phone, with good choice for accessories then its an option. The iPhones are not as customisable as the 'droids, you have to use ringtones etc from iTunes, rather than your own....adding multiple attachments to a mail can be a pain (you have to start with the file or files first, then add to mail, rather than starting the mail, so if you forget a file, you have to start over). They have their weaknesses too.

Best thing to do is to try a few working models in the phone shops, even if its not the network you will use. Most of them have the S4 and iP5 on display, and some have the HTC One. Also look at the Xperia Z too. 5" Screen as well and a different take on android with their own skin.

The HTC One battery life is pretty decent. It has a power saving mode. The phone is still 100% usable in that mode with all aspects of the phone. But it dramatically improves battery life! I will get through over a day with moderate, to sometimes heavy use with it turned on. It underclocks cpu to 1ghz so it's you would think you would lose performance but not so! the phone still runs really well with the mode enabled. So when you are doing the basics, well pretty much most things i guess apart from gaming, this mode is worth switching on. Dims the screen a bit, but not too much.

A lot was made of the Octa Core on the S4, where the slower cores handle the non intensive stuff, and the faster cores will kick in for the intensive stuff. This isn't automatic, but if you are doing the basics, then this feature is pretty effective. Slowing the CPU down, will equal a gain in battery life, so a good feature,

A bit more about the power saving mode.

http://phandroid.com/2013/04/23/htc-...-battery-life/

[John_Patrick]

Originally Posted by slick1two

A lot was made of the Octa Core on the S4, where the slower cores handle the non intensive stuff, and the faster cores will kick in for the intensive stuff. This isn't automatic, but if you are doing the basics, then this feature is pretty effective. Slowing the CPU down, will equal a gain in battery life, so a good feature,

A bit more about the power saving mode.

http://phandroid.com/2013/04/23/htc-...-battery-life/

The S4 has the battery saving mode too, so that the processor is slowed down, never used it yet though.

The Octa core S4 isnt in the UK as its a non LTE phone, its the 1.9 Quad core in the UK. The Octa core isnt compatible with the UK's LTE.

[spendleb]

HTC One, amazing phone, the sound from the speakers is great too :-)

[kidspud]

The S4 appears to just be a more expensive S3 with less internal memory available and additional bloat ware that (if reports are to be believed) has introduced lag.

[Gormond]

Originally Posted by John_Patrick

The S4 has the battery saving mode too, so that the processor is slowed down, never used it yet though.

The Octa core S4 isnt in the UK as its a non LTE phone, its the 1.9 Quad core in the UK. The Octa core isnt compatible with the UK's LTE.

There is also a 4G version of the Exynos 5 Octa (SHV-E300S) but ATM it's available in SK only.

Ohh and my vote is the Nexus 4 as you cannot beat pure Android

[southlad]

Having done A LOT of research I went with the HTC One.... Outstanding phone, amazing camera, improved reception and feels very premium.

[IvanIV]

HTC One, a beautiful design and openness of Android. IPhone 5 lives in a walled garden and S4 is ugly. This is my choice and reasons behind it, you do not have to agree with them

[Mythica]

Originally Posted by John_Patrick

The S4 has the battery saving mode too, so that the processor is slowed down, never used it yet though.

The Octa core S4 isnt in the UK as its a non LTE phone, its the 1.9 Quad core in the UK. The Octa core isnt compatible with the UK's LTE.

From what I have read the S4 Octa-core is compatible with all LTE across the world.

[Trevor_Malone]

Seems the HTC One has it, an I can understand why. Holding a iPhone 5 and HTC One at the same time the HTC One actually feels better quality.

It's a massive leap in quality for Android devices and I have no doubt Samsung will be copying it very soon. The S4 is over bloated, feels horrifically cheap an looks dated already.

Apple and Samsung need to to innovate theirs handset designs. The iPhone 5 is a stretched 4s and the S4 is an inflated S3 pumped with bloatware until the phone could not take anymore . Awful phone!

[slick1two]

Originally Posted by Trevor_Malone

Seems the HTC One has it, an I can understand why. Holding a iPhone 5 and HTC One at the same time the HTC One actually feels better quality.

It's a massive leap in quality for Android devices and I have no doubt Samsung will be copying it very soon. The S4 is over bloated, feels horrifically cheap an looks dated already.

Apple and Samsung need to to innovate theirs handset designs. The iPhone 5 is a stretched 4s and the S4 is an inflated S3 pumped with bloatware until the phone could not take anymore . Awful phone!

I felt the same, when I tried my mate's S4. It really didn't feel great. Definitely felt inferior to the One. And Touch wiz looks ugly (In my opinion) and so over inflated. Would pick a Nexus 4 over it any day, and of course the HTC One, simply because it totally hits the balance. The most balanced phone I have ever owned. Everything is just as it should be, from the camera, to the UI, the sound, external speakers, sound when connected with headphones and the awesome mics that record sound AMAZINGLY. Try it outside and you will pick up every bit of noise, or at a concert which I need to try out.

Just check that out for clarity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssjjW5vW5l8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPJHEIesBsY

Also the browser, the stock one on the phone is very good and has flash built in. Even though Android 4.2 removed native flash support (can be had with a download) but was nice it was already there on the HTC browser which I prefer to chrome and the others out there.

Blink Feed I find quite useful too, get a snapshot of news, sports headlines, tech etc. Apparently more feeds are on the way. Mixed in with local updates such as Facebook and twitter feeds/camera gallery highlights etc.

Great phone!

[gavo360]

All down to user preference best to go to the shop to have a play around. Software is as important as the hardware so see if any android skins suit you or the nexus 4 with pure android with holo

Google i/o is today so new android features should be announced later and ios 7 is expected to be shown off next month so that will give a indication of the direction apple will be taking with the future of the iPhone.

[IvanIV]

Do they still sell HTC One with the Nokia mikes? If you want HTC One, buy now before they change that. Those mikes are suppossed to be something special, but they were used by mistake and will be replaced in the future!

[finbaar]

Originally Posted by Mythica

From what I have read the S4 Octa-core is compatible with all LTE across the world.

It does. Because unlike the Snapdragon chips it uses an external modem. External modems use more power and so you can see why the Qualcom chip is preferred. Also 8 cores on a chip is not easy and I would guess that Samsung are still improving the yield. I bet it is in the Note 3 though as that thing will have a whopper battery and Samsung will want their flagship phone to have the most powerful processor.

[slick1two]

Originally Posted by IvanIV

Do they still sell HTC One with the Nokia mikes? If you want HTC One, buy now before they change that. Those mikes are suppossed to be something special, but they were used by mistake and will be replaced in the future!

Not sure, but I did hear that they need to find another supplier, so we wont know how that will effect quality,but the Mics on the One, right now, is different class!

So it may be that not too long from now, HTC will be selling the One with different Mics.

[IvanIV]

Originally Posted by slick1two

Not sure, but I did hear that they need to find another supplier, so we wont know how that will effect quality,but the Mics on the One, right now, is different class!

So it may be that not too long from now, HTC will be selling the One with different Mics.

They may come back to them. There's a 12 months period they cannot be used in other devices than Nokia's after that it's fair game. The company that's making them for Nokia claimed they thought they could use them after 6 months, which was wrong, but that's now less than 6 months to go.

[Mythica]

Originally Posted by finbaar

It does. Because unlike the Snapdragon chips it uses an external modem. External modems use more power and so you can see why the Qualcom chip is preferred. Also 8 cores on a chip is not easy and I would guess that Samsung are still improving the yield. I bet it is in the Note 3 though as that thing will have a whopper battery and Samsung will want their flagship phone to have the most powerful processor.

Surely the S4 is their flagship phone? Or is the flagship phone now just their latest released?

[clonmult]

Originally Posted by slick1two

Depends what you want from a phone really. If you want the total package, you can't go wrong with the One. Great Camera in low light, Great stereo sound from the speakers and amazing mic for recording.Fast snappy interface and it's simplified now so easy to use and not congested and full of bloat.Also the Design is gaining bags of praise. Really is a stunning looking phone.

The mic in the current HTC One is being dropped, as it should never have been supplied to HTC. So that may not actually be a selling point for a while, and it doesn't do as good a job at recording as the venerable Nokia 808 ...

Camera isn't as good as the S4, although the S4 is diabolical at recording audio. Both are compromised for imaging.

Agreed that it looks stunning.

[slick1two]

Originally Posted by clonmult

The mic in the current HTC One is being dropped, as it should never have been supplied to HTC. So that may not actually be a selling point for a while, and it doesn't do as good a job at recording as the venerable Nokia 808 ...

Camera isn't as good as the S4, although the S4 is diabolical at recording audio. Both are compromised for imaging.

Agreed that it looks stunning.

So the 808 recording would sound noticably better than this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPJHEIesBsY

[Trevor_Malone]

What ever comes out in the future or changes made to the current HTC One... Right now the best all round phone on the market is the HTC One.

Apple build quality, Android freedom, stunning looks. Hold an S4 and a HTC One together the S4 really does feel nasty. Hold a HTC One and a iPhone 5 an the One feels just as good, maybe better.

[Stiggles]

Originally Posted by Trevor_Malone

Seems the HTC One has it, an I can understand why. Holding a iPhone 5 and HTC One at the same time the HTC One actually feels better quality.

It's a massive leap in quality for Android devices and I have no doubt Samsung will be copying it very soon. The S4 is over bloated, feels horrifically cheap an looks dated already.

Apple and Samsung need to to innovate theirs handset designs. The iPhone 5 is a stretched 4s and the S4 is an inflated S3 pumped with bloatware until the phone could not take anymore . Awful phone!

I agree the One feels better than the iphone 5, but the S4 isn't an awful phone by any stretch of the imagination! Really silly thing to say to be honest.

People keep saying the S4 is just an S3 bloated up yet oddly miss out saying that the HTC One is then simply an updated HTC One X. The S4 may be plastic but the QC gone into it is much better than the HTC One which many people have had issues with build quality with. The screen on the S4 is also much nicer that the One in my opinion.

Personally, i have and would get the Nexus 4 over them all.