S5 z2 or M8

AxeVictim · 07-04-2014, 01:47

Quote:

No way that's coming out in May!

It wouldnt surprise me if it did.Sony released the Xperia Z,Z1 and Z2 within a year and LG dont seem to have a yearly cycle for there phones like other manufacturers.
Ive seen rumours ranging from May to Aug.

Miyagi · 07-04-2014, 13:14

Saw an S5 in the flesh today in the 3 Store at Liverpool St station - couldn't have a proper play as people were queuing and buzzing around it, but I was impressed with the physical dimensions of the phone and the screen size and resolution looked spot on. Still happy with my M7, so can't say which I would prefer over the other, but just wanted to say pics of the S5 don't do it justice. By the way, it was fixed to the display so I couldn't pick it up, and get a feel of the back cover, which is one aspect of the phone I am less keen on. Had another play with the M8 again, and still impressed with the build and feel of the phone in my hand, still not 100% sure about the screen space taken up by the on-screen buttons.

alanwarwic · 07-04-2014, 13:37

If paying big money, for my usage I would only choose between the two that are IP67 certified. Thus the M8 is out. (I'd also expect the M8 to drop more calls but that is lower priority)

It just would not be worth the risk having the warranty invalidated when doing sweaty sport with the phone in my pocket. My San Francisco was cheap so risk is negligible there.

daleski75 · 07-04-2014, 13:46

Had a little go on my mates M8 and it's very nice but much bigger than the M7 it replaces which maybe a sore point for some however there is no doubting its build quality and it's a very fast phone, apps launch instantly no lag and no delays.

neil402003 · 07-04-2014, 18:09

The Samsung & Sony are both waterproof whereas the HTC is not.

qasdfdsaq · 08-04-2014, 16:10

The S5's water... resistant. Not entirely waterproof.

They'll handle a little drizzle or even a shower just fine. Wouldn't try go swimming with one though.

AlecR · 08-04-2014, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

The S5's water... resistant. Not entirely waterproof.

They'll handle a little drizzle or even a shower just fine. Wouldn't try go swimming with one though.

Why not? It's IP67 certified, which means it can survive underwater for 30 minutes, at a depth of 1 metre. If it didn't do this, it wouldn't be certified...

.

ACU · 08-04-2014, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleski75

Had a little go on my mates M8 and it's very nice but much bigger than the M7 it replaces which maybe a sore point for some however there is no doubting its build quality and it's a very fast phone, apps launch instantly no lag and no delays.

The M8 isnt much bigger than the M7. The HTC One (M7) measures 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.33mm and weighs 143g, while the HTC One (M8) measures 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm and weighs 160g. Its bigger, but certainly not much bigger.

I am also in the market for a new phone. For me it was either the S5 or the M8. Leaning towards the M8, only because my last two phones have been Samsung, so fancy a change. The only thing that worries me about the M8 is the non replaceable battery. I currently have an S3, its battery is crap at the moment (it is nearly 2 years old). I can simply replace the battery, and the phone is good to go. However with the M8, you cant change the battery, well not easily.

If the G3 is out in May, then its something I may well wait for. I thought it wont be out till later in the year, Autumn time.

daleski75 · 08-04-2014, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACU

The M8 isnt much bigger than the M7. The HTC One (M7) measures 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.33mm and weighs 143g, while the HTC One (M8) measures 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm and weighs 160g. Its bigger, but certainly not much bigger.

I am also in the market for a new phone. For me it was either the S5 or the M8. Leaning towards the M8, only because my last two phones have been Samsung, so fancy a change. The only thing that worries me about the M8 is the non replaceable battery. I currently have an S3, its battery is crap at the moment (it is nearly 2 years old). I can simply replace the battery, and the phone is good to go. However with the M8, you cant change the battery, well not easily.

If the G3 is out in May, then its something I may well wait for. I thought it wont be out till later in the year, Autumn time.

To me it just felt a lot bigger and if indeed the G3 is going to be the Nexus 6 then I won't expect it to be launched until late summer time at the earliest and unfortunately user replaceable batteries are becoming a rarity now so your options are pretty limited in a high end handset.

MrSuper · 08-04-2014, 17:53

If i had to choose between the 3 i'd pick Sony Xperia Z2. I've never had a Sony phone before but the Z2 seems to be an excellent piece of tech. The screen for one is supposedly stunning and according to reports the camera is excellent, it's just a shame it's been delayed till May. That's not to say the One (M8) and Samsung GS5 aren't good phones, but reviews for both of those are out (S5 review out today all over the tech websites) and sadly neither of those take my fancy.

slick1two · 08-04-2014, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil402003

The Samsung & Sony are both waterproof whereas the HTC is not.

HTC claim the m8 is rain proof but don't go dunking it*in the bathtub with you like you would the S5 and the Z2.

jonmorris · 08-04-2014, 22:05

Someone has though, haven't they? Hopefully nobody tries to copy the test though.

Motorola has been coating its hardware for some time to make it water resistant (starting with the 'new' Motorola RAZR a couple of years ago). I still wouldn't put any of the phones I have (Razr Maxx, Razr i or the Moto G) in water willingly!

Step666 · 08-04-2014, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by slick1two

HTC claim the m8 is rain proof...

Unless it's IP-rated or they are willing to cover it under the warranty in some way, it isn't really comparable.

slick1two · 09-04-2014, 02:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Step666

Unless it's IP-rated or they are willing to cover it under the warranty in some way, it isn't really comparable.

Well no IP rating as far as I know, but this video is quite interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwvXTVQoPM#t=113

Those who are dismissing the m8 for lack of water resistance should take a look at this clip. Of course you aren't intentionally going to do this with the phone, but if it does happen to slip into a puddle of water or your sink, chances are it may well survive if this test is anything to go by.

Pretty sure it can take rain then. I guess without any ip rating HTC cannot big it up as a feature but seems it does have some level of water resistance. How deep that goes, is unclear but as with any piece of tech, just try and keep it away from water, and we've managed without water resistant phones for a good while so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a phone due to lack of water resistance, at least in any official capacity. Just dont bathe with it, or drop it in your cup of coffee!

ACU · 09-04-2014, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by slick1two

Well no IP rating as far as I know, but this video is quite interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwvXTVQoPM#t=113

Those who are dismissing the m8 for lack of water resistance should take a look at this clip. Of course you aren't intentionally going to do this with the phone, but if it does happen to slip into a puddle of water or your sink, chances are it may well survive if this test is anything to go by.

Pretty sure it can take rain then. I guess without any ip rating HTC cannot big it up as a feature but seems it does have some level of water resistance. How deep that goes, is unclear but as with any piece of tech, just try and keep it away from water, and we've managed without water resistant phones for a good while so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a phone due to lack of water resistance, at least in any official capacity. Just dont bathe with it, or drop it in your cup of coffee!

Not sure why phones need to be water-proof. I have never had a problem with a phone and water. As long as it can withstand a light drizzle for a few seconds its good enough for me.

I dont intend on using it in the bath and I have never dropped the phone into a cup of coffee/tea/water etc so why the need to water proof them? Just seems a gimmick to me.

Miyagi · 09-04-2014, 13:16

Same here - whether a phone is certified waterproof or not, certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

FlyinBrick · 09-04-2014, 13:35

I should imagine it's because their records will show a high percentage of phones returned under warranty due to water damage. (whether they honour the guarantee or not in these circumstances is another matter).
That alone would be reason enough to try and mitigate the returns.

Mark in Essex · 09-04-2014, 13:38

I've never dropped phone in the water (only a pager down the toilet off my belt).

It does not mean I think it's a gimic as there is always a 1st.

Would be nice to use it in the rain or in a steamy bathroom whilst I'm making sure the kids are ok in a bath or even down to a sweaty pocket without the damp sticker things changing colour (may not be water ingress that causes a fault, but if the stickers show that the phone has got damp that's the warranty voided) .

It's not the deciding factor, but something that's making it more difficult for me to decide between the S5 and M8.

Im still swaying towards the M8.

jonmorris · 09-04-2014, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACU

Not sure why phones need to be water-proof. I have never had a problem with a phone and water. As long as it can withstand a light drizzle for a few seconds its good enough for me.

I dont intend on using it in the bath and I have never dropped the phone into a cup of coffee/tea/water etc so why the need to water proof them? Just seems a gimmick to me.

I'd have agreed with you until I got the Xperia Z (and to a lesser extent, when I got a Motorola DEFY many years ago and used it in some AWFUL weather up and down hills in the Lake District).

Given the rain we've had at the start of the year, I never had any qualms about taking the phone out and using it.

Sure, washing it in the sink is just showing off, but I do think there's genuine value in it being water (and dust) resistant/proof.

Problem is, once you get used to it, you need to be on guard when changing to something that isn't water proof.

For phones that aren't water resistant, it's good that many are now coated to reduce the effects of water ingress - but if those bits of paper change colour, kiss goodbye to the warranty!

HunterSkipworth · 09-04-2014, 16:41

First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website.

Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now.

Basically, you need to ask yourself what you want from a phone. The SGS5 is miles behind the others in terms of design, but has the nicest screen and some genuinely useful features. If it's pure OS functionality you care about, then the Samsung is the one.

Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's

As for the HTC. It's a beautiful thing and has one of the best takes on Android i've ever used, to look at it's the best. As a complete package, that camera is what really lets it down, not to mention that it isn't waterproof like the others.

There will be a big (and exciting) Vs video coming up on DS very soon. Please do give it a watch.

I'm going to try and be more active in the forums now, so any questions, feel free to DM me.

Thanks.

Hunter

slick1two · 09-04-2014, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth

First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website.

Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now.

Basically, you need to ask yourself what you want from a phone. The SGS5 is miles behind the others in terms of design, but has the nicest screen and some genuinely useful features. If it's pure OS functionality you care about, then the Samsung is the one.

Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's

As for the HTC. It's a beautiful thing and has one of the best takes on Android i've ever used, to look at it's the best. As a complete package, that camera is what really lets it down, not to mention that it isn't waterproof like the others.

There will be a big (and exciting) Vs video coming up on DS very soon. Please do give it a watch.

I'm going to try and be more active in the forums now, so any questions, feel free to DM me.

Thanks.

Hunter

Hi Hunter just curious to ask you regarding the cameras. What exactly does miles better mean when taking about the z2 camera? Are you talking image quality, ease of use focus speeds, features amd controls? Or are you just regurgitating the usual 4mp camera equals crap sentiment?

Because a camera needs to have more than just image quality to be a good camera. Remember we are taking about smartphone cameras and they need certain things to be taken in to consideration such as low light performance, file sizes and then controls and features, user friendly editing etc.

So just to reiterate why is the Z2 camera miles better than the m8 camera?

finbaar · 09-04-2014, 21:04

I have no problem with waterproof phones but surely we can do better than a flap over the USB port in 2014.

Hunter had some good points. I was admiring a colleagues HTC One today. It is beautifully made and looks great from the back. It just bugs me that it is so long.

MrSuper · 09-04-2014, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth

First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website.

Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now.

Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's.

Very curious how you got your hands on the Z2 when the phone seems to be delayed till May. How long exactly have you had it for? Is your unit the final retail version with the latest firmware? What do you make of the phone overall?

It's been announced the official release date is 1st May but for anyone who's pre-ordered with CPW and P4U they say it'll be sent out from the 14th of next week 2 weeks early.

finbaar · 10-04-2014, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSuper

Very curious how you got your hands on the Z2 when the phone seems to be delayed till May. How long exactly have you had it for? Is your unit the final retail version with the latest firmware? What do you make of the phone overall?

It's been announced the official release date is 1st May but for anyone who's pre-ordered with CPW and P4U they say it'll be sent out from the 14th of next week 2 weeks early.

Journalists get units all the time before theuy are released. They usually sign NDAs though so I hope Hunter isn't getting into trouble talking about it.

jonmorris · 10-04-2014, 12:27

The review units of the Z2 started going out at the beginning of this week. The GS5 a week or two ago, along with the new Gear watches. The HTC M8s were given out on the launch day.

If DS has had a Z2 for 'ages', it will be a pre-release model, which have been circulating since shortly before MWC. In fact, even now, the Z2 has the same buggy firmware that is being fixed right now. I updated my Z1 last night and it no longer runs red hot when the media server gets stuck, which is a fault that is being reported on the Z2 where it's already been released (Singapore, Taiwan etc).

That doesn't mean you can't still do the usual tests even on a non-final version, as the key components like the display and speakers aren't going to change. It would be important to mention it though.

But, despite the issues with the Z2, having used all of them (but not final devices suitable for review) I would still be more likely to go with the Sony for my own personal phone. But, I should point out that I have a Z1 and the Z before it!

My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance. Given a lot of people may not get the Z2 until May (mid-May in some cases), that doesn't leave very long until the Snapdragon 805 model will be announced. If that then comes out almost immediately, like the Z1, there could be many people wishing they'd waited.

07-04-2014, 01:47	#26
AxeVictim Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 2,644	Quote: Originally Posted by AlecR No way that's coming out in May! It wouldnt surprise me if it did.Sony released the Xperia Z,Z1 and Z2 within a year and LG dont seem to have a yearly cycle for there phones like other manufacturers. Ive seen rumours ranging from May to Aug.

09-04-2014, 16:41	#45
HunterSkipworth Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 5	Hello from DS tech editor. Opinions First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website. Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now. Basically, you need to ask yourself what you want from a phone. The SGS5 is miles behind the others in terms of design, but has the nicest screen and some genuinely useful features. If it's pure OS functionality you care about, then the Samsung is the one. Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's As for the HTC. It's a beautiful thing and has one of the best takes on Android i've ever used, to look at it's the best. As a complete package, that camera is what really lets it down, not to mention that it isn't waterproof like the others. There will be a big (and exciting) Vs video coming up on DS very soon. Please do give it a watch. I'm going to try and be more active in the forums now, so any questions, feel free to DM me. Thanks. Hunter

07-04-2014, 13:14	#27
Miyagi Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 647	Saw an S5 in the flesh today in the 3 Store at Liverpool St station - couldn't have a proper play as people were queuing and buzzing around it, but I was impressed with the physical dimensions of the phone and the screen size and resolution looked spot on. Still happy with my M7, so can't say which I would prefer over the other, but just wanted to say pics of the S5 don't do it justice. By the way, it was fixed to the display so I couldn't pick it up, and get a feel of the back cover, which is one aspect of the phone I am less keen on. Had another play with the M8 again, and still impressed with the build and feel of the phone in my hand, still not 100% sure about the screen space taken up by the on-screen buttons.

07-04-2014, 13:37	#28
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	If paying big money, for my usage I would only choose between the two that are IP67 certified. Thus the M8 is out. (I'd also expect the M8 to drop more calls but that is lower priority) It just would not be worth the risk having the warranty invalidated when doing sweaty sport with the phone in my pocket. My San Francisco was cheap so risk is negligible there.

07-04-2014, 13:46	#29
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	Had a little go on my mates M8 and it's very nice but much bigger than the M7 it replaces which maybe a sore point for some however there is no doubting its build quality and it's a very fast phone, apps launch instantly no lag and no delays.

07-04-2014, 18:09	#30
neil402003 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 149	The Samsung & Sony are both waterproof whereas the HTC is not.

08-04-2014, 16:10	#31
qasdfdsaq Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,286	The S5's water... resistant. Not entirely waterproof. They'll handle a little drizzle or even a shower just fine. Wouldn't try go swimming with one though.

08-04-2014, 16:15	#32
AlecR Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 514	Quote: Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq The S5's water... resistant. Not entirely waterproof. They'll handle a little drizzle or even a shower just fine. Wouldn't try go swimming with one though. Why not? It's IP67 certified, which means it can survive underwater for 30 minutes, at a depth of 1 metre. If it didn't do this, it wouldn't be certified... .

08-04-2014, 16:47	#33
ACU Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7,916	Quote: Originally Posted by daleski75 Had a little go on my mates M8 and it's very nice but much bigger than the M7 it replaces which maybe a sore point for some however there is no doubting its build quality and it's a very fast phone, apps launch instantly no lag and no delays. The M8 isnt much bigger than the M7. The HTC One (M7) measures 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.33mm and weighs 143g, while the HTC One (M8) measures 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm and weighs 160g. Its bigger, but certainly not much bigger. I am also in the market for a new phone. For me it was either the S5 or the M8. Leaning towards the M8, only because my last two phones have been Samsung, so fancy a change. The only thing that worries me about the M8 is the non replaceable battery. I currently have an S3, its battery is crap at the moment (it is nearly 2 years old). I can simply replace the battery, and the phone is good to go. However with the M8, you cant change the battery, well not easily. If the G3 is out in May, then its something I may well wait for. I thought it wont be out till later in the year, Autumn time.

08-04-2014, 17:26	#34
daleski75 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northampton Posts: 1,014	Quote: Originally Posted by ACU The M8 isnt much bigger than the M7. The HTC One (M7) measures 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.33mm and weighs 143g, while the HTC One (M8) measures 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm and weighs 160g. Its bigger, but certainly not much bigger. I am also in the market for a new phone. For me it was either the S5 or the M8. Leaning towards the M8, only because my last two phones have been Samsung, so fancy a change. The only thing that worries me about the M8 is the non replaceable battery. I currently have an S3, its battery is crap at the moment (it is nearly 2 years old). I can simply replace the battery, and the phone is good to go. However with the M8, you cant change the battery, well not easily. If the G3 is out in May, then its something I may well wait for. I thought it wont be out till later in the year, Autumn time. To me it just felt a lot bigger and if indeed the G3 is going to be the Nexus 6 then I won't expect it to be launched until late summer time at the earliest and unfortunately user replaceable batteries are becoming a rarity now so your options are pretty limited in a high end handset.

08-04-2014, 17:53	#35
MrSuper Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 9,323	If i had to choose between the 3 i'd pick Sony Xperia Z2. I've never had a Sony phone before but the Z2 seems to be an excellent piece of tech. The screen for one is supposedly stunning and according to reports the camera is excellent, it's just a shame it's been delayed till May. That's not to say the One (M8) and Samsung GS5 aren't good phones, but reviews for both of those are out (S5 review out today all over the tech websites) and sadly neither of those take my fancy.

08-04-2014, 20:38	#36
slick1two Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,796	Quote: Originally Posted by neil402003 The Samsung & Sony are both waterproof whereas the HTC is not. HTC claim the m8 is rain proof but don't go dunking it*in the bathtub with you like you would the S5 and the Z2.

08-04-2014, 22:05	#37
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Someone has though, haven't they? Hopefully nobody tries to copy the test though. Motorola has been coating its hardware for some time to make it water resistant (starting with the 'new' Motorola RAZR a couple of years ago). I still wouldn't put any of the phones I have (Razr Maxx, Razr i or the Moto G) in water willingly!

08-04-2014, 22:44	#38
Step666 Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,274	Quote: Originally Posted by slick1two HTC claim the m8 is rain proof... Unless it's IP-rated or they are willing to cover it under the warranty in some way, it isn't really comparable.

09-04-2014, 02:24	#39
slick1two Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,796	Quote: Originally Posted by Step666 Unless it's IP-rated or they are willing to cover it under the warranty in some way, it isn't really comparable. Well no IP rating as far as I know, but this video is quite interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwvXTVQoPM#t=113 Those who are dismissing the m8 for lack of water resistance should take a look at this clip. Of course you aren't intentionally going to do this with the phone, but if it does happen to slip into a puddle of water or your sink, chances are it may well survive if this test is anything to go by. Pretty sure it can take rain then. I guess without any ip rating HTC cannot big it up as a feature but seems it does have some level of water resistance. How deep that goes, is unclear but as with any piece of tech, just try and keep it away from water, and we've managed without water resistant phones for a good while so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a phone due to lack of water resistance, at least in any official capacity. Just dont bathe with it, or drop it in your cup of coffee!

09-04-2014, 13:01	#40
ACU Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7,916	Quote: Originally Posted by slick1two Well no IP rating as far as I know, but this video is quite interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhwvXTVQoPM#t=113 Those who are dismissing the m8 for lack of water resistance should take a look at this clip. Of course you aren't intentionally going to do this with the phone, but if it does happen to slip into a puddle of water or your sink, chances are it may well survive if this test is anything to go by. Pretty sure it can take rain then. I guess without any ip rating HTC cannot big it up as a feature but seems it does have some level of water resistance. How deep that goes, is unclear but as with any piece of tech, just try and keep it away from water, and we've managed without water resistant phones for a good while so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a phone due to lack of water resistance, at least in any official capacity. Just dont bathe with it, or drop it in your cup of coffee! Not sure why phones need to be water-proof. I have never had a problem with a phone and water. As long as it can withstand a light drizzle for a few seconds its good enough for me. I dont intend on using it in the bath and I have never dropped the phone into a cup of coffee/tea/water etc so why the need to water proof them? Just seems a gimmick to me.

09-04-2014, 13:16	#41
Miyagi Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 647	Same here - whether a phone is certified waterproof or not, certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

09-04-2014, 13:35	#42
FlyinBrick Guest Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,475	I should imagine it's because their records will show a high percentage of phones returned under warranty due to water damage. (whether they honour the guarantee or not in these circumstances is another matter). That alone would be reason enough to try and mitigate the returns.

09-04-2014, 13:38	#43
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	I've never dropped phone in the water (only a pager down the toilet off my belt). It does not mean I think it's a gimic as there is always a 1st. Would be nice to use it in the rain or in a steamy bathroom whilst I'm making sure the kids are ok in a bath or even down to a sweaty pocket without the damp sticker things changing colour (may not be water ingress that causes a fault, but if the stickers show that the phone has got damp that's the warranty voided) . It's not the deciding factor, but something that's making it more difficult for me to decide between the S5 and M8. Im still swaying towards the M8.

09-04-2014, 14:27	#44
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by ACU Not sure why phones need to be water-proof. I have never had a problem with a phone and water. As long as it can withstand a light drizzle for a few seconds its good enough for me. I dont intend on using it in the bath and I have never dropped the phone into a cup of coffee/tea/water etc so why the need to water proof them? Just seems a gimmick to me. I'd have agreed with you until I got the Xperia Z (and to a lesser extent, when I got a Motorola DEFY many years ago and used it in some AWFUL weather up and down hills in the Lake District). Given the rain we've had at the start of the year, I never had any qualms about taking the phone out and using it. Sure, washing it in the sink is just showing off, but I do think there's genuine value in it being water (and dust) resistant/proof. Problem is, once you get used to it, you need to be on guard when changing to something that isn't water proof. For phones that aren't water resistant, it's good that many are now coated to reduce the effects of water ingress - but if those bits of paper change colour, kiss goodbye to the warranty!

09-04-2014, 16:49	#46
slick1two Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,796	Quote: Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website. Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now. Basically, you need to ask yourself what you want from a phone. The SGS5 is miles behind the others in terms of design, but has the nicest screen and some genuinely useful features. If it's pure OS functionality you care about, then the Samsung is the one. Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's As for the HTC. It's a beautiful thing and has one of the best takes on Android i've ever used, to look at it's the best. As a complete package, that camera is what really lets it down, not to mention that it isn't waterproof like the others. There will be a big (and exciting) Vs video coming up on DS very soon. Please do give it a watch. I'm going to try and be more active in the forums now, so any questions, feel free to DM me. Thanks. Hunter Hi Hunter just curious to ask you regarding the cameras. What exactly does miles better mean when taking about the z2 camera? Are you talking image quality, ease of use focus speeds, features amd controls? Or are you just regurgitating the usual 4mp camera equals crap sentiment? Because a camera needs to have more than just image quality to be a good camera. Remember we are taking about smartphone cameras and they need certain things to be taken in to consideration such as low light performance, file sizes and then controls and features, user friendly editing etc. So just to reiterate why is the Z2 camera miles better than the m8 camera?

09-04-2014, 21:04	#47
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	I have no problem with waterproof phones but surely we can do better than a flap over the USB port in 2014. Hunter had some good points. I was admiring a colleagues HTC One today. It is beautifully made and looks great from the back. It just bugs me that it is so long.

DS Forums

S5 z2 or M8

09-04-2014, 23:27	#48
MrSuper Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 9,323	Quote: Originally Posted by HunterSkipworth First up, Hi guys..Hunter here..the guy who edits tech on the DS website. Figured I would get involved with the SGS5 vs M8 vs Z2 debate as I've been using all three for ages now. Then there is the Z2. Gets greasy and fingerprint coated very quickly, but looks just as lovely as the M8 in my opinion. It is however superior to both of them in terms of pure specs. The camera is also miles better than the M8's. Very curious how you got your hands on the Z2 when the phone seems to be delayed till May. How long exactly have you had it for? Is your unit the final retail version with the latest firmware? What do you make of the phone overall? It's been announced the official release date is 1st May but for anyone who's pre-ordered with CPW and P4U they say it'll be sent out from the 14th of next week 2 weeks early.

10-04-2014, 12:09	#49
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Quote: Originally Posted by MrSuper Very curious how you got your hands on the Z2 when the phone seems to be delayed till May. How long exactly have you had it for? Is your unit the final retail version with the latest firmware? What do you make of the phone overall? It's been announced the official release date is 1st May but for anyone who's pre-ordered with CPW and P4U they say it'll be sent out from the 14th of next week 2 weeks early. Journalists get units all the time before theuy are released. They usually sign NDAs though so I hope Hunter isn't getting into trouble talking about it.

10-04-2014, 12:27	#50
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	The review units of the Z2 started going out at the beginning of this week. The GS5 a week or two ago, along with the new Gear watches. The HTC M8s were given out on the launch day. If DS has had a Z2 for 'ages', it will be a pre-release model, which have been circulating since shortly before MWC. In fact, even now, the Z2 has the same buggy firmware that is being fixed right now. I updated my Z1 last night and it no longer runs red hot when the media server gets stuck, which is a fault that is being reported on the Z2 where it's already been released (Singapore, Taiwan etc). That doesn't mean you can't still do the usual tests even on a non-final version, as the key components like the display and speakers aren't going to change. It would be important to mention it though. But, despite the issues with the Z2, having used all of them (but not final devices suitable for review) I would still be more likely to go with the Sony for my own personal phone. But, I should point out that I have a Z1 and the Z before it! My concern for the Z2 is that details are slowly emerging for the Z3, destined for IFA, that will be a much more significant advance. Given a lot of people may not get the Z2 until May (mid-May in some cases), that doesn't leave very long until the Snapdragon 805 model will be announced. If that then comes out almost immediately, like the Z1, there could be many people wishing they'd waited.