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KillaMac

Suspended
Original poster
May 25, 2013
973
374
I have been reading for a few days between these two devices and both are great. I am switching back from iOS to Android again with my iPhone 5. And want to know what would be the best way to go?

I am basically giving my iPhone to my handicap brother as he needs a phone now and will get him a new line with it. He only likes the iPhone and since I pay the bills, he my iPhone 5. :)

I had a Note 2 (too big), and an S3 in the most recent past. Never owned a HTC phone, but my issue with the HTC is the device of how poor they built it for repairs. You literally can't repair this device without distroying it, unlike the iPhone or S3/s4.

So replacing a bad battery in 1-2 years is basically worthless and makes the phone a throw away.

What would you do? I see the Google version of these phones is also coming out too and not sure how different those would be as I never owned a Nexus like device.

Such a hard decision that I can't seem to get by. This will be on AT&T network.
 

luked14

macrumors 6502
Aug 1, 2010
387
58
I just picked up an HTC One today after having an iPhone 5, and I love it so far! I think it's just the right size coming from an i5.

If you're concerned about repair, you could always get a square trade warranty. It seems like a better option than replacing the phone if it breaks on you.

If you'd like a stock Android experience, you'll most likely be able to flash the Google Edition ROM on any GSM One once it is released.

Good luck with your purchase!
 

sentinelsx

macrumors 68010
Feb 28, 2011
2,004
0
Htc will replace your battery, and I doubt it will die in 2 years. Our co worker's 3GS is still working after 4 years without a battery replacement, he just lost about 2 hrs of usage time but it is still more than enough for him.

I would suggest the One. I am no fan of their ultra pixel camera but I cannot stand AMOLEDs and touchwiz.
 

onthecouchagain

macrumors 604
Mar 29, 2011
7,382
2
I'll just say that I fall more and more enamored with my One day by day. Haven't felt this way about a phone in a long long time. There are some serious compromises with the camera, though.
 

Tikatika

macrumors 6502a
Mar 12, 2012
712
797
Northern California
I'll just say that I fall more and more enamored with my One day by day. Haven't felt this way about a phone in a long long time. There are some serious compromises with the camera, though.

And I will say the same about my S4 ... And the camera is stellar :)

Seriously, this is such a subjective thing. I was in the same quandary and actually didnt make my decision until I spent an hour in Best Buy playing with both phones. The S4 just "felt right". If you do the same, you will know.
 

onthecouchagain

macrumors 604
Mar 29, 2011
7,382
2
And I will say the same about my S4 ... And the camera is stellar :)

Seriously, this is such a subjective thing. I was in the same quandary and actually didnt make my decision until I spent an hour in Best Buy playing with both phones. The S4 just "felt right". If you do the same, you will know.

I would definitely encourage OP to try both in person, too.
 

T5BRICK

macrumors G3
Aug 3, 2006
8,314
2,391
Oregon
I'll third that; the OP needs to try both and then decide.

I ended up with the HTC One. I liked the SLIGHTLY smaller screen and metal body, it's just a little easier for me to use and has a nicer feel.
 

canderton

macrumors member
May 25, 2010
42
0
I had the GS3 and honestly I liked the phone as far as usability and features, but the build quality really wasn't impressive to me. I ended up getting rid of it because the it stopped charging due to the usb port becoming corroded. I've messed around with a GS4 and honestly as far as looks and feel goes it's pretty similar to the GS3. I now have the One and as far as overall build quality goes its in another league from any Samsung I've used. Not to mention I'm getting MUCH better battery life than I ever did with the GS3.

Don't get me wrong both are top notch flagship phones, but in my personal experience I'd most definitely recommend getting the One. But you should also just try both out and see for yourself. AT&T has a 14 day return policy if you don't like what you got.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,077
19,075
US
I have been reading for a few days between these two devices and both are great. I am switching back from iOS to Android again with my iPhone 5. And want to know what would be the best way to go?

I am basically giving my iPhone to my handicap brother as he needs a phone now and will get him a new line with it. He only likes the iPhone and since I pay the bills, he my iPhone 5. :)

I had a Note 2 (too big), and an S3 in the most recent past. Never owned a HTC phone, but my issue with the HTC is the device of how poor they built it for repairs. You literally can't repair this device without distroying it, unlike the iPhone or S3/s4.

So replacing a bad battery in 1-2 years is basically worthless and makes the phone a throw away.

What would you do? I see the Google version of these phones is also coming out too and not sure how different those would be as I never owned a Nexus like device.

Such a hard decision that I can't seem to get by. This will be on AT&T network.
I did the same thing....came from a IP5 to and HTC One...and a Galaxy S4...I ened up keeping the S4...it just had a better fit for me. I take a lot of pictures so the better camera was part of the deal breaker. I also love the physical home button...but that is just me....
Do yourself a favor and try BOTH phones. They are both great phones and you cannot go wrong! :)
 

Tikatika

macrumors 6502a
Mar 12, 2012
712
797
Northern California
OP, one more thing to consider: I don't know where you are located but bear in mind that AT&T has a restocking fee should you decide your new phone isn't what you want. Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, etc. do not charge that ridiculous fee, so include that factor in your search.
 

jimbo1mcm

macrumors 68000
Mar 21, 2010
1,922
477
I just went from the Ip5 to the Galaxy S4. The larger screen, better keyboard, plus a lot of other features made it a keeper. I considered the HTC One, but with no micro sd, no battery removal, and being unrepairable were deal breakers. Also, I wasn't confident that HTC could support the phone the way Samsung could.
 

Southernboyj

macrumors 68000
Mar 8, 2012
1,694
69
Mobile, AL
Both are great. I actually bought the S4 and returned it after 12 days and got the HTC One. I do slightly miss the S4, however if I swapped back.. I'd miss the One as well. :p It's not so much the build quality to me, as I use a case. I prefer the S4's screen size, but the One's screen quality. The One's display is more accurate.

I also love listening to music on it wether it's via the front facing speakers or with my Audio Technica headset.

While I would of prefered the 13MP camera to the 4MP on the One, I really like the One's wide angle lenses. It's awesome for Snapchat or general photo taking.
 

Dontazemebro

macrumors 68020
Jul 23, 2010
2,173
0
I dunno, somewhere in West Texas
Yep can't go wrong either one as these look like two flagship devices that will be future proof for quite a while. I decided on the S4 for me, the nearly bezel free display is what won me over. About the same size as the One but with bigger screen, removable battery and micro sd card slot. Plus it's more feature loaded in my opinion. My wife ended up getting the One so I've had plenty of hands on time, it's a great phone and it seems to be more along the lines of what former ios users are used to with the aluminum fit n finish.
 

KillaMac

Suspended
Original poster
May 25, 2013
973
374
Thanks guys. Still trying to decide myself. Sorry it took a while to respond, can't post from work here. :)
 
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