S4 v HTC One. Yep. It's another one of these threads.

[ebbygoo]

Having a real hard time deciding...
Bored of iPhone; but like iOS6.
Like the S4; but dont like the plastic.
Like the One; but don't like HTC in general (especially resale value)
Like the Nexus' price (and thats it) <- 100% eliminated now. Will not go back.

Could always wait for the iPhone 5S/6... but I don't want to fall into the waiting game; and also, if it is truly an iPhone 5S, thus implying same shell, as the rumours all suggest, it won't fulfil my hopes/what I waited for... I am bored of the same shape/screen size, etc.

I've seriously got to be the worst decision maker ever when it comes to phones. Just as I think I rule one out, it pops back into my decision, e.g, like I said in the first post, just hours ago, that the One was out of the question... I'm now liking it again :L

If I gave a set of criteria for myself in buying phones it'd be speed, build quality, everyday use features, battery and resale value.
And they're pretty much tied in total marks between the S4 and One.

I know this is a bit out there... but does anyone have a figure for the battery life on the One (in hours) if non-stop web browsing takes place (literally sitting there using 3G for hours). It happens to me quite a lot in travelling places, etc, and my current iPhone simply is horrible at it/cannot handle at all.

 

[The13thDoctor]

Hi there.

I am trying to decide between the S4 and the Nexus 4.
I am a student, so cost is a factor, however, I can afford the extra $ for the S4.

I am looking to move from my 4S to either one of these phones; I've eliminated the One from my choice, and I'm down to these two.

Basically, from what I understand, the difference is N4= pure android and glass v S4 = LTE and storage/battery.

I am a newbie to the Android system, and I asked a couple people I know with Galaxy's, who all told me the main difference would be the updates, but really, I don't consider this to be a major factor- TouchWiz seems alright to me.
I've used the S4 in store, but haven't/will not be able to get ahold of a Nexus.

Can someone please run me over on the difference in battery life, screen quality, and how they would justify the ~$300 difference for the S4? Oh, and I also value resale value.

If you want colour reproduction go with the N4. The S4s pentile amoled display is horrible imo. The colours are lurid and even though its resolution is crazy high. Its not as sharp as the N4. Aside from that I haven't got a clue about battery nor the resale value.

Edit:

Theres one major pro for the S4 though...The N4's camera is absolutely atrocious.

 

[maflynn]

I can't see spending that much money on a non-LTE phone at this point and the fact the N4 is nearing is lifespan imo

I'd say the features of the S4 outweigh the fact that you'll get updates from google a lot quicker. Now if a new Nexus was released, then I'd be like get the nexus 5 (or what ever it would be called) because a vanilla android getting updates from google is a big advantage.

 

[ebbygoo]

Yeah you both pretty much supported my thinking... Pretty much 100% about s4 now... Just gotta sell my 4s first... I don't have the guts to list it on eBay

 

[mattopotamus]

I can't see spending that much money on a non-LTE phone at this point and the fact the N4 is nearing is lifespan imo

I'd say the features of the S4 outweigh the fact that you'll get updates from google a lot quicker. Now if a new Nexus was released, then I'd be like get the nexus 5 (or what ever it would be called) because a vanilla android getting updates from google is a big advantage.

Yes and no. It is ending its lifespan in the sense the n5 should be out by end of this year, but the n4 will still get updates through 2014 and maybe into 2015. Vanilla android most people either love or hate. I would say the average consumer really enjoys the features the s4 bring to the table, and if you can upgrade that is the cheaper option. If you enjoy vanilla android than the n4 is by far the best option, otherwise the s4 sounds like it will fit your needs.

 

[dastinger]

If you can wait, see what Google has in store for the new Nexus. It is probably coming out in October/November.

Basically, if you're looking to root and flash custom ROMs on the S4 you may go with it. Believe me when I say that updates are important. I still own a S1 and I've been on both sides. When I had the original Sammy ROMs, I'd love to be able to just update when Google came out with a new version. Instead, I had to wait and wait and wait only to have a Samsung modified version with Crap-wiz. I have rooted and installed a custom vanilla android like 1.5 years ago and have been updating regilarly since so I don't miss the Nexus factor that much. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure I'm not buying another Android that's not a Nexus. In fact, I'm sticking to the S1 because I'm waiting for the new Nexus.

 

[maflynn]

Yes and no. It is ending its lifespan in the sense the n5 should be out by end of this year.

That's what I meant, spending lots of money on a phone that should get replaced.

 

[Dolorian]

Personally I would wait for the Nexus 5 to come out. Just a few more months. Or, if you can, grab the Nexus Experience S4 which is coming out soon.

 

[mattopotamus]

Personally I would wait for the Nexus 5 to come out. Just a few more months. Or, if you can, grab the Nexus Experience S4 which is coming out soon.

That price is a hard pill to swallow for stock android. I know you get a much better display, camera, and the specs. I know personally I would have serious buyers remorse if I dropped $650 on the s4 google edition and a really nice n5 came out a few months later for $299. Plus I doubt that will be an easy item to sell and you could take a big $$ hit doing so.

 

[sentinelsx]

The google edition S4 can give you S4 hardware and stock android in one package. I say go for that instead.

Plus google said it will get updates straight from google. It might take a couple weeks compared to nexus may be, but a couple weeks is nothing i am worried about at all. At least they will get it.

Plus the custom ROMs like PA will work much better too IF you are into that.

 

[mattopotamus]

The google edition S4 can give you S4 hardware and stock android in one package. I say go for that instead.

Plus google said it will get updates straight from google. It might take a couple weeks compared to nexus may be, but a couple weeks is nothing i am worried about at all. At least they will get it.

Plus the custom ROMs like PA will work much better too IF you are into that.

I think it depends on the person. Is that worth 2x the price over a nexus 4 that already handles jellybean 4.2 flawlessly? If you take a lot of pictures and the camera is extremely important than maybe. If money is no issue than it certainty is the better buy though.

I also think the resell value of a google edition s4 will be very low and hard to sell.

 

[ebbygoo]

Having a real hard time deciding...
Bored of iPhone; but like iOS6.
Like the S4; but dont like the plastic.
Like the One; but don't like HTC in general (especially resale value)
Like the Nexus' price (and thats it) <- 100% eliminated now. Will not go back.

Could always wait for the iPhone 5S/6... but I don't want to fall into the waiting game; and also, if it is truly an iPhone 5S, thus implying same shell, as the rumours all suggest, it won't fulfil my hopes/what I waited for... I am bored of the same shape/screen size, etc.

I've seriously got to be the worst decision maker ever when it comes to phones. Just as I think I rule one out, it pops back into my decision, e.g, like I said in the first post, just hours ago, that the One was out of the question... I'm now liking it again :L

If I gave a set of criteria for myself in buying phones it'd be speed, build quality, everyday use features, battery and resale value.
And they're pretty much tied in total marks between the S4 and One.

I know this is a bit out there... but does anyone have a figure for the battery life on the One (in hours) if non-stop web browsing takes place (literally sitting there using 3G for hours). It happens to me quite a lot in travelling places, etc, and my current iPhone simply is horrible at it/cannot handle at all.

EDIT: due to the above having no relevance to the original topic, I have changed topic name and first post lol.

 

[mattopotamus]

Having a real hard time deciding...
Bored of iPhone; but like iOS6.
Like the S4; but dont like the plastic.
Like the One; but don't like HTC in general (especially resale value)
Like the Nexus' price (and thats it) <- 100% eliminated now. Will not go back.

Could always wait for the iPhone 5S/6... but I don't want to fall into the waiting game; and also, if it is truly an iPhone 5S, thus implying same shell, as the rumours all suggest, it won't fulfil my hopes/what I waited for... I am bored of the same shape/screen size, etc.

I've seriously got to be the worst decision maker ever when it comes to phones. Just as I think I rule one out, it pops back into my decision, e.g, like I said in the first post, just hours ago, that the One was out of the question... I'm now liking it again :L

If I gave a set of criteria for myself in buying phones it'd be speed, build quality, everyday use features, battery and resale value.
And they're pretty much tied in total marks between the S4 and One.

I know this is a bit out there... but does anyone have a figure for the battery life on the One (in hours) if non-stop web browsing takes place (literally sitting there using 3G for hours). It happens to me quite a lot in travelling places, etc, and my current iPhone simply is horrible at it/cannot handle at all.

EDIT: due to the above having no relevance to the original topic, I have changed topic name and first post lol.

What about the HTC ONE google edition? $599, 32gb storage, and it solves a lot of your problems. Great build quality and pure android

 

[ebbygoo]

I do like sense, however. I get that the Google edition will mean updates, but I do like the system it runs. What concerns me about the One is the battery life, and also not being able to sell the phone later. I mean, I've had my 4S for 2 years now, and I'm estimating to get returns of nearly half what I bought it for (thats the going rate on eBay apparently after my research). I understand that Apple products are pretty much the only ones that hold their value, but, considering I will probably upgrade again in 12-18 months, wouldn't it be worth going to a phone like the S4, which will at least still be worth something.

I know this is pretty financial based, and probably makes me look like a tight donkey, however, is it justifiable to pay for a phone (the HTC One), and use it for the year, that will be worth nothing relative to say the S4. I know this is a decision I should make. But I really can't. I've gone into stores numerous times, read so many reviews.. I just can't decide. Someone decide for me D:

EDIT: The changeable battery is also attractive about the S4 to me..

 

[Dontazemebro]

It came down to the HTC one and S4 for me and i ultimately went with with the S4. The build quality is exceptionally good and if your one who values screen real estate, you'll be extremely satisfied. Honestly i haven't noticed any lag but then again i bought my device with the latest software patch for the Sprint variant. It's said to have fixed quite a few bugs from the MDC version.

Other than the low visibility in sunlight, the S4 is a winner all around.

 

[sentinelsx]

That price is a hard pill to swallow for stock android. I know you get a much better display, camera, and the specs. I know personally I would have serious buyers remorse if I dropped $650 on the s4 google edition and a really nice n5 came out a few months later for $299. Plus I doubt that will be an easy item to sell and you could take a big $$ hit doing so.

Hmm yeah but the nexus 4 has atrocious battery life if you don't use wifi. I am not sure I want to turn my phone into a dumb phone or micromanage a lot or simply not use my 3 GB LTe plan in favor of saving a couple hundred.

I used a gs3 with LTe last year and I got 4.5 hours and sometimes 5 hrs of screen on time without turning off mobile data or messing with 2G etc. I am sure the gs4 can atleast get the same usage, but the nexus 4 can hardly make it to 3.5 hrs SOT even on hspa+ with my same usage pattern. Something tells me it is cheap for a reason.

I would get the htc one google edition but then I get another phone with aluminum build that I hate taking care of (my iPhone's edges are clearly worn and there is a small dent at a corner thanks to a bump off table), plus I don't feel like paying $600 for a camera with a specific use case i.e. social and low light pics. I like the 13mp cam in s4 much more.

 

[rockitdog]

I've had all three of these at one point or another.

Liked the Nexus because of the price but as it was stated it's a battery drain. Also the screen seemed smaller than 4.7 inches. Nice build quality but the camera was weak for 8MP (photosphere was mediocre). Was speedy for only being HSPA+ 42 capable. If the batter life was better I would have stuck with it.

The S4 just feels cheap & flimsy to me. Stutters way to much for me. Sure it's got a great camera but between the lack of built-in memory and stuttering I just need more from a phone. The screen is a nice size but the OLED screen just flat out dissappoints. In sunlight the brightness up all the way almost isn't enough to see your screen too.

I'm very happy with the HTC One (current phone). The camera is the weak spot but once you learn what kind of photos it takes and what settings to use it produces some great shots. Combine that with a beautiful build quality and 32GB out of the box, I'm very happy with this device. The Boon sound is great, Zoes are fun to take too! Sense 5 is a very scaled back skin, it almost reminds me of iOS- very simple and easy to use.

 

[mattopotamus]

I've had all three of these at one point or another.

Liked the Nexus because of the price but as it was stated it's a battery drain. Also the screen seemed smaller than 4.7 inches. Nice build quality but the camera was weak for 8MP (photosphere was mediocre). Was speedy for only being HSPA+ 42 capable. If the batter life was better I would have stuck with it.

The S4 just feels cheap & flimsy to me. Stutters way to much for me. Sure it's got a great camera but between the lack of built-in memory and stuttering I just need more from a phone. The screen is a nice size but the OLED screen just flat out dissappoints. In sunlight the brightness up all the way almost isn't enough to see your screen too.

I'm very happy with the HTC One (current phone). The camera is the weak spot but once you learn what kind of photos it takes and what settings to use it produces some great shots. Combine that with a beautiful build quality and 32GB out of the box, I'm very happy with this device. The Boon sound is great, Zoes are fun to take too! Sense 5 is a very scaled back skin, it almost reminds me of iOS- very simple and easy to use.

That pretty much answers all of your questions haha.

 

[soulreaver99]

If this is your first Android device and you had to pick between the two, I suggest the HTC One. As I have said in other forums, the HTC One is a great device right out of the box. It's fast, smooth, and a little more familiar if you are coming from the iPhone.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 on the other hand, in my own personal experience (I know everyone is different), was frustrating and laggy and I have been using Android devices since Eclair. However, after rooting, and flashing a custom ROM such as MDOB or GoldenEye (made by the same ROM chef), the experience is much better and is on par if not better than the HTC One. So it's just a matter of how much time you are willing to invest in tweaking your devices!

 

[rockitdog]

If this is your first Android device and you had to pick between the two, I suggest the HTC One. As I have said in other forums, the HTC One is a great device right out of the box. It's fast, smooth, and a little more familiar if you are coming from the iPhone.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 on the other hand, in my own personal experience (I know everyone is different), was frustrating and laggy and I have been using Android devices since Eclair. However, after rooting, and flashing a custom ROM such as MDOB or GoldenEye (made by the same ROM chef), the experience is much better and is on par if not better than the HTC One. So it's just a matter of how much time you are willing to invest in tweaking your devices!

The later part of your post above is what bugs me about Android. I consider myself to be a newbie when it comes to the OS and I don't have any desire (or the time frankly) to root my phone or hack or mod or flash a custom rom to my device. I want something that just works. Something that is easy to work with out of the box. This is why I liked Apple for so long. I get that people like to do this (allbeit a small percentage) but I think most consumers are like me, just give us a phone that works, has software that we'll use and we'll be happy. This is why I love the HTC one. It works! Even most of the bloatware is stuff I'll use!

 

[Dontazemebro]

The later part of your post above is what bugs me about Android. I consider myself to be a newbie when it comes to the OS and I don't have any desire (or the time frankly) to root my phone or hack or mod or flash a custom rom to my device. I want something that just works. Something that is easy to work with out of the box. This is why I liked Apple for so long. I get that people like to do this (allbeit a small percentage) but I think most consumers are like me, just give us a phone that works, has software that we'll use and we'll be happy. This is why I love the HTC one. It works! Even most of the bloatware is stuff I'll use!

Don't just go by what you read online. I thought the s4 was laggy as well until I tried it for myself and Its a very solid phone. I still have most of the bloat on my device minus some Sprint apps and it runs exceptionally smooth with animations scaled to 05. Also, not all the Samsung apps are worthless either, s-health is great on keeping tabs on your health and watch on is very nifty, universal remote that easily pairs with most of your electronic devices. I can run stock touchwiz with nova and not lose any performance.

Build quality is great too, it feels like a solid device. The entire front is glass and not some mixture of glass and plastic, and the casing surrounding it is aluminum which gives it a professional finish. The only time the back cover is an issue is when you take it off, yes it feels flimsy but once the entire unit is one assembly you don't even notice it.

 

[otismotive77]

well, i'm using a galaxy s4 right now and i love it, so i'd say that you should go for the galaxy s4, believe me you won't regret buying it.

 

[rockitdog]

Don't just go by what you read online. I thought the s4 was laggy as well until I tried it for myself and Its a very solid phone. I still have most of the bloat on my device minus some Sprint apps and it runs exceptionally smooth with animations scaled to 05. Also, not all the Samsung apps are worthless either, s-health is great on keeping tabs on your health and watch on is very nifty, universal remote that easily pairs with most of your electronic devices. I can run stock touchwiz with nova and not lose any performance.

Build quality is great too, it feels like a solid device. The entire front is glass and not some mixture of glass and plastic, and the casing surrounding it is aluminum which gives it a professional finish. The only time the back cover is an issue is when you take it off, yes it feels flimsy but once the entire unit is one assembly you don't even notice it.

I had an S4 before I switched back to the HTC One so I'm not going just off of what people saying online. Personal experience left a lot to be desired for me with the S4.

 

[sentinelsx]

The later part of your post above is what bugs me about Android. I consider myself to be a newbie when it comes to the OS and I don't have any desire (or the time frankly) to root my phone or hack or mod or flash a custom rom to my device. I want something that just works. Something that is easy to work with out of the box. This is why I liked Apple for so long. I get that people like to do this (allbeit a small percentage) but I think most consumers are like me, just give us a phone that works, has software that we'll use and we'll be happy. This is why I love the HTC one. It works! Even most of the bloatware is stuff I'll use!

I used to believe in this "it just works" mantra too until I realize, 99% of stuff in my life I setup myself for my needs, for some reason smartphones are singled out as the only devices where installing another firmware is such a big no no for some reason.

Glad I got over it. There is always iPhone though for people who dig that philosophy.

 

[T5BRICK]

I liked the higher end "feel" of the HTC One due to the aluminum construction. I also appreciated the slightly smaller screen size.

Battery life seems pretty damn good compared to my iPhone 4s. It took a MAJOR hit when I upgraded to iOS 6.1.x; on a normal day I'd have to plug my iPhone in before my 8 hour shift finished, even with minimal use. My usage pattern has stayed pretty similar except I now stream most of my music from Google Play, and my HTC One had 40% charge left when I left work today.

*EDIT* I'll also add that I'm the type of user who is constantly tweaking my phone. I've had it for just over a week and I've already unlocked, rooted it and flashed a custom ROM. This could have been done on the S4 or N4 as well, but coming from an iPhone, the freedom is pretty awesome.