Is HTC ONE the One or is the Samsung Galaxy S4 for You?

With both the power house smartphone makers Samsung and HTC fighting for smartphone supremacy which for them equates to marketability and end user desirability it is undeniable that the flagship smartphones the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4 are to be talked about and pitted against each other in a seemingly unending battle of who's who in the world of smartphones.

To help with the choice of whom to go with will eventually weigh in on the consumer's overall preference and what once would consider vital or important to have versus that of course of cost. Here, we'll try to get things spread out for you to understand and hopefully help you make that choice.

Design

Upon first glance of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One you'll get to see the marked difference in terms of design and build. Once you pick it up you get to see how much more premium one feels compared to the other, considering that they are both flagship devices.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is somewhat still identical to its predecessor, with just a minor difference in bezel size with the Samsung Galaxy S4 sporting a much smaller bezel. It is also slightly thinner. The Samsung Galaxy S4 uses polycarbonate plastic, which has proven to be tough at protecting the phone from scratches but unfortunately feels a bit too plasticky in the hand. It also is a magnet for grease and dirt. One thing that is good to note about the Samsung Galaxy S4, is that due to its build quality it is light and wont weigh you down much once you put it in your pockets.

The HTC One has migrated far from the polycarbonate build and decided to go with a fully aluminium construction and just a tinge of polycarbonate accents. It has been compared to that of the iPhone 5 feel and look making it aesthetically pleasing to the general public. It is this reason that HTC One gives of a more premium feel as compared to that of the Samsung Galaxy S4. 

In terms of thickness the HTC One is slightly thicker and heavier at 9.33mm and 143g compared to the Samsung Galaxy S4 which is at 7.9mm in thickness and a weight of just about 130g. Upon handling, you will most likely not feel the difference between the two. 

Screen

The Samsung Galaxy S4 sports a 5in 1080x1920 Super AMOLED touchscreen. The HTC One has chosen to use a 4.7in 1080x1920 Super LCD3 display. Samsung's pixel density is at 441ppi and HTC's is at 469ppi. Between the two you will most likely not spot the difference in terms of pixel quality, but you will get to notice a difference in terms of brightness and deep black colors which is quite notable with that of the HTC One as compared to that of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Performance

This is where the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are quite at par with each other. Considering that the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a Quad Core (1.9Ghz) and and Octa Core (quad core 1.6Ghz and quad core 1.2Ghz) Version versus that of the Quad Core (1.7Ghz) Version of the HTC One. Quadrant scores between the Quad Core Versions HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are pretty much at par but the Octa Core Version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 edges it a little over the 13000 marker.

Both the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One proved to be very quick, with apps opening instantly, video playback encountering no issues and multitasking working smoothly. 

Software

With both the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One running on Google's Android 4.2 Jelly Bean mobile operating system one would presume that using the two smartphones' software shouldn't be markedly different. 

The Samsung Galaxy S4's Touchwiz UI is similar to that of the older Samsung model's UI. Making a migration from lets say Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or a its predecessor Samsung Galaxy S3 wouldn't be tough as the interface is pretty much the same. Some people find it a little over complicated though, but with time shouldn't be too bad.

Samsung has included several new features to make the Galaxy S4 more attractive so to speak. These include the feature known as Eye Scroll, a feature that enables users to scroll down web pages and documents by simply using their eyes. This doesn't pan out well as much and from a user standpoint, I highly doubt that this would be used by the general public unless of course you're on a device like Google Glasses (wonder if this is just a teaser and Samsung is planning to compete with Google in this new technological arena). Another software feature is Air Gesture, which enables the user to swipe through pages and images by waving a hand in the air over the screen. I still dont see where this can be useable unless of course you'd be too obsessive compulsive about not leaving a finger print mark on your screen. I still prefer being able to physically touch the screen, though again I wonder if this is a teaser tech for something like that of the Google Glasses. 

The HTC One has revamped their UI  and aptly called it the Sense 5.0. They have stripped it down and is quite easier and elegant to use even compared to the old Sense versions.  HTC's Sense 5.0 user interface introduces Blinkfeed, which reminds me of Flipboard. This makes information on the go quite fun and easy to read. HTC hasn't bundled many apps onto the HTC One at least in terms of bloatware, thus leaving more space for the things that users would want in terms of applications. 

Camera

This is where things get a little tricky as the two smartphone giants have taken a completely different route in terms of technology. The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a 13MP rear-facing camera, while the HTC One features a 4MP 'Ultrapixel' camera on its back.

The Samsung Galaxy S4's camera is typically good. The 13MP excelled at taking photos in well-lit surroundings, producing images full of natural colours and detail. 

Samsung has configured the Galaxy S4 with some custom camera tools, including Eraser, Animated Video and Sound and Shot modes, expanding on the traditional Android camera interface.

The HTC One's 'Ultrapixel' camera was expected to be the "next big thing" at the handset's launch and with new features like the ZOE HTC is hoping to get to capture the market's interest. 

Both these units performed quite well in well lit situations but in low light, you'll get to see where the HTC One excels, just be careful though to keep a steady hand when taking low light shots. Picking out which to choose at this stand point is certainly a matter of preference. The flash of the Samsung Galaxy S4 does compensate at times when there is little to no light so night shots shouldn't be much of a problem and HTC One's performance is pretty much at par with the picture quality of that of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Battery and storage

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is powered by a 2,600mAh battery, while the HTC One features a slightly smaller 2,300mAh battery.

The time with which Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One gets fully drained at least with general use, but with the Samsung Galaxy S4 having a removable battery, gives it a slight advantage over that of the HTC One. I personally can attest to this need as when my HTC One X's battery had to be replaced, I was advised to contact the HTC Service center to have it done versus just dropping by a store to buy new ones for my Samsung Galaxy Note 2. 

In terms of storage, the Samsung Galaxy S4 boasts either 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and this can be expanded with an additional 64GB using a microSD card. The HTC One on the other hand comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with no capability to expand this further.

This is again where it gets a little tricky. Most people really want to have an external memory option, however with Jelly Bean, most buyers dont realize that you wont be able to migrate applications to an external microSD. This makes whatever internal memory you've got as the only space for installation of applications. Thus, the microSD is only used for media files and if you get the 16GB models of the Samsung Galaxy S4, you'd only have around 10+GB of useable memory for applications. I would veer away from the Samsung Galaxy S4 16GB options if you are the type that loves to gather as much application as you can, otherwise opt for the the 32GB and 64GB versions. HTC One however has had that issue in their foresight. Additional storage space though does help out a bit when you like to store lots of media files, making the choice of having an external card option as a matter of choice.

Both of these manufacturers have also included cloud storage services to compensate a bit more for memory space though the general market would still prefer a larger storage capacity or at least the option to extend it a bit more.

Overall

Making a choice between flagship devices is definitely not an easy choice. It'll be a battle of functionality, features, and aesthetics. which you'll choose is entirely a matter of preference and deciding on which you feel best suits your need and lifestyle.

Between the two though, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S4 for the following reasons:

1. The battery is easily replaceable, if anything does go wrong with this part of the phone I can easily drop by a gadget shop and buy a replacement. I don't need to call service or customer care to get an appointment and go out of my way to have my battery "fixed"

2. MicroSd Card option, let's say you're on a budget and yet wants a high end phone. Getting the 16GB model is definitely going to be the cheaper end of the spectrum for the flagship but with the microSD card slot you'd have places to store those pics, videos and other media files without having to eat up on your main memory. Though a little scrimping on the number of apps you can install is sacrificed but the overall fun you can have with the phone isn't.

3. Accessories are easy to find. Prior to the release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 to the general market, you'd find that there are already several accessories available once you do grab the phone. My experience unfortunately with HTC One series is that accessories are few if not hard to find and not many are able to accentuate the beauty of it's design making it look quite bland and bulky at times.

I guess you can say that I am pragmatic in terms of my choice. I personally like to grab a device that can work well with me long term with out too much of a hassle and still provide me with a great end user experience. Again, this reflects who and what I am. I'd be quite happy to hear what your thoughts are on these two and which shall be your choice?

Till Next Time...

-Metz

Should you Trade in your HTC One X for the HTC ONE

With the launch of the HTC One, many owners of the HTC One X and HTC One X+ are asking the question as to whether or not it would be advisable for them to go for an upgrade and replace their units to the HTC One.

The HTC One as compared to the HTC ONE X have a lot of similarities as the HTC One does take its roots from the HTC One X's success. Both are running Android's latest OS Jelly Bean (HTC One X got upgraded via OTA from ICS to Jelly Bean) and they both have 4.7-inch displays and are both quad core powerhouses (The US version of the HTC One X is dual core. But the similarities end there.

The HTC One is using a 1080p display, as compared to the 720p display on the One X and One X+. The One also is equipped with a faster processor and double the RAM. They also give buyers a choice of a larger internal storage, 32/64 GB variants, and the latest version of Sense (reports though indicate that the HTC One X and One X+ shall be getting the same Sense via OTA in the coming months) user interface. 

The HTC One also has a 2300 mAh battery as compared to the 1800 mAh  and 2100mAh battery in the One X and One X+ respectively. HTC One has a made significant sound enhancements called BoomSound which includes amplified dual-front facing speakers along with an HDR microphone and Sense Voice. The HTC One also has Zoe and BlinkFeed (speculations also indicate that these might be included in the next sense update that shall be rolling out OTA to the HTC One Series units).

Camera is also another feature that has been indicated as an improvement as the HTC One now uses a 4 Ultrapixel Camera that is said to rival those sporting 8MP and 13MP cameras. Though in terms of picture quality shows a slight advantage in low light situations versus that of the HTC One X series. 

With these notable consideration, the HTC One is definitely a nice upgrade for those who are using the HTC One X Series. But in terms of end user experience, the HTC One X series units do present a lot of value in terms of what they bring to the table, and unless you really want to ahead of the game on a yearly basis and dishing out a bit more extra in terms of cash, then the HTC One is your best bet. However, if budget is a concern and you still want to experience the best that HTC has to offer, the HTC One X series is your best bet and from personal experience it is sure to keep you happy and satisfied, just watch the battery consumption which can be improved though with applications such as Juice Defender. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Review of HTC Butterfly: Is It Worth Buying?

The HTC Butterfly has finally made its appearance in the Philippines and many are asking if it is really something one should spend on. Many of those that have asked are current owners of the HTC One X and One X+ devices. Below is a full on review of what the HTC Butterfly has to offer and the overall verdict on whether or not the HTC Butterfly is worth your money. 

The Main Focus is Display

The HTC Butterfly isn't what I would call a new device as it was first introduced late last year around Oct 2012. A slightly modified version of this was also released in the US around late November. The Butterfly is basically what HTC markets internationally and works on 3G networks. 

The HTC Butterfly is a full HD display device, sporting a 5inch screen display with a resolution of 1920 X 1080. For the sake of comparison via numbers the screen boasts an incredible pixel density of 440ppi, among the highest on the market.  Apple's iPhone 5 has a pixel density of 326ppi while the Samsung Galaxy Note II offers 267ppi. It is pretty impressive though compared to that of the HTC One X, iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 visually there is no noticeable difference making the pixel density only matter really in just paper.

Overall, the HTC Butterfly's color reproduction is excellent, viewing angles are superb and brightness is almost unrivaled. To appreciate this though one would have to see it in person. 

Improved Design

The HTC Butterfly will undoubtedly make a great first impression for those who are using it. The HTC Butterfly is mainly constructed from plastic, which is a far cry from the aluminium unibody designs they used to use but upon touch gives that very solid premium feeling compared to that of the Samsung Galaxy S3's plasticky feel.

HTC Butterfly has also included quite a number of accents on its design that adds to that overall premium feel to the device, such as the addition of the metallic-like glossy white finish of the back, thin edges that taper from the center of the device and HTC's micro-grill pattern edges along the sides. The HTC Butterfly is just about 9mm thick and is light weight, weighing in only at 140g. 

One of the things that I have found a bit awkward is the position of the power button which is top mounted in the center making it an effort to reach up to press considering the size of the unit. The micro sim card and microSD card slot is covered by a flap that is quit hard to open. The flap covering the micro usb port at the bottom is easier to manage, though technically I would prefer to do without these flaps as I find that they would have a tendency to fall off or break with continuous usage especially if one is not too careful. The battery is not removable, which is the sacrifice that HTC made for design and many that have been asking for this to be changed will be left disappointed.

HTC Butterfly Sense

The HTC Butterfly runs on the 4.1 Jelly Bean OS of Google's Android and on top of that uses the HTC Sense 4+ which is the same as that of HTC's ONE X and One X+. The sense UI is something more of a love-hate relationship for those that have used an HTC device and just like many others, your own personal preference will dictate whether this is one you'd like to use. 

The most advantageous thing about HTC Sense are definitely the widgets and many other graphic touches throughout the OS that isn't available on other Android UIs. If this isn't your thing there are many downloadable interfaces off the Google Play store that you can use to change the look and feel of the device without having to root your phone. In terms of performance, the Sense doesn't seem to impede the device in anyway which could be more attributed to the marriage of the hardware and software capabilities that the HTC Butterfly provides. 

The HTC Butterfly's Hardware

The HTC Butterfly's internals are pretty much the same as that of the Nexus 4 that has been released by LG and Google using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz quad-core processor. It has a 2GB RAM, which is fast becoming a standard for quad-core phones. 

The HTC Butterfly isn't an LTE ready device which means you'll have to be satisfied with it running on HSPA and 3G networks but with its 2020mAh battery that should be a worthy trade off as LTE would most likely drain the HTC Butterfly's battery rather quickly. 

Gaming is definitely not going to be a problem for this phone, but I would most likely advice that you'd have to get the charger ready as any gaming with this device would most likely drain it quite quickly. 

The Camera is also pretty much the same in terms of specs and performance as that of the HTC One X series, which pretty much translates that you wont be disappointed at all in this particular department, though speaking from experience being an HTC One X user, it would be best to play around with the settings and camera options to get the most out of the Camera/Video Experience. 

Here is HTC Butterfly's Specifications:

• Size: 143 x 70.5 x 9.08 mm
• Weight: 140 grams
• Display: 5-inch SLCD 3, Gorilla Glass 2, Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• CPU: Qualcomm S4 Pro, 1.5GHz, Quad-core
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 16GB
• MicroSD slot: yes, up to 32GB
• Networks: HSPA/WCDMA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Battery: 2020mAh
• Camera: back — 8MP, autofocus, LED, BSI, HTC ImageChip; front – 2.1MP (1080p)
• Sensors: Gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity, Light
• Connectivity: GPS+GLONASS, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, micro-USB 2.0

Overall, the HTC Butterfly is quite  decent device, but if have already bought the HTC One X, or the HTC One X+ this isn't going to be something I would advice you to switch too as the experience and performance that the One X devices have provided are pretty much at par with the HTC Butterfly minus the screen size. The 2GB extra RAM isn't as important either as the One X devices are still quite capable of holding their own in terms of gaming experience. If anything, I would recommend the HTC Butterfly to those that haven't bought HTC's ONE X devices as that would most likely be a major upgrade to your user experience. Aesthetically the HTC Butterfly is quite tempting and just like the One X models it'll be a good buy but if battery is going to be a major factor for your purchase then best to look somewhere else.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

HTC One X 4.1.1 Official Jelly Bean Update Review

It has been over a month since HTC had announced that they'll be releasing the Jelly Bean Update to HTC One X Users globally and today they have finally delivered on their promise. Below you'll get to see the many new things that has been improved, changed and redesigned software wise by HTC for the the One X users. If you have visited our article on what to expect with the HTC One X Jelly Bean update you'd be pleased to see that they have delivered on those things and have given much more.

Messaging application is now without the arrow keys though that can still be activated in the options setting located beside the side bar. 

The Notification screen is more comprehensive than the old ICS layout. Please take note that the Battery Icon and avast are third party apps that I have installed and have seamlessly integrated with the new software. The power saving options are also ready accessible here with just a click and you can adjust what it shall affect via settings or through this same button.

Power saving settings give you control of the cpu and so much more.

Back to messaging, by pressing and holding the symbols key, gives you access to the most used and fun emoticons for more convenience.

Color layout has also changed and is now less glaring to the eyes.

Power Settings Show a different more modern feel but still pretty much provides the same functionalities plus of course the power saving options that have been upgraded.

This shows the current android version and other software version updates.

The setting menu now resembles that of the HTC One X+'s

There are three new skins that have been added which brings a bit of a refreshing new feel and color combination.

Layout of the application menu has also been changed and improved.

Some of the built in applications such as flashlight have also gotten an upgrade with regards to their look and feel.

Task manager shows the full 1GB ram and what is being utilized. Interface has also been revamped and is a lot more intuitive to use.

Gallery application of HTC One X has had the most in terms of overhaul.  Now you can view photos based on where they are located, where they are stored and what event/day they were taken.

Google Plus interface has also changed just a bit.

Several new widgets have been added to the HTC Collection. Many of which take advantage of the amount of detail the screen can provide.

Google maps are still pretty much the same as with the last upgrade ICS 4.0.4

Music application of HTC One X has also been given a major upgrade and it is now pretty easy to go around your files as they are sorted by album, artist, genre and more. 

Bench mark scores where the most impressive based on the Antutu Scores. Previous score was rounding off to 10.5K and now has gone up to what you can see here now. End user result is also quite obvious

Bench mark results also with Quadrant Standard have shown a massive increase in performance. As you can see here, the previous HTC One X with ICS benchmark results barely hit 5,000 but with the Jelly Bean Update it is now close to 7,000

Screen and picture quality is just as stunning and the menu has been brought back to carousel mode which allows for continuous scrolling at least on the widget screen. 

Camera Layout has also had many upgrades and I personally think that it is a much more in tune with the overall user experience making the keys and menu option more ergonomically correct. 

Additional information such as hours of video taking left as well as photos are a very welcome addition. Front facing camera has also been improved by adding the same features that they have incorporated with the HTC One X+ such as timer for self portraits. 

Additional Camera settings have been incorporated to ensure that the users have full control of how the shots and videos are taken.

The HTC One X Jelly Bean update in my opinion is like a breath of fresh air for me as I can truly see how efficiently its software has merged with the hardware fully utilizing its skills and bringing the HTC One X the amount of seamless power it deserves. For the first time, I have not seen any lag in anything whatsoever. Games, applications and web-browsing have become so smooth and easy. Colors are somehow more vibrant too. This was something that HTC should have done with the HTC One X at the early part of this year right after it launched. Comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2, the HTC One X is really still up there giving the top dogs a good run for their money. Of course the HTC One X+ still is the leading contender in terms of processor speed and battery life, but with the HTC One X now just a few points away from its flagship brother's benchmark this phone is definitely worth the cheaper price. ;)

I am sure that there'll be another update soon as Google has launched a new JB update on their phones with the version 4.2 but for now this HTC One X Official JB update is making me love my HTC One X so much more.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-