Hey people ..I m planning to buy a new phone in a month or so help me chose b/w note 2 and HTC One
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Note 2 is the only logical choice. Forza samsung.
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If you want more battery life, bigger screen, take notes with S-Pen, use SD Card etc. you should buy Note 2 but if you want better camera and sound quality you should buy HTC One.
Up to now, I have always preferred HTC and bought TD2, HD2 and Sensation, but this time I bought a Galaxy Note 2. For me, the main reasons are;
1) HTC One doesn't have a removable battery.
2) HTC One doesn't have a micro-SD slot.
3) HTC One's bootloader is difficult to unlock.
I don't regret my choice.In addition, I noticed that Galaxy Note 2 has an amazing battery life.
You can't go wrong with either phone, but to be honest, I like the Note 2 a lot more. But if you want a smaller phone, then the HTC One. Its footprint is much lighter (size-wise). For me the Spen is fantastic, the SD card and battery life (and the fact that it's replaceable) are unbeatable. The HTC has the display going for it, and the build quality. But while some think the metal design is fantastic, I'd rather have plastic even though it doesn't feel as premium. That's just my opinion. Now, FACT is that HTC releases less updates than Samsung, that for me is another deal breaker. I want my device to be supported for a while. The Galaxy S2 and Note are still getting their updates. The S4 was just released, so it's 2 generations old and STILL getting MAJOR updates. So I don't know what to tell you... Buy whatever feels right for you, but you're in a Samsung forum, and I love my Samsung device
If you ask this in the HTCone section, they'll tell you to get the one. No real answers here, or there. Go test it out your self, that's the best choice.
Sent from my SGH-T889
HTC One is a nice phone. However depends on your usage. If you're a heavy user like me who prefers large screen, excellent battery life etc. Note II. I have never once had to worry about battery life on Note 2 our even enable the power saving option which I could hardly do without in my previous phones. Obviously first check if the screen size is okay for you. If you're predominantly type with two hand like me, then it should be absolutely no problem at all. And obviously there's SPen, I do use it a lot, but some don't.
Every single phone before has "wow"d me initially, but this is the only phone that grew on me more.
I was thinking the HTC ONE is an awful nice device but the no removable battery and no sd card are INSTANT turn offs. makes it not even an option on the table.
No removable battery at 2300mAh, 4.9" screen, No sd-card, No S-pen? Where is the comparison? These threads have no place here. Another attemp to troll.
I will never go back to htc. Htc one looks awesome! I will buy it if only the brand was samsung. I dont trust htc anymore. I have 4 friends who owns htc devices 3 of then gets favtory defected and after repairing it soon after a month or so it will break again. Even though htc one itself has a better build quality and design i would choose note 2.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Think the last few posters have pretty much summed it up. HTC One itself and the Sense UI look sexier than what the GN2 can offer. That's about the only thing its favour. Every other point gets scored by the Note 2. Much larger battery, removable battery, larger screen, s-pen, expandable storage, easier to root and possible to revert completely to out of box state (no going back to locked state on an htc device).
There are already multiple threads about the same topic, the same answers have been presented multiple times. If you value form over function go buy an HTC One. If you want a phone that will be the most useful companion then the Note 2 is currently the best phone out there. Not even the S4 can best it.
its a valid query. I DO like the 1080p panel that I wish the note II had. I DO like the higher res camera I DO like the good quality front facing speakers.
but 4.9" would be a hard downgrade once your used to 5.5" and I DO use the pen.
alas the lack of battery and sd make it a non starter. I used darned near 100% of my 16gb internal and 64gb external memory on my note II.
but this might not be the case for everyone.
I would hate going back to that horrible days where you have to manually tweak/micromanage stuff to make it through the day with your battery. And still you'll be bloody anxious if the bugger will drain on you
Shouldn't be a problem for moderate/light users, but is for me.
I KNOW !! that is one of the most amazing things about the Note II. the battery life. its simply amazing.
pretty much no matter what I do to it I still have 30-50% battery left when I get home. simply amazing.
Noone mentioned that HTC One's camera is a complete disaster.
Most important feature for me aside from battery life, sdcard and screen size.
Note2
Note 2 !. say no more....
dannydogg said:
Note 2 !. say no more....
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Every person says the same thing just with a different construction.
Face it, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats the HTC One with more angles.
Close the fvcking thread. :cyclops:
Simone said:
Every person says the same thing just with a different construction.
Face it, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 beats the HTC One with more angles.
Close the fvcking thread. :cyclops:
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yes, this thread is answered^^ (my 8th post) can't wait to get access to android development forum :good:
I have the note 2 and the missus has the one. They're both great devices. The one has a better screen and the sound clarity is unbelievable for a phone. It also feels amazing in the hand. The note is almost as good as a tablet for Internet browsing.
I've found the camera on the note to be marginally better, but there isn't much in it.
If you can stand the size and want the s pen then the note is a no brainer. If you don't need expandable storage and want something a bit more phone like then the one is best.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Copied this from the thread above which asking similar question.
I say choose Samsung. This is coming from an apple hater, but Android does influenced by apple a bit. Please HTC if you're gonna copy Apple, copy the good stuff. Not supporting sd card is a big no no for me. I like htc's design and sense but I can't bring myself to like them while Samsung is around. Yes I know Android nexus also doesn't support sd card but Samsung it's Samsung. ..
Related
I'm a click away from buying this phone.
Anyone come from the Note? The One X worth it.
I have both since last week.
Note has bigger screen, which is better for e-reading, browsing, games.
One X fits better to the hand ('cause it's smaller); is faster in some very specific tasks (like indexing a stardict DICT to Fora dictionary), but overall in normal games and browsing, it's the same as Note; handle 1080p videos better than Note.
My One X has a yellowish screen, so take this thread I created yesterday with a grain of sault, since many One X's have normal white screens.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1606636
myself11 said:
I have both since last week.
Note has bigger screen, which is better for e-reading, browsing, games.
One X fits better to the hand ('cause it's smaller); is faster in some very specific tasks (like indexing a stardict DICT to Fora dictionary), but overall in normal games and browsing, it's the same as Note; handle 1080p videos better than Note.
My One X has a yellowish screen, so take this thread I created yesterday with a grain of sault, since many One X's have normal white screens.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1606636
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Thanks mate, sounds like I'm sticking to my Note then. Its only the size now and again that bothers me with the Note. Very tempted to buy the One X but the GSIII is around the corner but still fancy the One X :-/
recklesslife85 said:
Thanks mate, sounds like I'm sticking to my Note then. Its only the size now and again that bothers me with the Note. Very tempted to buy the One X but the GSIII is around the corner but still fancy the One X :-/
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stick with the note mate and then just sell that and go for the galaxy s3..one x is a gorgeous phone, beautiful screen and all round one hell of a beast of a phone. but my first android phone was the s2. for me was easier to root and basically i could do anything i wanted with my eyes shut..so far with the HOX is like running a marathon...probs would get easier when there is a one click root procedure but for now to many problems and hassles with warranty if you unlock and etc..
anyways wait till the s3 comes out and then compare and go for the one you want...i know which one i would be looking at though
NoobTerminator said:
stick with the note mate and then just sell that and go for the galaxy s3..one x is a gorgeous phone, beautiful screen and all round one hell of a beast of a phone. but my first android phone was the s2. for me was easier to root and basically i could do anything i wanted with my eyes shut..so far with the HOX is like running a marathon...probs would get easier when there is a one click root procedure but for now to many problems and hassles with warranty if you unlock and etc..
anyways wait till the s3 comes out and then compare and go for the one you want...i know which one i would be looking at though
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Sound advice. Thanks guys.
recklesslife85 said:
Sound advice. Thanks guys.
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I've had the one x since release and about 2 days later my wife got a galaxy note. To be perfectly honest, in the current state of both devices (both latest available releases) I can't find anything remotely better about the one x over the note. In fact I am quite embarrased to show my device to my wife after the build up I gave to her about it.
The only possible reason that I can think of for you to chose the one x right now is if all your trowsers have small pockets.
bobsie41 said:
I've had the one x since release and about 2 days later my wife got a galaxy note. To be perfectly honest, in the current state of both devices (both latest available releases) I can't find anything remotely better about the one x over the note. In fact I am quite embarrased to show my device to my wife after the build up I gave to her about it.
The only possible reason that I can think of for you to chose the one x right now is if all your trowsers have small pockets.
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Sell up and get the Note lol
Had the note which I was very happy with and now own the one x. I do prefer the one x over the note even with the issues because it suits my needs better. Also I hate tw and plastic feel to note. Personally if i were you i would wait for gs3 and then make a decision.
So I
recklesslife85 said:
Sell up and get the Note lol
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I'll swap with you!!
Second thoughts....I can't admit that my wife has a better device than me. I'll just have to pretend for the time being and hope things improve.
As others have said, stick with the Note and wait to see what the SGS3 has to offer, or for HTC to iron out all the software/build issues the One X has right now.
Yeah will stick to the Note. I'm running Stunner rom anyways so its near enough stock android. I'll check the Galaxy S3 and see if that's worth jumping ship.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Gave my note to my son but am contemplating switching with him. Great device but the battery life simply is pathetic. Hopefully an update will solve the battery life issue but if it doesn't am going back to the note with the bigger screen and decent battery life.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Get the HOX best phone I've had, no problems at all, had several android phones and tablets and this just obliterated all of them.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Stick with the Note
recklesslife,
Stick with the Note and wait for the SGIII. Your a Samsung user and use to the TW. Further, its in the heads of the general public that Android's best phone is from Samsung (SGII). Therefore, the anticipation for the SGIII to best all smartphones including the IPhone is given. Even though HTC fans won't like it. The marketing Samsung has put into the SG line is great all over the world. HTC needs a more complete package in terms of marketing and reliability of their phones.
Most of you say keep the Note. So I guess that's what I'll do. Was tempted to buy the One X. Can't knock the note really so don't know why I want to get a different phone. One X does look nice..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
I owned a Note but as of about 5 mins ago I don't have it anymore but I would say go with the One X. I find the One X is far superior to the Note in every area except for pure screen size. For me I would rather have a better screen than a bigger screen. Oh and touchwiz isn't as heavy as sense nor as buggy as sense 4.0
Hate Touchwiz and hate phones with an overly plasticy finish. Why I ended up switching from a GSII to a Sensation.
I you plan to root though, doesn't really make much difference what phone you go for.
I was considering the G-Note also. I wanted something with a larger screen coming from a SGS2. My first choice was actually the Eluga Power. It has a much more modern processor, runs ICS out of the box, and has a smaller form factor than the G-Note. Unfortunately (for me), it only supports EU HSPA bands. But at the end of the day the G-Note really is older tech and just a gigantic SGS2 with S-Pen.
Here's a dimensions comparison:
Samsung Galaxy Note - 146.9x83x9.7mm, 178g
Panasonic Eluga Power - 136x70x9.6mm, 133g
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/comparisons/1328692/samsung_galaxy_note_vs_panasonic_eluga_power.html
No offence to G-Note fans, but they look ridiculous when you hold them to your ear and you can't constantly wear a BT headset to avoid having to use it that way. I also have a 3G tablet so decided that 4.7ish" (HOX, GN, SGS3) was just more practical. Also, Samsung's release of ICS for the SGS2 has been a cluster so I can't imagine the G-Note's being any better.
Just some food for thought…
BarryH_GEG said:
I was considering the G-Note also. I wanted something with a larger screen coming from a SGS2. My first choice was actually the Eluga Power. It has a much more modern processor, runs ICS out of the box, and has a smaller form factor than the G-Note. Unfortunately (for me), it only supports EU HSPA bands. But at the end of the day the G-Note really is older tech and just a gigantic SGS2 with S-Pen.
Here's a dimensions comparison:
Samsung Galaxy Note - 146.9x83x9.7mm, 178g
Panasonic Eluga Power - 136x70x9.6mm, 133g
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/comparisons/1328692/samsung_galaxy_note_vs_panasonic_eluga_power.html
No offence to G-Note fans, but they look ridiculous when you hold them to your ear and you can't constantly wear a BT headset to avoid having to use it that way. I also have a 3G tablet so decided that 4.7ish" (HOX, GN, SGS3) was just more practical. Also, Samsung's release of ICS for the SGS2 has been a cluster so I can't imagine the G-Note's being any better.
Just some food for thought…
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Note was launched on Oct. Obviously it will be outdated in terms of specs. Were you expecting otherwise?
GN is even more outdated. HOX can't even better iP4s in terms of GPU (forget about new iPad). We have no clue SGS3 -- is it called SGS3 or something else??
Which company have been any better in terms of ICS update? How many HTC/Moto/SE phones have been updated? Most people here don't prefer OEM skins anyway. So if someone is going to root and ROM, why bother about OEM release? You are not going to use it anyway. I can understand for the general mass, but for most people in the XDA, I don't think it's a valid argument.
I would say stick to what you think is best for you. No point in forcing my views and preferences. I have seen people happier with their dumb phones compared to other guys with expensive smart phones.
You need to tell us what experiences you want from a mobile before we can advise one way or the other. I have both so can give you a realistic idea about how each stack up in the areas of importance for your use.
I'm going to be writing a review for the One X for the Telecom Tech blog, and will compare it a lot to the Note, which I already reviewed at my site here (the most comprehensive review on the internet at 17,000 words, well worth reading and a good backdrop to the incoming One X review).
Hi guys,
I really need your help to decide on whether or not I should trade my Galaxy Note for the HTC One X. I currently have the international version of the Note but since last week I have been hating it for the following reasons:
1) I installed ICS update on it and it's really garbage. The Touchwiz skin really makes ICS update not apparent at all.
2) Buggy official ROM. As you might be aware, there is a currently superbrick bug on the Galaxy Note even for official ROM. The phone will be bricked permanently after a wipe in CWM. The one to be blamed for this is of course Samsung.
Because of these bad supports, I am kinda leaning toward trading in my Notes for the One X. However, I heard some bad points about the One X too such as bad battery life, bad multitasking (especially since last update) and being too hot and got throttled down.
Can you guys share your opinions on this ? I tried the One X out at the store and I quite like the feels of holding the One X. Just try to look for some advice before I decide.
Thanks and cheers for your help,
Well I traded my note for a one x and I'm so glad I did while I was impressed by the note the one x is such a beautiful phone
Yes the battery life isn't as great but what phone these days has a battery that will last forever lol
Nevertheless HTC are bringing updates out quite frequently so I expect this phone to improve in areas that people are complaining about I haven't had any problems so can't comment
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
HTC One X why pay $200 extra for basically the same thing that next year will be out of date anyways. Plus the One X rocks! Use the search their are plenty of comparisons.
I have both Galaxy Note and One X I love the One X display compared to the note it really is an amazing looking screen the apps and widgets just sit on top like their floating on water and phones all around design is killer. Everyone that has saw it has been amazed. I can't see paying an extra $200 for the GS3, I just don't see much of a difference yeah the GS3 will probably beat the One X in benchmarks but not by that much that you are really going to be able to tell during everyday use.
The one X has handled everything I've thrown at it so far. and by the time it wont be able to run an app or game it will be time to upgrade anyways.
Its personal preference pay $200 more for the s3 or buy the One X and be happy with a phone that is amazing. 32GB with 25GB dropbox is enough for me I remember trying to fill 16GBs and it was hard and if I need to I can move things back and forth from my computer with a simple USB cord.
drvsbsm said:
HTC One X why pay $200 extra for basically the same thing that next year will be out of date anyways. Plus the One X rocks! Use the search their are plenty of comparisons.
I have both Galaxy Note and One X I love the One X display compared to the note it really is an amazing looking screen the apps and widgets just sit on top like their floating on water and phones all around design is killer. Everyone that has saw it has been amazed. I can't see paying an extra $200 for the GS3, I just don't see much of a difference yeah the GS3 will probably beat the One X in benchmarks but not by that much that you are really going to be able to tell during everyday use.
The one X has handled everything I've thrown at it so far. and by the time it wont be able to run an app or game it will be time to upgrade anyways.
Its personal preference pay $200 more for the s3 or buy the One X and be happy with a phone that is amazing. 32GB with 25GB dropbox is enough for me I remember trying to fill 16GBs and it was hard and if I need to I can move things back and forth from my computer with a simple USB cord.
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LOL, I was asking about the Note ha ha but thanks anyway. I currently have the Note and wondering if I should go HTC One X next. I am sick of how irresponsible Samsung are. The Note will be my last Samsung phone.
Hello
I too came from a note for a one x.
The beauty of the one x is far superior, over the years HTC have worked hard on presentation among other things, samsungs stock, im an oversized iphone look hasnt changed in years.
When it comes too stability browsing, the Note beats the HTC into submission im afraid, but this is because it runs a solid and stable GB os, far superior to the crappy versions of ics we run on the htc, and before anyone jumps in screaming ICS rocks, wake up, if you think ICS is bug free and the finished article then youre clearly not seeing the facts. GB is more stable, but there again, its been around a lot longer, i expect ics will be just as good when it is the polished article.
The note was way too clumsy as a phone, one of the reasons i gave up on it, the one x is much nicer in every design way possible, plus the one x has superior power over the note, and i wouldnt worry about battery, i get a day from my one x, thats no different to what my note gave me.
The main reason i left the note was because the custom development side of the note forum on here became a massive issue for me, too many releases were responsible for bricking peoples Notes beyond repair, it became unsafe to flash custom software from over there, not that im blaming anyone, great group of lads, but the minute that happened i lost all faith.
The development just became a Miui thread in the end practically, it was time to move on, ive had a htc before and i know on here, some of the developers and cooks have a very very good reputation, one of the reasons i chose HTC because i know when these lads finally get to grips with the s-on problem there will be no end to the development, and the note hasnt even had official ics yet, what a joke, i think with android 5.0 around the corner, the future of htc and one x is safe on this forum, youll get updates a lot faster than on samsung.
Horses for courses my friend, it is your choice, but i agree with toonarmy, HTC ONE X, bring it on, it can only get better from here on.
Read my post on the guys thread who was asking GSIII or One X Rom support
Thanks for your informative post. That's true though. I have the Galaxy S, S2 and now the Note and I feel they are pretty much the same. The Touchwiz skin turns out to be worse than I initially thought. To make it worse, they cover ICS native skin with this fugly skin and make it so fugly beyond repairs.
To top it off, because of the superbrick bug, I am so scared to flash any official ROM and to even update my device to official ICS ROM. This really killed the whole purpose of getting an Android phone, which is to do whatever you like with it.
Beside, I did some wipes when I was in ICS and according to the guys in the Galaxy Note forum, my eMMC might have been damaged. I really don't want to deal with all the warranty repair hassle so it might be the right time for me to get rid of my Note.
RandomXIII said:
Thanks for your informative post. That's true though. I have the Galaxy S, S2 and now the Note and I feel they are pretty much the same. The Touchwiz skin turns out to be worse than I initially thought. To make it worse, they cover ICS native skin with this fugly skin and make it so fugly beyond repairs.
To top it off, because of the superbrick bug, I am so scared to flash any official ROM and to even update my device to official ICS ROM. This really killed the whole purpose of getting an Android phone, which is to do whatever you like with it.
Beside, I did some wipes when I was in ICS and according to the guys in the Galaxy Note forum, my eMMC might have been damaged. I really don't want to deal with all the warranty repair hassle so it might be the right time for me to get rid of my Note.
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One thing i hate about Samsung, touchwiz 3 at sgs1 and they didn't update it to touchwiz 4, unlike dhd which one got updated from 2.0 to 3.6 and possibly even to 4.0. Samsung sucks at updates.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I was thinking about buying one X too but reading this forum indicates so many problem with quality built. I just sit out for now because if I buy iy, it will be from Ebay or Amazon (live in US) and very difficult with warranty and stuff.
Take the One X and you won`t be sorry. I had the Note and i didn`t use the whole pen utility`s (notes and drawings). I just loved the big screen and the powerfull cpu. But the amount of pixels slowed it down quite heavily in performance.
The One X seems snappier and more direct imo.
RandomXIII said:
LOL, I was asking about the Note ha ha but thanks anyway. I currently have the Note and wondering if I should go HTC One X next. I am sick of how irresponsible Samsung are. The Note will be my last Samsung phone.
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My bad I'm so used to post saying should i get SG3 or One X, man that drives me crazy.... They both are good in their own rights. But anyways once again my bad just a little jumpy with all the SG3 or One X post I see. People need to search and their are already hundreds.................X10 SG3 or One X post.
I should have added some useful info since I own both. Here is how I see it the Note is a good PDA IMO. Its just doesn't have the feel of a phone to me, its not really good to carry around for everyday use. Its nice size screen for certain things I use mine like a tablet basically. I just needed something I could carry in my pocket and the note just didn't really fit right, I don't really like touch-wiz it feels like you are still on gingerbread, the way its designed. The display kills it when trying to watch a video it shows artifacts in the blacks, like really old .AVI videos. Thats just my personal opinion.
I think, htc one x. Sound is good, lighter and more compact than note.
Sent from my Xperia Arc using XDA
My friend has the note, and I did a quick comparison with my one X.
The one X is super smooth scrolling between homescreens etc, wheras there is a noticeable lag on the note, in nearly everything.
The screen is good on the note, but the one X is so much better, in both colour reproduction and of course pixel density
And the one X is really nice to hold and use on an everyday basis, whereas the note is unwieldy and too shiny, so really slippery in hand
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
For me it's simples, build and feel quality. Samsung consistently produce sub-par products in the quality of materials department........and that's being kind.
HTC have always produced premium feeling hardware and the HOX is no exception.
Note or One X
Had my HTC one X for a week now and very happy with it. Previously had a Galaxy S and wasn't impressed with the Touch Wiz interface so that put me off the Note as did the size ,thought 5.3 inch was a little OTT.
Very happy with it so far. The stock Rom runs very smooth even with the Vodafone clutter installed. If it carries on as it is now i wont even look at custom ROM as there will be no point.
Only downer is the battery but as pointed out by someone earlier that's the deal with a smartphone . I charge once a day and although i would like it to last longer i can cope. Think those of us who have had a few smartfones now accept we have to manage the battery ourselves so if im at work and not using it i turn to 2g, brightness down and turn off auto sync and i can get from 9-6 with 91% left then i can go mad with all the bells and whistles on when im out and about with worry. Seems like a hassle altering the settings for different situations but it only takes 20 seconds in reality with a few well places shortcuts.
Love the feel as well, very hard to let slip in the hand unless some more plastic y phones.
Now I think HTC one x quality is perfect rather than the first batch of phones.. I got the first batch also with flaws but HTC swapped it with a perfect one.. ht24 serial rather than ht23.. by the way, I held the note side by side to my one x and the camera and screen of the one x is much superior than the note IMHO.. the guys posted before is right same old style, feel and interface with galaxy series nothing new just the size rather than sense UI..
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I could add that HTC One X has a super nice GPS - takes about 4s to get signal in buildings - that's just ridicules
I traded my Note for this bad boy. Well worth it my friend
Sent from my HTC One X
I have both and I like both.
I prefer One X cause it's more portable and has clearly a better screen. GNote has the advantage (while One X doesn't get S-OFF) of allowing to install custom roms without voiding warranty and of the bigger screen, which really makes a difference for e-reading.
I have both and I have ended up using the One X more. There are things that I really love about the note, but the updates and ICS on it are a let down. I for one really like sense and have since win mo days. To each his own
Hi all,
i currently am using a galaxy nexus and wish to upgrade my phone. I am debating between the Galaxy note 2 and the nexus 4.
I'm a fan of the pure google experience but am intrigued by the galaxy note 2's stylus functionality. I would appreciate if note 2 owners can share their experience of using the phone. Is the S pen functionality actually useful day to day? Or is it more of a cool "show off" feature?
thanks!
Doubt your going to get an unbiased answer in here.... :laugh:
That said, I wasn't even considering the Note 2 at one stage, but in the end because I couldn't get a Nexus 4, it made me think again about what I wanted...
I had a Nexus 7 and a Galaxy Nexus. I saw the Nexus 4 as just a very fast, more polished version of the Galaxy Nexus, otherwise the ownership experience was much the same IMHO. The Nexus 7 was superfluous and I didn't really use it to its potential. So I looked into the Note 2, as it addressed many things I didn't like about the Gnex, mainly, poor battery life, poor camera and lack of storage.
So I've got the Note 2.
No regrets. The camera appears to be better than the Nexus 4, battery life MUCH better (in fact, much better than any phone I've ever used before), and although the screen does not have 300+ PPI, its more "impressive" to look at. And it also fills in as a tablet.
Very happy with it. I do slightly miss Vanilla Android, but TBH you can still turn it into an object of desire with a little work.
As for the pen, for me, its a bit of a gimmick TBQH. Others may disagree.
netninja said:
Hi all,
i currently am using a galaxy nexus and wish to upgrade my phone. I am debating between the Galaxy note 2 and the nexus 4.
I'm a fan of the pure google experience but am intrigued by the galaxy note 2's stylus functionality. I would appreciate if note 2 owners can share their experience of using the phone. Is the S pen functionality actually useful day to day? Or is it more of a cool "show off" feature?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for the rest, but I honestly bought the first note thinking that I'd NEVER use the SPen, but in reality it's REALLY useful.
When I am on a phone call, I whip out the pen and just start writing on the smemo pad that comes up... Numbers, words, dates, etc. Very handy.
It's also a very precise tool.
When it's cold outside, I can use the Spen instead of taking off my gloves. Saves me from frostbite LOL.
It's great for screen captures of a specific size, or even the whole page!
I also admit that I was thinking about buying the Nexus 4 in addition to my Note 2. But I thought to myself that Pure Google is great, but I'd miss A LOT of the added functionality that Samsung or any other company adds to their devices. Those little touches make the experience really nice. So does google! But the SPen, huge battery, expandable memory, added software, larger screen.... All are necessary for me now... I'm a Samsunger for the next year at least hehe.
I hope I've helped shed some light on my personal use and opinion.
zkyevolved said:
When I am on a phone call, I whip out the pen and just start writing on the smemo pad that comes up... Numbers, words, dates, etc. Very handy.
It's also a very precise tool.
When it's cold outside, I can use the Spen instead of taking off my gloves. Saves me from frostbite LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never realise it did that, interesting, thanks.
As for getting cold in Spain, give over!
Thanks for the replies guys. They were all very good descriptions.
I gotta make a decision and it ain't an easy one!
The S-Pen is the reason I bought the Note 2 and i use it for more things than I first intended. I love all the retouching tools that are available on Android not to mention apps like SketchBookPro which are pretty useless without the S-Pen.
The pen is also, as another wrote, very accurate and very useful on Web pages like this to quickly change to italic or bold without having to zoom in!
One feature I really thought was a gimmick was the smart stay feature. But I assure you it isn't. It is one my favourites. In good light I now never have the screen sleep on me whilst reading. It however sleeps 15 seconds after I turn my head away.
Hey all,
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice! I got my Galaxy Note II in titanium today very pleased so far.
netninja said:
Hey all,
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice! I got my Galaxy Note II in titanium today very pleased so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good desicion, this is without doubt the best phone I have owned, so smooth. When I get my wife's s3 it feels slow and tiny compared.
i was making the same choice as well
nexus 4 advantages
-pure google experience
-cheap
-qualcomm s4 pro
-higher pixel density
galaxy note 2 advantages
-android 4.1 with touchwiz customisations which gives it a lot more software features out of the box compared to nexus 4
-a bit more expensive but i managed to order mine for $529AU, which isnt too much more compared to $399AU price of the nexus 4
-exynos 4412 might not be as quick as the s4 at 1080p, but at 720p theyre more or less on par
-although pixel density is lower, the screen real estate is much higher when you factor in that the on screen keyboard of the nexus 4 reduces the usable screen area to around 4.4-.4.5inches
-camera has a lot of useful features that i'd use
-a lot more choices in terms of cases available at the moment
-monster battery
-s pen (this wasnt really a selling point for me though since i barely used it in my note 1)
so after evaluating it (and seeing a massive price drop), i forked out the money. it also helped that the note 2 was available whereas the nexus 4 is still unavailable.
Ability with my N7105 to swap out the (massive capacity) battery and provision of a microsd slot wins it for me The 16GB max of the Nexus 4 is a deal breaker for me. No way I'll buy any device lacking a card slot. Why does Google do this? I can't see the non swappable 2100mAH battery lasting long on a quad core device either.
mitchelln said:
Ability with my N7105 to swap out the (massive capacity) battery and provision of a microsd slot wins it for me The 16GB max of the Nexus 4 is a deal breaker for me. No way I'll buy any device lacking a card slot. Why does Google do this? I can't see the non swappable 2100mAH battery lasting long on a quad core device either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, without µSD card, you can't take your music, vidéos and game with you. My internal memory is almost full, Gameloft game consume up to 1Go per game. Other games and apps use more and more spaces, around 50Mo per apps, and you have only 10Go left on the 16Gb model.
The main problem about the note is that you can't move game data to the external µSD without beeing root and using something like DirectoryBind.
And if you take many HD videos, 16Gb is ridiculous.
netninja said:
Hey all,
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice! I got my Galaxy Note II in titanium today very pleased so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy mate I'm sure you will
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Galaxy Note 2. Nexus 4 is slow in comparison. Nothing special about it unless you like stock ROM from Google. No external memory slot. Absolute deal breaker for any phone for me.
I just traded away my 16gig n4 for the international Note 2 and wow is all i can say. This is the best phone ever, samsung really hit a home run with this thing.
Nickel Dime Bay said:
I just traded away my 16gig n4 for the international Note 2 and wow is all i can say. This is the best phone ever, samsung really hit a home run with this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. I'm curious what made you decide to switch the N4 for the GNOTE 2?
netninja said:
Nice. I'm curious what made you decide to switch the N4 for the GNOTE 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bigger screen (N4 was super nice and clear)
Colors on the N4 were a bit washed out. That could also have been my eyes just like AMOLED screens better.
SD card slot
LTE (getting the ATT one soon)
And battery life is INSANE!
Those are some of MY reasons for switching. Loved the Nexus, that phone is so smooth!! But the Note 2 is just better in my eyes.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
I really wanted the Nexus 4, had two in the cart but was never able to purchase them on the release date. Really was bummed about that.
However, since I had time to wait for them to restock, I started looking a bit harder at other phones, and came across the GT-N7100 Note 2. What sealed it for me was:
Bigger screen
Huge battery capacity
Replaceable battery
Back isn't made of glass
SD card slot (64Gb on the way!)
S Pen sounded like a really neat idea
International version avoided carrier bloatware
International version has hotspot enabled
Since I've got it:
Screen really is nice
Battery life really is good
S-pen holds definite promise
Runs so, so smooth
Big phone is big
Can't move apps to SD card, (why god, why?!) but this can be fixed with root
Doesn't have a dedicated car dock like my Epic 4G did
Finding a 2A car charger is damn near impossible, but easy if you are good with a soldering iron to mod an existing one
Belt cases are hard to find (yeah, i kick it old school)
Completely happy with my purchase. Google did me a favor by running out of stock so fast.
netninja said:
Thanks for the replies guys. They were all very good descriptions.
I gotta make a decision and it ain't an easy one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I moved on from the Note1 powered by CM10/AOSKP based Roms, to the Note 2 and never doubted between it and the N4.
Could not even consider a phone without a sd slot, replaceable battery and smaller screen, even for that price and being pure Google.
Not to mention the Note 2 got an amazing sound, due the Wolfson DAC, and an amazing GPS/GLONASS performance.
And talking about amazing, what an amazing battery performance!
Actually, if you don't care about the fact that the Note is manufactured by Samsung, and don't care about the pure Google experience (Nexus devices) and prices, I don't even understand why you still have doubts.
Specially after all the answers you got here
Did you post this same question on the N4 forum?
.
sleebus.jones said:
[*]Finding a 2A car charger is damn near impossible, but easy if you are good with a soldering iron to mod an existing one
[*]Belt cases are hard to find (yeah, i kick it old school)
[/LIST]
Completely happy with my purchase. Google did me a favor by running out of stock so fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
otterbox has a defender case with belt clip. some ebay cases have a belt clip too.
and as for the 2A charger, just go on the google play store and buy the 2A charger that they sell for the nexus 7. i've been using my nexus 7 2A charger to charge my note 2, charges quite rapidly.
I have the note 2....also getting the nexus 4...because its cheap...... will be useful to give it as a gift to my brother
scribbled from my note 2 (N7100)
Why is it that only HTC One owners say that i should have gone HTC instead of my S4? I haven't heard a S4 owner tell an HTC one owner they made a mistake. I wanted Removable battery and expandable storage. So my option was clear.
We feel the difference is obvious. If it's not, then go with the One...
Maybe we're more secure in our choice. Both fantastic devices, buy what suits you.
I had tge htc one but battery life was killing me. Only got about 2 half hrs screentime. Galaxy 4+ hrs n all the features are nice.miss the speakers
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
because obviously u asked in the htc1 forums? sigh..
Same reason as yours, no ext sd, non removable battery = fail to me. Plus htc devices always end up sucking.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
The only reason that mattered to me was the screen size. If both were 5in then it would if gone HTC
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk HD
screen size and i dont like the bezel on the htc one. I prefer the almost edge to edge on the s4
Just got mines today, removable battery, and micro sd plus 2 gigs ram DDR3 instead of DDr2 like the one!!!!!!!!!!!
I got both. I'm a big slut.
Sent from my S4 using Tapatalk 2
I know this is the S4 forum so this is going to be hated on but...
I went with the 0ne instead of the S4 primarily because I had a Samsung galaxy S and its horrible 6 month lifespan. I don't trust Samsung's phones despite what is said about the S3 and S4 based on my experience with the brand. Products from hard drives to phones from Samsung have always disappointed me. I went with the 0ne simply because it isn't Samsung... so there you go...
Ended up settling with HTC One after a few days with S4. Couldn't stand the UI lag and the overheating issue. Both are great phones, prefer HTC One's screen, speakers and UI. Wouldn't mind having thinner bezel like S4 though.
nismo35 said:
Why is it that only HTC One owners say that i should have gone HTC instead of my S4? I haven't heard a S4 owner tell an HTC one owner they made a mistake. I wanted Removable battery and expandable storage. So my option was clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of reasons, the camera on the S4 captures allot more detail, the colours are more accurate and not overexposed and washed out like some HTC One images sometimes look., ok it doesn't cope with low light conditions as well but that's a trade-off I'm happy to make.
I can capture images with a Galaxy S4 that I can set as my desktop wallpaper and they look fantastic, I can't do that with a HTC One as they a bit blurry and colours don't look right..
There's the gorgeous OLED display which is a massive improvement over the one on the S3, yes the S3 offered different colour settings but they just removed colour, the movie mode looked washed out, any lower and it would have been black and white. Whereas the display modes on the S4 are completely different and if you want; it can produce near accurate colours and it looks fantastic.
The hardware is quicker, CPU and GPU are clocked higher and it uses DDR3 memory instead of DDR2 in the HTC One.
Removable back cover, removable battery, sdcard slot, thinner, lighter and more ergonomic design which feels allot nicer to hold, gorilla glass 3 and various software features.
Another plus is there are no on screen buttons taking up space on your screen, on the HTC One in allot of apps you get a large on screen menu button taking up space on the screen limiting the screen available for your app and games (yes even in games) and it looks stupid.
thcOne said:
I know this is the S4 forum so this is going to be hated on but...
I went with the 0ne instead of the S4 primarily because I had a Samsung galaxy S and its horrible 6 month lifespan. I don't trust Samsung's phones despite what is said about the S3 and S4 based on my experience with the brand. Products from hard drives to phones from Samsung have always disappointed me. I went with the 0ne simply because it isn't Samsung... so there you go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6 month lifespan? I still have the Galaxy S I bought on launch, well I don't have it, my niece uses it now and it's still doing a grand job. Yes they stopped updating it but competing products released at the same time were not updated either so it's stupid to buy HTC for that reason when they did exactly the same thing.
Samsung produce some of the best SSD drives around and they are hugely popular and in very high demand, clearly they are doing something right and you are doing something wrong.
I had a HTC one X, then S3 then HTC one X+, then bought amd returned the 64gb dev HTC one AND the black 32 GB HTC one... now using Tmobile S4 on AT&T, rooted.
The HTC One was hard too hold for me. The S4 felt better in my hand. I know s4 is an super upgraded S3, but I felt that HTC one is a super upgraded one x+.
So thats my story, only thing is that 9 gb storage is killing me... maybe upgrade to 32 later...
I am not a samung lover or HTC lover, but a phone changing lover... hahaha. Bad habit..
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
thcOne said:
I know this is the S4 forum so this is going to be hated on but...
I went with the 0ne instead of the S4 primarily because I had a Samsung galaxy S and its horrible 6 month lifespan. I don't trust Samsung's phones despite what is said about the S3 and S4 based on my experience with the brand. Products from hard drives to phones from Samsung have always disappointed me. I went with the 0ne simply because it isn't Samsung... so there you go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're judging the S4 based on the first Galaxy S? Good thing you didn't judge the one by its brand. I would list all their crap phones but it's too long of a list.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
vmtagen sammy
I've seen several people choose the S4 over the HTC one due to durability.
The HTC one is almost impossible to do any self repairs. Check out the iFixit tear down and you'll see. Not sure how good HTC's warranty is but make sure you get some sort of insurance on it. Just my two cents...
thcOne said:
I know this is the S4 forum so this is going to be hated on but...
I went with the 0ne instead of the S4 primarily because I had a Samsung galaxy S and its horrible 6 month lifespan. I don't trust Samsung's phones despite what is said about the S3 and S4 based on my experience with the brand. Products from hard drives to phones from Samsung have always disappointed me. I went with the 0ne simply because it isn't Samsung... so there you go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on that boat. I hated my galaxy s. I went with an amaze after and hated it as much. So I went s3 next and just loved it. Now with s4 and living it more. Battery is amazing as is the screen. I prefer touchwiz over sense also. Plus I have to have an sdcard.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I went S4 over HTC because I've owned numerous phones from each manufacturer, and they've all served me well, but Samsung just does it (everything) better, period, well for me
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
I had both but the battery life was killing me on htc one. Also I didnt like the keyboard, I know I can change it
S4 is thin and light, removable battery is pretty important for me
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Shocky2 said:
Samsung produce some of the best SSD drives around and they are hugely popular and in very high demand, clearly they are doing something right and you are doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said I ever had an SSD drive? SSD tech is hard to get wrong... I have a couple Samsung HDD that are terrible. Also have gone through 3 Samsung cell phones that crash repeatedly, freeze, lock in UI bugs, and have expanding failed lion batteries. I expected to get some rage in this thread for my honest reply but for you to call me stupid and make assumptions based on your experiences is just fanboyish.
Don't take this and quote it as if it is an open challenge for more rhetoric, this is a 1 time response to your attack on my intelligence, experience, and opinion.
Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.
Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
bikrame said:
Lol.
Welcome to amazing world of samsung.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2
dandiele said:
Well, like I said I had the S3 and then the note 2. The note 2 being the phone I had about a month ago before we switched to t-mobile. lets just say I was going through some serious withdrawals having the note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Welcome back then lol
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
A friend of mine at work just got the HTC One and I must say, yes hardware wise it's a nice looking phone and the speaker quality is the best around no question. Other than that, the software was Meh, no 4.2.2. Thank God I went with the GS4, made the right decision.
A lot of people probably hate TouchWiz too until they got used to it. Count me as one of them (well actually, I didn't hate it). For me, I'm a Samsung guy and have had in succession the Note 2, S3, and now S4. A family member of mine has the Nexus 4 and while the phone was so debloated, so stock, I felt it was missing so many features. Yes, some people will love it that way, no bloat and pure Android. I'm so used to TW and all its (fancy) features, I feel any other phone is not as powerful if they don't have the same features.
Obviously, Sense is a different launcher/style than a lot of us are used too (by us, I mean the Samsung folks). That doesn't mean it's horrible. I for one would love to try out the Sense theme, if I can get my hands on an HTC One. I'm all in for new/different features - like Windows 8. A lot of people hated it from the start because it was so different, so not intuitive they say. In response, I have to say, get used to it before making the judgment. It's taken me a couple months just to get used to Windows 8. Certainly, the Metro I don't care with, and would prefer Win7. Until I can do the same thing with Sense, I can't say whether the difference with TW makes it better, worse, or it's just different than TW.
I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
androidskillz said:
I feel you made the wrong choice. Those additional features will only be used for showing off and you only have about 8 GB of storage compared to about 28 on the one. Speakers are the best and I'm sure HTC will do a good job pushing out updates. Lastly, the one's screen is better and not as big so it is easier to use. I was going to get the s4 at first but then I asked myself what I really wanted. That's why I routed for the one
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you, I'm happy I had an sd slot so i can switch from my 64gb to my 32gb where I store my movies to my 16gb where I have my tv shows. Am also glad I am able to have an extra battery in case I will be able from my charger for an extended period of time. But if you dont like having those options then good for you!
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Dont turn this into a One vs S4 thread, both phones are amazing. I'm a Samsung guy and i fell in love with the One, as long as you're happy with your phone then its all gravy. This thread is kinda pointless too btw.
To each their own.
Me personally, neither phone could sway me away from the N2.
Fancy pants Note ||
Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
bigox said:
Neither phone impressed me. Samsung pulled an apple trick it's the same freaking phone! HTC did the same thing, no removable battery and no expandable memory! I'm waiting for the S5 or the next Gnex. Just my 2cents. Meanwhile I'm wearing out my S2.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if the htc had expandable memory and removable battery I might, MIGHT, have gone with the one. It really is a beautiful phone and I would love to have those front facing speakers. But for me no exp memory and nonremovable batt = fail
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
androidskillz said:
Plastic and about 8 Gb of storage = fail
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Metal phone with a plastic case and no expandable memory/battery = epic fail
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.
dandiele said:
Ok so I have had the s3 and the note 2 prior to switching to t-mobile, when I switched I figured id get the HTC one since I didnt or wouldnt have had that option with verizon, I must say I hated the phone. The hardware is nice dont get me wrong but the software SUCKS. The camera SUCKS. even the camera software is no were near as nice and useful as it is on the S4. I am so friggin happy with the s4 I dont know why I thought I would like the One. It may be the best device in the world for some but Id have to say to go from a samsung to an HTC Is like going backwards, and I even thought the gestures and smart scroll and all that would be to gimmicky and never get used but honestly, I love it!
Anyway, I just had to vent this. There were so many things wrong with sense in my opinion and if I can make anyones choice easier and allow them to be satisfied then hope I helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13
But it has 32gbs
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Towle said:
Why all the hate?? We're all here for the same reasons, regardless of what phones we choose to buy. Different things are better for different people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know but it is entertaining
-------------------------------------
If I have helped you, please hit the "Thanks" button
-Sent from one of my Obsessions
Have both the One and the S4, use the s4 more than the one. Thinking if I should just still the One.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
sensati13 said:
It's interesting, I recently purchased a TMO Galaxy S4 coming from a 2.5 year old HTC Sensation and I have *almost the exact opposite experience. The hardware (screen, form factor - obviously - it's just plain insane) and the camera software/interface is top notch! But the remainder of the experience felt like I was put back onto some odd looking, super sized font version of froyo - and not just by looks, I immediately noticed a drop in usability in some key aspects of the OS (e.g. email, sms, dialer, launcher) vs what I had gotten used to with HTC Sense.
Either way, not trying to be a troll. It's funny what we get used to and come to expect based on past experiences. The S4 will have to go back (thanks TMO return policy!) and it's gonna be me and the "old" HTC Sensation for a while longer. (I'd get the HTC One, but have to agree - no SD cards slot? wtf lol)
s13
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had a similar and also slightly different experience. I also came from an HTC Sensation which I've had for about 2 years, previously owned the og Galaxy S (Vibrant), and instead of the S4 I chose the HTC one, and got the GS4 for my wife instead.
Here are my observations since I actually have both phones and can compare them with NO bias...
-A lot of the online mainstream reviews you'll read between the two hit the nail on the head. The One imo is a better "phone". It does indeed have less features then the S4 (although many of them are gimmicks like the eye scrolling/tracking, airview, and a few others) but the speakers are far superior, which obviously aids for anyone who ever uses speakerphone or plays music and videos, the call quality is also a little better, the phone is more fluid and faster than the GS4 with basic functions like scrolling screens etc, and the phone of course has a MUCH more "premium" feel. Sense 5 is MUUUUUCH better than past versions of Sense and like a lot of review say, it *DOES* improve over stock android in actual useful features. The look is subjective of course but it's flat, useful and fast, and to me that's all that matters. The camera is better than any past smartphone I've ever used (Tmobile Dash>G1>Vibrant>Sensation>One) so I like it personally, but compared to its rivals like the GS4 I guess it's not the best, but does everything I've ever asked of it VERY well so no complaints from me.
The GS4 on the other hand has a superior camera. The camera on the One isn't bad at all, and kills the Gs4 in low light conditions and the aspect ratio and wide lense captures waaay more in each frame, but the GS4 has more camera features, packs a crapload more detail in each shot, has some pretty useful camera modes the One doesn't have, and is just generally better. The Galaxy might not be made of aluminum like the one, but it's lighter and imo actually feels better in my hand (without a case). Once you add a case in the mix, hand feel is null and void obviously but if you like to go commando the Gs4 feels better and will probably hold up to abuse better than the One due to the polycarbonate body and gorilla glass 3. The screen on the Galaxy is bigger than the One while the actual phone altogether is lighter and smaller so that's pretty nice, but it's not really THAT noticeable to be honest. One huge, huge advantage the Galaxy has over the One is removable storage and battery, which *USED* to be a deal breaker for me back in the day, but I've learned to live without them since I got my One, so either way it's a definite advantage but I guess how much so is up to the user. The Galaxy also has native quick settings built in which the one doesn't have (yet), so minor issue but another positive for the galaxy.
As far as negative for each, I'm actually on my second One already. Somehow my camera lense glass cracked even though I keep the phone in case and have never dropped it or bumped it. It just appeared one day in addition to the top speaker grill starting to separate from the body. Weird, but I got it replaced and the replacement is doing fine and actually stands up to overclocking and undervolting better than my old unit, so that made me pretty happy lol. That's really the only issue I've had with mine, but on the whole, the phone is definitely more fragile than the Galaxy WITHOUT a case. It scratches easier, dents, chips, etc...while the Galaxy doesn't.
The Galaxy feels better in hand (caseless) than the One, but it's slippery as hell and slides around easily and can be more prone to being dropped. Again, only an issue without a case, but this is my observation.
Touchwiz...personally I think it's a mess. I don't care for the look, as many have said it feels like your still running Gingerbread 2.3. The look hasn't changed much since I had a Vibrant running Touchwiz from 3 years ago, and while Touchwiz DOES have some unique features and generally does more than Sense and stock android...it's just ugly as hell while doing so lol. The Galaxy also does feel a tad slower and microstutters every so often while the One is almost always fluid and seems much smoother even tho it's running a newer version of android and has slightly better specs on hardware...it just doesn't "feel" like it. Other than that it's a fantastic phone and we haven't had any problems with it whatsoever unlike the One.
Between the two...if I just had to pick one, it's a toss up. I prefer my One honestly but I can see the advantages of the Galaxy S4 with it having more features so I'll just break it down like this...
Usefuleness as an actual phone
One>S4
Camera
GS4>One
In hand feel, portability
One=GS4
Usefulness as a multimedia device
GS4=One
Expandability
GS4>One
I will say that between the two if this even matters to anyone...I get WAAAAAY more props and questions and even jealous stares directed towards the One lol...