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I've had my Note since November 2011 (well a Note as I lost one and proceeded to buy another one). I still love the phone, the screen size is great and the white Note still gets a lot of attention over a year later (most people call it or actually think it's the mini ipad). Well I just successfully ordered a 16gb Nexus 4, now I am trying to decide if I will give it as a gift and keep the note or try something new. Does anyone have both and can tell me the pros and cons?
I like the Notes screen size, sd card slot, TW and honestly that it's still a unique device however I like the specs on the Nexus 4, NFC, wireless charging, and LED light. I feel the note is actually better looking than the Nexus and although I heard the Nexus has great build quality it will just got lost in the sea of black phones versus my white Note. I am not too concerned with the 16gb, I used to have a 16gb iphone and never ran out of space. I honestly am torn, I am not sure if some of the new features outweigh the screen size, uniqueness, and TW? Any other opinions? I realize they will be bias in the Note section.
Also any comparison on cameras, I love how great the pictures come out on my Note in the dark. My friends with iphone 4 and iphone 4s always want me to use my camera since it takes such better pictures than their phones when the flash is on, I wonder how the nexus 4 camera compares to the original Note camera?
BTW don't care about removeable battery or the spen, I barely ever use it.
I suffer from a severe upgradeitis, and since Nexus 4 is actually affordable (which couldn't be said about the GNex), I am jumping ship and getting myself one. I will probably suffer because of the smaller screen (I really got fond of Note's size), and I loathe the lack of microSD slot, but I love everything else about the N4.
I am with the N4...
You'll suffer for:
smaller screen
less vivid colors
lower quality of the camera
spen (if you use it frequently)
You'll like:
Google updates
smaller screen (will let you use it with one hand)
your wallet
led notifications
project butter full compliancy
impressive response
PolishDude said:
I've had my Note since November 2011 (well a Note as I lost one and proceeded to buy another one). I still love the phone, the screen size is great and the white Note still gets a lot of attention over a year later (most people call it or actually think it's the mini ipad). Well I just successfully ordered a 16gb Nexus 4, now I am trying to decide if I will give it as a gift and keep the note or try something new. Does anyone have both and can tell me the pros and cons?
I like the Notes screen size, sd card slot, TW and honestly that it's still a unique device however I like the specs on the Nexus 4, NFC, wireless charging, and LED light. I feel the note is actually better looking than the Nexus and although I heard the Nexus has great build quality it will just got lost in the sea of black phones versus my white Note. I am not too concerned with the 16gb, I used to have a 16gb iphone and never ran out of space. I honestly am torn, I am not sure if some of the new features outweigh the screen size, uniqueness, and TW? Any other opinions? I realize they will be bias in the Note section.
Also any comparison on cameras, I love how great the pictures come out on my Note in the dark. My friends with iphone 4 and iphone 4s always want me to use my camera since it takes such better pictures than their phones when the flash is on, I wonder how the nexus 4 camera compares to the original Note camera?
BTW don't care about removeable battery or the spen, I barely ever use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about getting one, but i don't like the hardware. Smaller screen and it's actually thinner than the Note, but it looks like a damn brick. Most of you don't care about these things, but i do
My Nexus 4 arrives December 10th. For me, I'm going to miss the screen the most on the Note which I still think is one of the nicest to look at. My wife has the One X which everyone tells me is the best display on a phone, but we both prefer the colours and general impression of the Note, even if they are unnatural.
Biggest reason for the purchase is that I'm tired of Samsung's BS with software updates and closed-source platform. I want the latest version of Android when it's released, not months later. I use aosp anyway, have never liked TW.
Things I expect to like about the Nexus are the smaller size (I don't know why but after a year of having the Note I'm starting to find its size prohibitive more often than I used to) , LED notification, proper Butter, software updates and general speed.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
None of you is bothered by the lack of an SD card slot? To me, this is definitely a showstopper along with the non-removable battery (iPhone style for the lose).
My main concern about the Nexus 4 is that it is just generic Android. I don't like the bloat around the other implementations such as TouchWiz, but there's a couple of dealbreaker bugs in stock Android that Samsung, HTC etc have fixed. I don't know why Google haven't.
In particular the Email client can't work with Exchange when offline. Deleting emails on the device leaves them all on the server still, even after connection is established and sync run. Makes it pretty useless for managing emails on a commute. Samsung, HTC and even Motorola have fixed this problem, but it's still in the base Android and has been since at least ICS and possibly HC. Google don't seem interested.
It gets even worse with Imap, where it puts all the emails you've deleted back on the device once you sync. Again HTC and Motorola have fixed this, although Samsung has this problem.
Seems a basic issue, but means I won't recommend these devices for corporate use until it is fixed.
Nick
I don't care about non-removable battery, I only take out my battery if I need to access my SIM or SD card, so not a big deal for me.
Lack of SD slot and puny internal memory is a bummer for sure, but I've decided I can live with that. In return, I get stock android experience without the need of using custom ROMs (and let's face it - while CM10 for the Note is awesome, it has its issues), I'm always up to speed with new Android releases (instead of waiting for CM to catch up), awesome hjardware, and great looks. Fair tradeoff in my opinion. I will mourn the lack of SD slot and lack of FM Radio, but I'll deal with it. I got my Note last year only because it was carrier-subsided, and I couldn't afford to buy an unlocked GNex.
Got the phone in, so far I rooted it. I need to play around with it for a bit before I decide which phone I want to keep.
Yes I bought 3 nexus 4 mobile phones really amazing phones hyper fast feels good gonna rom it rip it root it to the max.... This baby will blast off!!!!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I too have the nexus 4
Sold my galaxy note
And yes there's a difference in size but you get use to it
It's amazingly fast and already with 4.2.1
I'm rented by the price but lack of micro sd ruins it. Out of the 16 gig you will be lucky to have access to 11gig, as with other phones. I love my music and have a lot of roms on board so 11g is nothing.
From the man in your attic...
Can I just ask around a question, real quick. What's all that speed for? (casual) gaming?
Nexus 4 for me is the Android version of an iPhone, and unfortunately I am not meaning it as a compliment. As someone already stated in this topic, no sd card, no removable battery just means that if you want to take lots of pictures, videos, get your off-line Navigation with the entire Europe Maps (about 3.7GB) on your device there is not much left for anything else. I have seen a review where they state that only 12,3GB are available for the end user. That might be OK for some people, but I am not one of them.
Another thing is that if you want to use it a gamers phone, with this storage and HD games now available you will be able to get 3, maybe 4 big games in it, which is not something I would call ground breaking.
Last but not least, the battery in the phone will loose its charge over time. I am not a type of person to carry with me extra batteries and swap them around, but after some time everyone notices that their battery is not what it used to be. Specially when you want to buy / sell a second hand phone, being able to change the battery for a new one and enjoy your phone as when it was unpacked is something that Nexus 4 users will not be able to experience without getting their hands dirty and probably voiding the warranty of the device.
Sound Problems?
Does anyone here suffer from the Earpiece Defect in Nexus 4 that got mentioned in Mashable?
http://mashable.com/2012/11/25/google-nexus-4-defect/
Kortxero said:
None of you is bothered by the lack of an SD card slot? To me, this is definitely a showstopper along with the non-removable battery (iPhone style for the lose).
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Click to collapse
I know the OP doesn't care, but for me this is the showstopper (which would only change if a reasonably priced 64gb model came out). As others have said, this is the iPhone of Androids, and not in a good way. The lack of removable battery gets me as well as I use my phone so much that I need either two batteries or an extended battery.
But the pros are Butter, good updates etc. But personally ill stick with the Note until the Note 3 (or something better arrives), mainly through choice than cost.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
iyousif said:
Does anyone here suffer from the Earpiece Defect in Nexus 4 that got mentioned in Mashable?
http://mashable.com/2012/11/25/google-nexus-4-defect/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have a the distortion going on. Like, for the quality of the speaker to be good and not have any type of audio artifact, I need to keep the volume at 30% at all times. Anything higher, and certain pitches starts distorting/cracking. I guess one "fix" for this would be to change the kernel code to restrict the volume range of the speaker so that the maximum would be much lower. It could be the case that the kernel is actually overdriving the speaker module which results in the distortion. Whatever it is, it is definitely annoying to hear the edges of a person's voice gets distorted.
It's like they opted to use the cheapest POS speaker module they could find with an extremely limited range. The speaker on the Galaxy Note is a world better.
I have both....the screen size is something to get used to without a doubt. It is so tiny, but it is bearable. The constant updates from Google makes this phone worth it seeing how Samsung is a POS when it comes to releasing sources.
I'm also seeing some banding on the screen. Not sure if it's because of the screen or due to the image used (low bit).
I have an RMA on the way soon and will compare how the newer unit fares.
As NickC42 pointed out, I don't like stock Google android for few of these nitpicking stuffs -
1. Does not support speed dial? Hello Google!!??
2. Email/Calendar clients are white background black text. Why can't they have optional reverse color?
3. Oh I didn't know about those Exchange Email annoyances - total dealbreaker.
Sent from GNote.
willstay said:
As NickC42 pointed out, I don't like stock Google android for few of these nitpicking stuffs -
1. Does not support speed dial? Hello Google!!??
2. Email/Calendar clients are white background black text. Why can't they have optional reverse color?
3. Oh I didn't know about those Exchange Email annoyances - total dealbreaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Install custom rom/mod
2.Install inverted gapps
3.No single issue with exchange.
All this can be solved in 10 mniutes. This is Android. Want everything out of the box? Buy iPhone.
My reasoning was why I do not like stock Android aka Nexus. If I have to install custom ROM, it defeats purpose of buying a Nexus device.
Edited: Ask yourself ahalford why do people buy Nexus device? Because they get update from God Google on day one. What is use of that update if it never fixes few of the basic things?
Edited 2: Maybe you have iPhone hidden inside your secret stash and know it enough to recommend to other people. How about giving us out of the box experience one gets from iPhone?
Sent from GNote.
I've been wanting to get a new phone to replace my s3 but was looking between the note 2 and the HTC one and would like to ask the owners they're opinion. What are the pros and cons you have found, what are your favorite parts of the phone, battery life, responsiveness and speed etc...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
I've come from having the hero, the HTC evo shift and the evo design. This phone is a million times better. I haven't noticed any lag. Sense is very smooth and fast. Battery life is impressive. I thought my evo design was cool, but this phone is amazing. I've been waiting and hearing about a phone like this since I first got my HTC hero. I wouldn't go by what I have to say though. I would read reviews, watch videos and even go to a store to try it out. You can even buy it and try it out for a little while as long as you take care of it, then if you didn't like it take it back.
Here is my phone history as of the last 2-3 years.
HTC EVO - EVO 3D- S2- Evo LTE - S3 - One
I've gone back and forth on HTC and Samsung.
I like the upgrade from S3 to the One.
However, if you are deciding between the Note II and the One that's really an apple to oranges comparison.
They serve different functions.
Battery: The battery of the One is better than the S3. And if you didn't have problems making it a day with the S3 then you wont have a problem with the One.
HDD Space: The One comes with about 25gb of usable storage. If this this good enough for you then I don't a problem.
I hope this helps.
Had a Captivate Glide and a Note II and I just traded my Note for the HTC One. Couldn't have been happier with my decision. I will miss some of the minor stuff that TouchWiz had like the ability to scroll left to right instead of up and down in the app drawer and being able to group stuff into folders but that's nothing that a launcher or custom rom cant fix. Stereo speakers and a 468ppi 1080p screen makes watching videos at least 4-5x better for me then it was on my Note II.
The HTC One is such an amazing phone. I was damn impressed when I was playing around with the phone when I first got it and it was installing like 50 applications in the background, one after another without slowing the phone down at allllllll.... I didn't even know it was installing them until I saw the notifications pop up in the top bar. The camera is amazing and pulls in phenomenal sound quality. HDR mode works like a charm. Very solid build with the all metal body. The screen actually does a great job repelling fingerprints. If you do decide to wipe it once in a while, one wipe across your shirt should leave it flawless again. The phone does feel like it gets hot sometimes but it's a metal phone so it will absorb more heat than plastic does. On the plus side, it also acts like a heat-sync for the phone keeping the inside cooler.
There's already a root available for it and a couple different ROMs. The entire process is actually very simple to do as well. I did it for the first time ever and found it too easy to be considered a project lol.
You won't be let down by the HTC One if you decide to get it.
Cheers!
Darkendvoid88 said:
being able to group stuff into folders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The One can do just that.
CaptainCookie said:
The One can do just that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, realized I had to be in custom mode for the app drawer to do folders
Coming from the 3VO, I have a bad taste of HTC in my mouth mostly due to poor build quality, parts, update speed. With upgrade due on 1 Aug 2013 I hope to get the HTC One. Can I expect more of the same or is it a new experience?
HTC is trying, but not hard enough...you'll see most of the same IMO, but it's still fairly early to tell (IMO still doesn't make a difference, HTC will never get their act together)
I've owned two HTC phones that both got killed on GB. Very saddening
Sent from my S3 on Sense 5 (you jelly?)
deadhead_fred said:
Coming from the 3VO, I have a bad taste of HTC in my mouth mostly due to poor build quality, parts, update speed. With upgrade due on 1 Aug 2013 I hope to get the HTC One. Can I expect more of the same or is it a new experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I say one thing, I have to commend you on your dramatic title.
The One isn't for everyone. Period.
If you are gonna need to be able to zoom on the camera at all, you're out of luck. If you need a crapload of storage space, same. The American Ones haven't gotten 4.2 yet (Taiwan + Int'l have). This phone gets hot to the touch rather quickly. If you damage the device, it is hard to replace the casing yourself. You definitely can't replace any of the internals yourself. There have been reports of shoddy QC with problems including: gaps in the unibody case, mushy power buttons, self-cracking lenses (which has yet to be verified as a defect) and dead/stuck pixels. EDIT: I had my device repaired, and my power button came back recessed by about a millimeter. Again, shoddy QC.
That's not to say other devices are perfect. The S4 seems to have cracking LCD issues or something. HTC one has the best low light performance of any cell phone camera. EDIT: Review say that the Nokia 1020 and 925 beat all other cameras, including the HTC One's. Zoe allows for living, breathing pictures. The (almost)all-metal case is like nothing I've or probably anybody else has ever held before. It's miles better than any plastic phone. The boomsound speakers are simply the loudest ever. NTM that they face you, and not your hands. Sense 5 is really an improvement over 4, and the battery is enough for 1.5 - 2 days of moderate use.
The biggest tradeoff you'll be making when coming to this phone is the picture resolution. The QC issues are somewhat rare (nobody reports a perfectly good device) and some say that the heating is actually good in that the heat dissipates rather than smoldering inside the phone.(EDIT: The device regularly reaches 105 degrees F while browsing. Not sure if that's normal.) I wouldn't worry about update speed. We already have 4.3 ROMs coming from the Google Play edition. I think Samsung has the best Reputation for old product support when it comes to software updates. That is, if you don't count Cyanogenmod and iOS. My GS2 runs 4.1.2, stock.
That's just an overview of what has been discussed about this phone on XDA. The choice is yours.
sauprankul said:
If I say one thing, I have to commend you on your dramatic title.
The One isn't for everyone. Period.
If you are gonna need to be able to zoom on the camera at all, you're out of luck. If you need a crapload of storage space, same. The American Ones haven't gotten 4.2 yet (Taiwan + Int'l have). This phone gets hot to the touch rather quickly. If you damage the device, it is hard to replace the casing yourself. You definitely can't replace any of the internals yourself. There have been reports of shoddy QC with problems including: gaps in the unibody case, mushy power buttons, self-cracking lenses (which has yet to be verified as a defect) and dead/stuck pixels.
That's not to say other devices are perfect. The S4 seems to have cracking LCD issues or something. HTC one has the best low light performance of any cell phone camera. Zoe allows for living, breathing pictures. The (almost)all-metal case is like nothing I've or probably anybody else has ever held before. It's miles better than any plastic phone. The boomsound speakers are simply the loudest ever. NTM that they face you, and not your hands. Sense 5 is really an improvement over 4, and the battery is enough for 1.5 - 2 days of moderate use.
The biggest tradeoff you'll be making when coming to this phone is the picture resolution. The QC issues are somewhat rare (nobody reports a perfectly good device) and some say that the heating is actually good in that the heat dissipates rather than smoldering inside the phone. I wouldn't worry about update speed. We already have 4.3 ROMs coming from the Google Play edition.
That's just an overview of what has been discussed about this phone on XDA. The choice is yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very factual, thanks for commenting I feel kind of reassured about my decision.
This is a solid device. I'm still stock,UN rooted and it really doesn't do anything bad. My phone doesn't get super hot, it takes good pics, the o.s runs great, no lag. I unplugged mine this morning at 5:30am and I still have 20% at 11:23pm. When you get the phone get a good case.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
I am impressed with HTC this time around. I pretty much wrote them off in the past but I think they finally got their act together with the One.
But like others said it comes down to personal preference. There are tradeoffs and you just got to play with all your options. But I believe the consensus is that HTC really stepped it up.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
deadhead_fred said:
Coming from the 3VO, I have a bad taste of HTC in my mouth mostly due to poor build quality, parts, update speed. With upgrade due on 1 Aug 2013 I hope to get the HTC One. Can I expect more of the same or is it a new experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from the Evo 3D too and I hated HTC. I heard the 3D was the worst by far with OTAs and such. I really like the One for the build and while i miss some things (like the ability for an SD) it's easy to get over. I was considering the GS4 before the One, but I took a look at them side by side and I felt the one was much better IMO.
Great build, hard to fix parts (as mentioned above), Not too sure yet about update speed. I think you should go for it :good:
I recently purchased the One and I'm so close to returning it. I can't stand the fact that you can't turn off BlinkFeed, which is a complete waste of a very limited number if Android screens. The One gives you only (yes, "only") five screens max, four not including BlinkFeed. I need two screens alone for personal and work contacts widgets. I upgraded from the original HTC Evo and I already miss that old goat.
I miss my SD card too.
Why do people talk about phones' outer shells when 99% of phones out there are sitting in some Otterbox/case?
Have you thought about using a different launcher? No blinkfeed, more customization, as many screens as you like. Personally I use Nova launcher
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2
Hello, would like some honest advice and opinions please, on whether to keep my new ATT HTC One M8 or get the ATT Galaxy S5 ?
I am no fanboy, I have owned like 11 or 12 different Android phones over the past four years, HTC, Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc... To me the company brand doesn't really matter whatsoever. In this order is my opinion on most important features; #1 = Best battery life, #2 = Best screen, #3 = Pocketable and good feel in hand, and weight in pants / shorts, #4 = Root option, to debloat the phone, and install apps like AdAway, and Greenify, and Xposed Framework, #4 = Smoothness of the OS and UI, no lag, and good looking UI.
Little recent phone history the past year, I have had the ATT S4 since the Fall, and before that the Nexus 4. Got rid of the Nexus due to average battery life, and dropped it and cracked the screen. Got the ATT S4, and liked it, but didn't know about the lock bootloader before I bought it, so Root was my only option, but I was cool with that, root allowed me to all I wanted, like delete apps, install root apps, and also Xposed framework with Wanam, and I turned my S4 into a cool phone, but the S4 screen always seemed too dim for outdoors, and battery life was ok, not bad, not great, and it did lag a little here and there. So...time for an upgrade.
Reading every review out there between the new HTC One M8 and Samsung Galaxy S5, made them seem like such a tie, it was more personal features that separated them, but hardware wise, both phones share very similar components, and pretty close battery life.
After owning the One M8 for a week now, only noticeable drawbacks coming form an S4, is the weight of the M8 feels much heavier, especially when in the pockets of my pants or coat, it weighs it down noticeably more than the S4 did, and with gym shorts on the M8 feels like a brick, where the S4 was very feather light in comparison. And turning it on, the S4 with the bottom home button, I was so used to pressing then and then swiping hand to turn on the screen. The M8 has knock on, which is ok, but I don't like it that much, and then the power button on top to turn screen on, is a little pain.
But the M8 has a very beautiful LCD screen, and looks great outdoors. The speed of the M8 is crazy fast. And Sense 6 looks really good, almost like stock Android, but lightly improved or touched up. Where as Touchwiz on my S4 was an ugly mess. The settings on the Galaxy S4 was a cluster**** design, where as the Sense 6 settings menu is smart and clean looking.
But I did see a coworker with a new S5, and I did get a little jealous of it, the screen looked pretty dang sweet and his all black S5 phone in a black case, looked stealth bad ass cool The M8 in dark gray, doesn't really have an exact color matching case, so with a case on the M8 it really loose the coolness big time, this M8 looks best naked, as soon as a case it put on it, the great design disappears.
Only thing keeping me back from the S5, is ATT, and no Root, and I know for sure no bootloader unlock coming ever, but at least basic Root I need on a phone. How do you use a phone with all that crapwear installed without removing it ? And I can't afford the $700 to buy an off contract S5, plus I think that's outrageous to pay, I'd just wait for the One+ or Nexus 6 for $399.
So bottom line, is the ATT S5 worth it over the M8, if I like the lighter weight, the home button to turn it on, the gorgeous screen, and stealth look of the black design ? But with no Root, not sure I can live with that ? But then I do love Sense 6, and the ROM'ing I can do on the M8, and battery life has been off the charts good on this M8 with my rooted settings, which battery life is extremely important to me.
So ... ?
Zorachus said:
Hello, would like some honest advice and opinions please, on whether to keep my new ATT HTC One M8 or get the ATT Galaxy S5 ?
I am no fanboy, I have owned like 11 or 12 different Android phones over the past four years, HTC, Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc... To me the company brand doesn't really matter whatsoever. In this order is my opinion on most important features; #1 = Best battery life, #2 = Best screen, #3 = Pocketable and good feel in hand, and weight in pants / shorts, #4 = Root option, to debloat the phone, and install apps like AdAway, and Greenify, and Xposed Framework, #4 = Smoothness of the OS and UI, no lag, and good looking UI.
Little recent phone history the past year, I have had the ATT S4 since the Fall, and before that the Nexus 4. Got rid of the Nexus due to average battery life, and dropped it and cracked the screen. Got the ATT S4, and liked it, but didn't know about the lock bootloader before I bought it, so Root was my only option, but I was cool with that, root allowed me to all I wanted, like delete apps, install root apps, and also Xposed framework with Wanam, and I turned my S4 into a cool phone, but the S4 screen always seemed too dim for outdoors, and battery life was ok, not bad, not great, and it did lag a little here and there. So...time for an upgrade.
Reading every review out there between the new HTC One M8 and Samsung Galaxy S5, made them seem like such a tie, it was more personal features that separated them, but hardware wise, both phones share very similar components, and pretty close battery life.
After owning the One M8 for a week now, only noticeable drawbacks coming form an S4, is the weight of the M8 feels much heavier, especially when in the pockets of my pants or coat, it weighs it down noticeably more than the S4 did, and with gym shorts on the M8 feels like a brick, where the S4 was very feather light in comparison. And turning it on, the S4 with the bottom home button, I was so used to pressing then and then swiping hand to turn on the screen. The M8 has knock on, which is ok, but I don't like it that much, and then the power button on top to turn screen on, is a little pain.
But the M8 has a very beautiful LCD screen, and looks great outdoors. The speed of the M8 is crazy fast. And Sense 6 looks really good, almost like stock Android, but lightly improved or touched up. Where as Touchwiz on my S4 was an ugly mess. The settings on the Galaxy S4 was a cluster**** design, where as the Sense 6 settings menu is smart and clean looking.
But I did see a coworker with a new S5, and I did get a little jealous of it, the screen looked pretty dang sweet and his all black S5 phone in a black case, looked stealth bad ass cool The M8 in dark gray, doesn't really have an exact color matching case, so with a case on the M8 it really loose the coolness big time, this M8 looks best naked, as soon as a case it put on it, the great design disappears.
Only thing keeping me back from the S5, is ATT, and no Root, and I know for sure no bootloader unlock coming ever, but at least basic Root I need on a phone. How do you use a phone with all that crapwear installed without removing it ? And I can't afford the $700 to buy an off contract S5, plus I think that's outrageous to pay, I'd just wait for the One+ or Nexus 6 for $399.
So bottom line, is the ATT S5 worth it over the M8, if I like the lighter weight, the home button to turn it on, the gorgeous screen, and stealth look of the black design ? But with no Root, not sure I can live with that ? But then I do love Sense 6, and the ROM'ing I can do on the M8, and battery life has been off the charts good on this M8 with my rooted settings, which battery life is extremely important to me.
So ... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used my brothers M8 for about 2 weeks and have been using the S5 since it has been released in stores. If you are going by appearance alone, the M8 takes the cake. If you need louder speakers, go with the M8. Even tho the S5 doesn't have root, I stay around 5-6hrs of screen time with about 25hrs in between charges. I am a heavy texter, steam pandora during my 1hr car ride each way to/from work and use Facebook a lot. The M8 battery life didn't come close to comparing to the S5. The light weight of the S5 is a huge factor as well. In direct sunlight, the screen on the S5 displays a little better than the M8. The camera on the S5 is better than the M8. I don't use the heartbeat sensor so I find that pretty useless. The double tap to wake feature on the M8 is something that I definitely wish was possible on the S5. A lot of people complain about the fingerprint scanner on the S5, but I haven't experienced them. Being able to disable a lot of the built in apps and services on the S5 has drastically improved the performance; however, it is a little too early to tell its impact on battery life. Not having root is a huge drawback as I like to completely just remove the junk that I don't use and am a flashaholic. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which device would be better for you, but for me the S5 is my device of choice.
I will say, the M8 feels very premium in the hand, and the screen is extremely crisp, bright, and clear looking. My old S4 feels like a kids plastic toy, compared to the luxury feel of the M8. And Sense 6 with the Black / White colors, looks very professional and polished, compared to the butt ugly nasty Touchwiz on my S4.
But I haven't really played with an S5 much, so I am comparing my M8 to S4 which isn't fair.
I just miss the lightweight feel of the S4, with the rounded corners, felt very good in the palm of the hand.
I chose the m8 because of the ability to convert it to Google Play and the fact that the company let's you unlock it. I was a big Samsung fan until the Note 3.
As far as features, I wasn't a big camera person so the decision was a no brainer for me.
This is my first HTC phone and so far it doesn't disappoint. Battery life is amazing (although converted) and the speakers rock. However if it was waterproof that would have been a nice touch.
Either phone is a good choice. Decide what you really want to do with it then use that to choose. For me it was customizability and the speakers.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using xda app-developers app
I have owned a Samsung phone since the first Galaxy came out software on the galaxy is the best in my opinion, even though I don't use all the features I used alot of them, since the s4 with boot loader lock to the s5 it has just soured me on Samsung. So I decided to try HTC and I don't regret it, battery life is amazing and I use it all day, the feel of the metal to me personally feels more premium and the fact that HTC gives you the choice to unlock boot loader is a plus. Camera well I'm not a photographer so a decent camera will do and I'm happy with it. Over all it comes down to personal preference.
And with a slim case my phone didn't lose that nice look and the premium feel.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
I think that you're just one of those people that just want whatever is the hottest phone out there, but is that phone the best one for you? There is the best phone, and there is the right phone. I believe that the S5 is the slightly better phone, but based on what you're looking for, I believe that you already have the right phone, maybe not the better one, but the right one for you. If so, then don't let your greed get the best of you. Neither one of these phones are perfect. Let's face it. You're going to be missing something that you really want regardless of which phone you choose.
The M8 has the better look naked, but the S5 has the better looking case? Come on, seriously? Oh well, I guess every little factor matters.
But then again, Your biggest factors:
If you want the better feeling phone, then choose the S5. If you want root, then choose the M8. There is a chance that you will get one of the two factors, but not the other, as there is no guarantee that the S5 will ever get root. So, you should be deciding which is more valuable to you, better feel or root.
The other factors, best battery, best performance, are going to vary based on who you ask because no two phones will be or act exactly alike.
If you're in the US then the M8 and the S5 are two of the best choices right now. I faced your same dilemma. You can't go wrong with either phone, but each one has strengths and weaknesses and some of those weaknesses will never change.
For me I chose the S5, but I wanted the better camera. I wanted the RGB LED notification. I wanted the phone that won an award for best display on a smartphone ever. I'm a bit old-fashioned...I didn't want to go to a phone that had no hardware buttons. I also wanted a removable battery.
For choosing those, I had to give up what the M8 was offering like BoomSound, Sense 6 (I happen to like Sense), the new BlinkFeed everyone seems to like, the nice metal case, unlocked bootloader and root right out of the gate and so on.
There's no perfect phone. You have to find the one whose flaws you're willing to live with. I'm just glad the Xperia Z2 isn't offered by any carriers here or it would have been an even tougher decision!
I personally love the s5 build. The back has good grip and doesn't attract fingerprints. I would assume that it's likely more durable than the m8 based off of the water resistance alone. Speakers on the s5 get the job done. Loudest they were on any sammy device. Only drawback, which was already mentioned, is lack of root. The bloatware is more present than ever and, while I won't flash anything too crazy since I like the stability of TouchWiz, I would like to remove all this bloatware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using xda app-developers app
I currently have both. The GS5 is going back this week. Reason: Lag drives me crazy. It's not a slow phone, but there are slight lags everywhere and they add up. Especially when you compare it side-by-side with the M8. I just can't use a phone like this as my daily driver.
I will say that this phone has the best screen I've ever seen. I thought the M8 was good until I saw the GS5. I also like the way the GS5 feels in my hand more and I don't feel like I need a case to keep from dropping it. I thought I wanted the better camera, but I find that, while better, it's not so much better that I have to keep this device over the M8. And it's slower to launch, which means I miss a lot of shots I can get with my M8.
That being said, the lack of root, locked bootloader, and Knox pretty much kill it for me. My M8 is already rooted with ads blocked and tethering. I also have a Find 7a on the way, so I don't really need all three phones.
One minor thing, I like the look of the black colored S5 with a cool flat black case on it, looks very stealth and bad ass, and the phone sits flat on a desk with a case, easy to still use the phone flat. Where as the M8 is curved, and any case on the M8 immediately kills the great looks of the new One. Is funny, the S5 actually looks better with the right case on it, and the M8 only looks awesome naked, but is dangerous to run around with the M8 unprotected. I haven't see any good looking case for the M8 yet, they all destroy the beauty of the phone.
Zorachus said:
One minor thing, I like the look of the black colored S5 with a cool flat black case on it, looks very stealth and bad ass, and the phone sits flat on a desk with a case, easy to still use the phone flat. Where as the M8 is curved, and any case on the M8 immediately kills the great looks of the new One. Is funny, the S5 actually looks better with the right case on it, and the M8 only looks awesome naked, but is dangerous to run around with the M8 unprotected. I haven't see any good looking case for the M8 yet, they all destroy the beauty of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the M8 if you need root...while a root exploit for the ATT version will likely be found later, there likely really isnt a whole lot of development thats gonna happen for the device. I have both, but I went and bought a TMO outright and sim unlocked it...That said as soon as I can get a 1+ invite, I'm getting rid of the S5.
I currently have the Note 2 ND I'm on tmobile but I like to see the trend that carriers and phones are going. I'm very devoted to the Note line and my next phone is going to be the Note 4. It seems Samsung is OK with carriers locking bootloader. If tmobile does this I will have to move to htc hopefully they develop a good note competitor.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
djkinetic said:
Keep the M8 if you need root...while a root exploit for the ATT version will likely be found later, there likely really isnt a whole lot of development thats gonna happen for the device. I have both, but I went and bought a TMO outright and sim unlocked it...That said as soon as I can get a 1+ invite, I'm getting rid of the S5.
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Have you had any issues with the SIM unlock such as the phone loosing the APN, getting MMS, or anything?
Zorachus said:
One minor thing, I like the look of the black colored S5 with a cool flat black case on it, looks very stealth and bad ass, and the phone sits flat on a desk with a case, easy to still use the phone flat. Where as the M8 is curved, and any case on the M8 immediately kills the great looks of the new One. Is funny, the S5 actually looks better with the right case on it, and the M8 only looks awesome naked, but is dangerous to run around with the M8 unprotected. I haven't see any good looking case for the M8 yet, they all destroy the beauty of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well flip coin. If it comes up heads, then get the phone with the better looking case; tails, the better looking phone naked.
What's the difference? 11 or 12 phones in 4 years? It doesn't matter which phone you already have. You're going to get the other, plus one more in the next year anyway, your 3 phones per year average. I say get the S5 now, since you already have the M8. If you had the S5 first, you would probably be getting the M8 next. You're not going to be completely satisfied anyway regardless of which phone you get.
shortydoggg said:
Well flip coin. If it comes up heads, then get the phone with the better looking case; tails, the better looking phone naked.
What's the difference? 11 or 12 phones in 4 years? It doesn't matter which phone you already have. You're going to get the other, plus one more in the next year anyway, your 3 phones per year average. I say get the S5 now, since you already have the M8. If you had the S5 first, you would probably be getting the M8 next. You're not going to be completely satisfied anyway regardless of which phone you get.
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Click to collapse
LOL at the 12 phones in 4 years. I think so ? My first Android phone was the MyTouch 3G, then the Nexus-One, EVO 4G, EVO 3D, Nexus-S 4G, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Nexus, HTC One X, Note 2, Nexus 4, Galaxy S4, and now my HTC One M8, so that would be 12
Zorachus said:
LOL at the 12 phones in 4 years. I think so ? My first Android phone was the MyTouch 3G, then the Nexus-One, EVO 4G, EVO 3D, Nexus-S 4G, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Nexus, HTC One X, Note 2, Nexus 4, Galaxy S4, and now my HTC One M8, so that would be 12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're just a phone jumper, admit it. You just like to try different phones. The only reason you're thinking about the S5, is because you haven't got your hands on it yet. If you had the S5 first, then you'd be thinking about the M8.
I wish I had enough money to try 12 phones every 4 years. I'm stuck every 2 years with just 1, the last 10 years.
Keep the S5
/thread
I had the m8, it was fast but things I did not like
it felt like a slick wet bar of soap, yes a case would resolve this issue and most of use cases..
I hated the camera I take loads of pics with my phones and 4 ultra pixels was just not cutting it..
I like lifeproof cases yet they will sadly not be making them for the HTC M8.. I drop my phone a lot and would like to have a waterproof case..
S5
I now own
it is waterproof for short amounts of time up to whatever meters.. another words if i drop in or get a call in the rain or whatever i don't have to worry about getting it wet.
the camera is a load better on the S5
on the S5 you can set up the screen for more sensitivity so if you are wearing gloves you can use your phone ( living in the northeast this is a good thing in cold weather)
lifeproof also has a case for this in the works even though you can get it wet I'd still like a waterproof case..
removable back on the s5
removable battery on the s5
user interface, well most of us download new launchers and then later on root and unstall a rom so this wont be an issue once root is gained on the AT&T and Verizon models...
those are why I chose the S5 over the M8
I got the S5 almost two weeks ago and loved it. It's fast, has a great screen, great camera and excellent battery life. But for me, having root was the my biggest motivator. It was the main reason I traded my iPhone 5 for an s4 a few months back. I just traded my s5 back in for the m8 and don't regret it a bit, they are both excellent phones and both have their trade offs. If rooting is not a big deal for you then by all means go with the s5(I would have). If you know you will want/need root in the future then the m8 is probably your best bet.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
After a week of owning the One M8 I am pretty happy with it, I'd say very happy actually. Not fair, but the comparisons are against my previous phone, the Galaxy S4.
Pros;
- Screen is awesome, very crisp and sharp, with realistic colors, looks extremely detailed. After my S4's AMOLED, this is a refreshing change. Plus outdoors it looks night and day better than the S4 screen.
- Crazy smooth fast. The M8 is Star Trek warp speed fast compared to the S4 which would be current rocket technology fast. Plus TW on the S4 would lag or pause for a second or two in some apps, never get anything like that on the M8.
- Sense 6 is very nice, compared to Touchwiz, it looks more professional, nice Black / White / Blue theme and design to Sense 6, more of a minimalistic look. I still think stock Android is the best, but Sense 6 is a very close second. And Touchwiz is last place of all UI's to me.
- Battery life on the M8 is off the charts AMAZING, I mean like really good, maybe even 50% better then my S4. This thing almost lasts as long as my old Note 2 battery.
- Speakers, I wasn't ever really looking for great speakers in a cell phone before, never thought about it. But wow these are crazy good, loud and very clear sound. YouTube videos and music sound awesome. Really wasn't expecting to like the speakers as much as I do.
- Development friendly, I am rooted, custom Recovery, S-Off, and running a custom stock ROM. And I have the option to install the GPE ROM of the M8, so can always be on the latest Android OS if I want for years now.
Cons;
- Heavy weight, not a fan of the heavier feel of this M8, compared to my old S4 which was feather light. The S4 in gym shorts was barely noticeable, where the M8 feels like a brick.
- Curved back not cool, I like flat backs on a phone, to rest on a desk, and use it while laying down on the table. Can't really do that with the M8. I like a small thin flat case around my phone, not curved.
- Accessories, not nearly as many cases available for the M8, as there are for the iPhone or Galaxy line.
- LED Notification light on the S4 is better, bigger and brighter. The M8 has this tiny little flashing dot hiding inside the speaker grille.
- Not waterproof like the new S5, which would be nice.
Overall I really like this M8, just need to find that right case. But the S5 still looks nice too, but with no root and no ROM's for the S5 that is a big deal for me. I couldn't handle a stock carrier version S5 with no customization or option to debloat it. But the lighter feel, and flat back is ncie for the S5.
At the end of the day there is no perfect phone. I think a combination of the S5 + M8 = perfect phone. Sense 6 + S5 screen + metal design in the shape of the old smaller S4 size + waterproof. Then I woke up
There seems to be plenty of people moaning about what they don't like, there is a Note 4 Let Down Thread, so I wanna read some positive comments about what we DO like about the Note 4 in General, it doesn't matter which model you got, but if you feel happy about it please share your positive thoughts.
-Personally I Like the style of the phone.
-I also like the fact that its made from metal (well most of it) except the battery door which comes always in handy and its another pro about this phone, the access to the battery and micro sd card.
-Of course it runs on Android which I love.
-I like the screen which is amazing
-I like the camera, both, the front camera and rear camera.
-I like the S-pen and yes I use it everyday when I go to the gym, I keep track of my workouts, weights, reps, all in one place, I have a phone, a music player, a great camera shooter, and a notebook, and we all must thank Samsung for this, if not go back and read about what people though about the first Note device.
-I like the fact we still have the LED for notifications, which a lot of manufactures still forgetting about it.
-I like the battery life, yes I know, I have read about all the complains, but its not in my case, yes I have 90% of Samsung bloatware turned off, I just use what I like and what I need.
- I like how easily I can access a hard drive or any external storage via OTG.
-I like the IR Blaster, which not a lot of devices have it, and they should.
-I like the S Health app, and yes, i use the heart rate monitor, im into fitness, and yes this app help me track all my workouts, ive even improve in my diets.
Of course there are plenty of stuff I just forgot right now, but I hope you guys help me to remember them by commenting your positive thoughts and everything you like and what makes you feel good and special about the Note 4,
IF YOU WANT TO COMMENT COMPLAINS AND NEGATIVE COMMENTS PLEASE SEARCH AROUND THERE ARE PLENTY OF THREADS, NOT HERE, THANKS
I love my note 4. I like it's size, the display is beautiful, the battery life is far better than my note 2. It has more space. I like the way it feels in my hand. I paid cash for it so I don't owe tmobile a dime lol...
Overall I love my note 4 and I'm extremely happy with my purchase. I don't have any complaints and I haven't at all since I've had it
It's a hulk, which for my Neanderthal-esque hands helps out a ton.
The screen is gorgeous
The camera is top notch and helps me, who happens to be one of the worst picture takers of all time, take good pics.
I use S-Note in my meetings every day.
Build wise it feels great in the hand without a case.
Eventually I can pick up an additional battery pack.
One day it will get an update that stops the ferocious lag lollipop has at times.
Dat screen doe.
Overall, 9/10
It's better than my previous iPhone 6
ixon2001 said:
It's better than my previous iPhone 6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comment your reasons...cheers:fingers-crossed:
I've only had my Note 4 since 4/30 but I've yet to find anything that I don't like.. Running stock 5.0.1 using the TouchWiz launcher, and only have the Google apps that don't have a Samsung equivalent enabled! Love this thing!!
mistah_mumford said:
I've only had my Note 4 since 4/30 but I've yet to find anything that I don't like.. Running stock 5.0.1 using the TouchWiz launcher, and only have the Google apps that don't have a Samsung equivalent enabled! Love this thing!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please post everything you like specifically, everything you use, thanks, cheers:fingers-crossed:
I like the battery, the screen size and that is Amoled, Touchwiz features, and that it fits ok in my hand because it's thin. Also I like Samsung is okish with software updates compared to other manufacturers.
Everything the OP said, plus now that we're on Lollipop I can use my MicroSD card properly again with Solid Explorer and other properly updated apps (without rooting). Also like the battery life, regularly 20-30% left at the end of the day with normal usage. Finally, I'm on the N910C with the Wolfson DAC which is giving great sound paired with my Sennheisers - so much so that I just sold my trusty old Sony Walkman on eBay! The sound with PowerAmp, to my ears, was as good if not better. Best smartphone I've owned to date by a long shot. Oh... and the IR, getting that set up now
Forgot that it's also my remote control for every room I visit. I watch whatever I want at the bar now
Best phone ever, I like every single thing about it! It's such a powerful, flexible, customisable phone that can do it all, looks and feels great and I never have to worry about the battery before the end of the day!
Like the metal, is gorgeous to hold. Love that battery and Sim are accessible - wish for nicer back cover though, or at least a larger selection.
Multitasking is fabulous, very effective.
Excellent screen!
Stylus.
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Premium HD app
best phone ever
It's the best phone I've ever had hands down, I like the way it feels in the hand, I use a case during the day, but I can't wait to get home to take the case off. That shiny metal rim is the best.
I use public transportation to get to work, and I have caught people reading the news with me.....That screen is just awesome. I have even downloaded 4k videos just for show.
And dont get me started on the stylus.... How did I ever get by without it?! I use it at work to jot down orders, phone numbers, reminders...
The camera experience has probably impressed me the most: from the responsiveness of the camera app to the quality of the photos and videos and finally viewing them on that gorgeous 5.7 inch screen.
Overall since I prefer the 5.7 screen size and like the S-pen features I think the Note 4 is still the best smartphone and will remain so till the Note 5.
Note 4 has been the best phone I've owned bar none.
I just wished there was a way to get updates and not rely on the carrier.
I have an att phone. The only way I can get updates is to borrow an att chip and then I can update my rom.
Totally sucks since I'm on another carrier.
Anyways, enjoying the note 4 experience thus far.
Camera the best.
Lollipop over all is a great experience on the note 4
before i was going to buy a new mobbile i was looking for good looking phone, excellent outdoor brightness, great camera ... developers support good audio ..... big screen..... so i got xperia z3 with big screen compromise but it was way better looking and water and dust proof and front firing speakers and very slim ..... after buying i regretted because there was abbsolutely no developers support..... almost negligible ...so then i got note 4 ....i like it alot ... becauser .. back cover is removable ...... amoled screen ..... super bright ..... developers support is good.... but touchwiz is bad and on aosp roms brightness is very low....
z3 over note 4- had better sound of speakers, better looking, battery life way better , very thin
note 4 over z3- has better brightness , better developer support, back cover removable...i put a leather one on the back ... battery removable, camera is better, screen is bigger. its an amoled which i love because of deep blacks and saturated colors. i love popping colors , the best thing is fast charging.
Hmmm, where do I start?
-That screen is unbelievably good. Bright, vibrant, and there's no way you'd notice the subpixels without a VR headset. Makes me wish we had AMOLED PC monitors on the market already.
-None of that screen space is wasted with onscreen buttons, either! As much as people complain about the physical Home button and all, I actually prefer it and wish the other two buttons were physical like the S Active/Sport line.
-Wacom digitizer support in OneNote and Clover Paint is excellent. The Note 4 even boasts tilt sensitivity!
-I wasn't expecting Gear VR to be immersive due to the obvious performance limitations the Note 4 has compared to a gaming PC, but it's actually astounding how it keeps up with my head movements. Cardboard apps aren't even close, they're a blurred mess by comparison.
-I shouldn't have to bring up microSD card slots of all things as a selling point against the competition, but that's what it's come down to after the S6. They're great for mass media storage and Nandroid backups, since you don't want those backups taking your internal storage space! Too much risk of getting wiped if you're a flashaholic.
-Batteries that can be removed without a heat gun also shouldn't have to be a selling point, but are now. The battery life's plenty for my purposes, but if that's not enough, I can just pop in a second battery or install an extended battery! Phone freezes up or gets wet? Pop that battery! Cells degrade to the point of uselessness after a few years (and they will)? Swap 'em out for some newly-manufactured ones instead of paying some service center to get the dead weight outta your phone!
-Adaptive Fast Charge/Quick Charge 2.0 has spoiled me rotten now. Dead battery to a usable charge in just 30 minutes, near-full charge in an hour? I don't even have to leave the Note 4 on the charger overnight now!
-Sprint doesn't lock the bootloader, so rooting's easy if you don't mind a tripped Knox bit. I don't.
-The camera's good enough, as long as I never have to zoom in.
Thus far, there isn't any other phone on the market I'd rather own, and I'll be more than happy to keep the Note 4 for another two years! All I hope for is that the next two Note generations don't throw out microSD slots and removable batteries like the S6 did, otherwise I might be using that Note 4 longer than anticipated.
I have two things that really make a difference for me and those are the great battery life and finally being able to work from my phone. I get sent contacts and I can edit and sign them on n the phone. There is no need to involve my laptop anymore. This makes commutes by train really productive.
Note 4 on KK is fantastic. Very fast, lots of storage, excellent screen, fabulous battery, glorious smooth glass, the hard metal body feels great, one handed use (just) and it's magnificent S-Pen.
There is just nothing like this phone. I wish Samsung didn't make is users feel second best. I've been messing around with the S6s.... After a while I came running, RUNNING back to my Note 4.
I'm so sorry baby. I'll never let you go again.
*smooch*
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Premium HD app
1 - Display
2 - Performance
3 - Sound through earphones
4 - Camera
5 - Build quality
6 - Support (from people here)
7 - Storage
8 - Physical buttons (hate onscreen waste of space)
9 - Removable battery
10 - Its beauty