So torn; Keep the One m8 or get the S5?

[Fernandez21]

I agree...i never understood the need for such great build materials. If they make the phone so delicate that you have to put a case on it to protect it from damage. You cover the premium design with a plastic case. I usually do not put cases on my phones....just a personal preference.

I wouldn't say they make the phone more delicate, just you can see the scuffs easier because the aluminum shows through. Also, just a theory of mine, is that a small scratch on something like the M8 or iPhone will bother you more because of the build quality, where as a small scratch on a plastic phone won't bother you as much because your expecting it more. I don't use cases and I don't find my iPhone and M8 anymore delicate than my Note 3 or former Nexus 5, Moto X, LG Pro, ect....

 

[jamezr]

I wouldn't say they make the phone more delicate, just you can see the scuffs easier because the aluminum shows through. Also, just a theory of mine, is that a small scratch on something like the M8 or iPhone will bother you more because of the build quality, where as a small scratch on a plastic phone won't bother you as much because your expecting it more. I don't use cases and I don't find my iPhone and M8 anymore delicate than my Note 3 or former Nexus 5, Moto X, LG Pro, ect....

I think you have a great point. For people that buy the iphone and M8 do they get more upset/notice the dents more than they do on a plastic phone? Plus on a plastic phone you can usually but a new back pretty inexpensively.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

This guy must be really agonizing over this decision, since all of his post show up identically on the same topic posted over at Android Central and XDA. haha.

Anyway, bud, you just have to make the decision yourself. The camera, waterproofing, and screen are the biggest reasons I went with the galaxy s5. The "lag" will be fixed with a future update, it usually is.

Plus, honestly, I don't trust HTC anymore. They are so close to failure, that with each passing year, they get closer to going belly up.

 

[jamezr]

This guy must be really agonizing over this decision, since all of his post show up identically on the same topic posted over at Android Central and XDA. haha.

Anyway, bud, you just have to make the decision yourself. The camera, waterproofing, and screen are the biggest reasons I went with the galaxy s5. The "lag" will be fixed with a future update, it usually is.

Plus, honestly, I don't trust HTC anymore. They are so close to failure, that with each passing year, they get closer to going belly up.

^^^^ this....
They are losing their head of design Scott Croyle as well...

http://www.cnet.com/news/after-htc-one-m8-launch-design-chief-set-to-depart/

 

[Dunbar]

My sister's brand new top of the line S5 has lag that the Moto G doesn't have. Touchwiz takes a great OS and ruins it.

As an S3 owner this is the main reason I'd have a tough time buying an S5. The M8 responsiveness is so good in comparison that I just couldn't see myself getting an S5. Stock Android might transform the S5 but I'm not into rooting/rom'ing and I don't think the Google Play edition will be available on Verizon.

 

[Robster3]

I think you have a great point. For people that buy the iphone and M8 do they get more upset/notice the dents more than they do on a plastic phone? Plus on a plastic phone you can usually but a new back pretty inexpensively.

I have never dented a iPhone and hopefully not my M8. I can't see the value in plastic phones especially as they sell for same price as a quality phone on release. Re sale is not as good either. At least a iPhone will hold 2/3 of its price after 6-9 months. Samsung S3/S4 drop 1/3 in a few months, so re sale is less than half of original price. S5 is heading the same way.

The Note 3 seems to be holding its new price in retail stores here anyway.

 

[jamezr]

I have never dented a iPhone and hopefully not my M8. I can't see the value in plastic phones especially as they sell for same price as a quality phone on release. Re sale is not as good either. At least a iPhone will hold 2/3 of its price after 6-9 months. Samsung S3/S4 drop 1/3 in a few months, so re sale is less than half of original price. S5 is heading the same way.

The Note 3 seems to be holding its new price in retail stores here anyway.

The iphone does indeed hold its value. But that was not the point of the conversation. The fragile nature of smartphones that use materials that scratch and dent easily. I see iphone 5s selling for almost the same price as the S4 on Craigslist. Very few will dent their iphones but they will crack the glass. That is why the majority of iphone users buy cases. The replacement back for a S4 costs $8 on Amazon....no need for a case unless that is personal preference. So lets see how HTC is doing in sales? So which phone sells better? Seems like the consumer speaks with their wallet on plastic phones.....

 

[Robster3]

The iphone does indeed hold its value. But that was not the point of the conversation. The fragile nature of smartphones that use materials that scratch and dent easily. I see iphone 5s selling for almost the same price as the S4 on Craigslist. Very few will dent their iphones but they will crack the glass. That is why the majority of iphone users buy cases. The replacement back for a S4 costs $8 on Amazon....no need for a case unless that is personal preference. So lets see how HTC is doing in sales? So which phone sells better? Seems like the consumer speaks with their wallet on plastic phones.....

You mean most consumers follow the sheep and what is advertised the most. Its nice having a phone that most people don't recognise, instead of what every second person has.

 

[jamezr]

You mean most consumers follow the sheep and what is advertised the most. Its nice having a phone that most people don't recognise, instead of what every second person has.

lol....sounds like something sour. You can say that about any best selling product to make yourself feel better.....

 

[Robster3]

lol....sounds like something sour. You can say that about any best selling product to make yourself feel better.....

It's true go and sit in any shopping centre for a while you will see Anyway enjoy your plastic phones

 

[jimbo1mcm]

For OP: Have you seriously looked at the LG G2? Impressive screen, battery, camera. I ditched my Iphone 5S for it and couldn't be happier. If you can hang out for a month or two, the G3 is supposed to be announced on May 27th and available probably pretty soon after that.

 

[burgman]

You mean most consumers follow the sheep and what is advertised the most. Its nice having a phone that most people don't recognise, instead of what every second person has.

If consumer bling makes you feel "special" that's kinda sad but common today.

 

[Vegastouch]

You mean most consumers follow the sheep and what is advertised the most. Its nice having a phone that most people don't recognise, instead of what every second person has.

Who cares if nobody recognizes your phone or not. I'd prefer the phone to work to who knows what I'm using.

 

[swoosh0217]

I purchased an M8 rather than the S5. Elegent, beautiful screen, fast and good pic quality is why I bought it. Don't care much about water repelant or heart beat sensor.

 

[Robster3]

If consumer bling makes you feel "special" that's kinda sad but common today.

Thats the point i don't. Maybe you do

 

[m3coolpix]

For OP: Have you seriously looked at the LG G2? Impressive screen, battery, camera. I ditched my Iphone 5S for it and couldn't be happier. If you can hang out for a month or two, the G3 is supposed to be announced on May 27th and available probably pretty soon after that.

I originally went with an LG G2 from the 4s a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately for me, the sound quality (with Poweramp, Slacker, etc.) was very inferior to the 4s, and the G2 I received dropped 8 calls in 4 days in my usual area of running around. Traded the G2 for an M8, and sound quality is equal to, if not better than the 4s, and the cell reception hasn't made me think about it, which is like it was on my 4s. I did like the camera though!

 

[Tig Bitties]

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

 

[jamezr]

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

Great observations and comparisons! Whatever phone you decide to keep you can't go wrong with either one!

 

[MRU]

- Not waterproof like the new S5, which would be nice.

There is a youtube video of someone testing the M8 and it seems to be waterproof - although not officially as such, and I personally wouldn't risk dipping mine in the water to test.


___

My Dot View case arrives tomorrow - but today I got the HTC double dip case. It's HORRID!!! Seriously ugly case in person and adds a stupid amount of weight to the device. Avoid....

 

[jamezr]

There is a youtube video of someone testing the M8 and it seems to be waterproof - although not officially as such, and I personally wouldn't risk dipping mine in the water to test.

But then if i did get wet would HTC honor a warranty claim for that?
Other phones that promote this as a feature will honor the warranty claim. I know the S5 and Z2 are IP certified and say they will honor claims for water damage.

 

[steve31]

There is a youtube video of someone testing the M8 and it seems to be waterproof - although not officially as such, and I personally wouldn't risk dipping mine in the water to test.


___

My Dot View case arrives tomorrow - but today I got the HTC double dip case. It's HORRID!!! Seriously ugly case in person and adds a stupid amount of weight to the device. Avoid....

I agree with you that the double dip case is just horrible. Mine doesn't fit very snug also. I have had the dot view case for a couple of weeks and like it much better.

 

[MRU]

But then if i did get wet would HTC honor a warranty claim for that?
Other phones that promote this as a feature will honor the warranty claim. I know the S5 and Z2 are IP certified and say they will honor claims for water damage.

Yeah I imagine they likely wouldn't honour warranty or at least I wouldn't be surprised if they said they were not honour it.

----------

I agree with you that the double dip case is just horrible. Mine doesn't fit very snug also. I have had the dot view case for a couple of weeks and like it much better.

Thank goodness. Yeah surprising to make such a fancy looking phone and yet the double dip case just feels cheap, even the colours lack vibrancy and seem cheap. It's just a craps case.

 

[Robster3]

There is a youtube video of someone testing the M8 and it seems to be waterproof - although not officially as such, and I personally wouldn't risk dipping mine in the water to test.


___

My Dot View case arrives tomorrow - but today I got the HTC double dip case. It's HORRID!!! Seriously ugly case in person and adds a stupid amount of weight to the device. Avoid....

Can you send me a black one. Not available here yet

 

[MRU]

Can you send me a black one. Not available here yet

They're not readily available here till 16th may from what I can see. I have a friend who works for Vodafone and he's sending me one (Vodafone got some promo to give a dot view cover with online bill pay orders). He doesn't want it so I've bought it off him.

 

[Robster3]

They're not readily available here till 16th may from what I can see. I have a friend who works for Vodafone and he's sending me one (Vodafone got some promo to give a dot view cover with online bill pay orders). He doesn't want it so I've bought it off him.

Can get one off ebay for $66 with delivery. What are they going for there, do you know if they work with a Nillkin glass screen protector?

ps what do you think of the call quality, guess it depend on your service. I can't believe how clear it is and the speaker phone too is great. Best i have had on a phone.