eracode: @Brendan: +1 from me too. Agree with every point in your great summary only feel that they apply even more so given that I am going from S2 to One. I was originally planning on an S4.

I had come to pretty much all the same conclusions particularly regarding battery and SD card issues which were originally of concern. Not so concerned about camera and microphone. I think the plastic v metal and the whole thing around the feel of the unibody are also what have swayed me on the One. And of course the speakers.

hasp: Is there any chance that any of the HTCOs coming through at the moment, won't have the HDR mic?

freitasm:

Brendan: Yes, I am going from s3 to One.

1. the S4 failed to impress me. I wanted to like it, but...

This HTC One thread and the Samsung S4 were created on the same day, and this one here has 48 pages while the other has 40. Much hyped or preferred one, even without all the advertising blitz coming down from Samsung?

Brendan:

freitasm:

Brendan: Yes, I am going from s3 to One.

1. the S4 failed to impress me. I wanted to like it, but...

This HTC One thread and the Samsung S4 were created on the same day, and this one here has 48 pages while the other has 40. Much hyped or preferred one, even without all the advertising blitz coming down from Samsung?

Interesting... I think the average person on Geekzone is just a bit more informed and technical than the general population. 

I have noticed the hype around the s4, and it almost works in reverse for me: I have noticed that with many things, hype is used in place of substance. It's like a law of nature or something.

I think the ONE needs a bit more advertising though. Joe Bloggs doesn't know it's alive. Still, once it is on shelves, glittering and shiny, well: a lot of people make their decisions when they are in the shop.

Quality metal and a cool, substantial feel in the hand.

or

Light, cheap plastic like the $100 phones have.

I think it'll do ok.

Lipex666: re Plus its $150 cheaper than the GS4

Voda website S4 1149 compared to HTC One at 1099 thats $50 $$$ difference   

freitasm: The Telecom price was announced in the press release. Not sure why you point it as "Coming soon".

Hollidog: Quick question, does anyone know if this phone supports Personal Area Networks? Either over USB, Bluetooth or WiFi?

Had a play with the GS4 at Sylcia Park at the weekend, and I have to agree with you guys. Feels like a minor upgrade from the GS3, the screen was nice but I have a feeling that the screen on the one will be a little nicer due to the higher PPI.
Coming from an iPhone I think I will really value the build of this phone.