Samsung or HTC?

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kramer672

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#76158 29-Jan-2011 11:26

Hi,

I'm considering buying a smartphone. I've decided that I want to get an Android one, and I've narrowed it down to two options: The HTC Desire HD, or the Samsung Galaxy S, and I'd like to know what people think about either. Currently, I'm leaning towards the Galaxy S, as it has better battery life (according to PriceSpy anyway). Also, is it worth waiting for Android 2.3 to come out? I'm aware that these are last year's phones, and not sure if I want to buy just before a new upgrade is released. Come to that, is it possible to upgrade/update the software in the phones?

James

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#432543 29-Jan-2011 11:49

Hi James, glad you are considering the Android bandwagon. I am using a 16GB Galaxy S (bought from ebay) on Vodafone. I bought it when it had 2.1 out of the box and then flashed a few unofficial 2.2 ROMs (JP8, JPE) and now JPY 2.2.1, which is already running very smoothly without and optimisation/lagfixes. I am very happy with the phone, impressive large screen, 1GHz CPU. heaps of memory space for downloading apps (2GB allocated out of a total of 16GB), whereas I think the HTC one generally is 512MB or 768MB (some of the others here have HTC androids so please correct me if I am wrong).

Not sure if Galaxy S will receive official 2.3 upgrade as annoucement of the Galaxy s2 is imminent so very unlikely, you can however look up XDA forums for unofficial 2.3 ROMs when they are available but it is entirely your own risk to flash to these unofficial ROMs.

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#432551 29-Jan-2011 12:47

2.3 has been out for a month or two, so you'll need to wait 6-12 months before the carriers roll it out onto their phones. :P (Including HTC and samsung.)

For the galaxy S, samsung likely won't ship 2.3 for it, so if you want 2.3, you'll have to flash a custom ROM onto it

lokhor

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#432556 29-Jan-2011 13:17

Wait for the motorola atrix

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nakedmolerat

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#432557 29-Jan-2011 13:23

lokhor: Wait for the motorola atrix

+1 for moto atrix

if you still wanting samsung or htc, why dont you get google nexus S? at least you know you will always have the latest update from google.

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#432559 29-Jan-2011 13:34

nakedmolerat:
+1 for moto atrix

if you still wanting samsung or htc, why dont you get google nexus S? at least you know you will always have the latest update from google.

Note that motorola realy like locking down their phones and make it hard to get custom ROMs on them. Note that the Nexus 1 isn't on 2.3 yet, it's still stuck on 2.2. So be aware when the nexus 3 comes out, your S will be stuck on <current version.

mentalinc

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#432748 30-Jan-2011 08:24

The new phones are probably 1-2 months way. There is a mobile conference in Europe mid feb. I'm waiting to see what happens there then decide.

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Psilan

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Ultimate Geek

#432774 30-Jan-2011 11:07

I really wanted to get a Desire HD but when I held one in my hands it felt a lot larger and heavier than the galaxy s (even though the size difference is actually only slight). It also felt like it would break more if I droped it (probably a result of the larger screen and much heavier weight). Nexus S doesn't have an SD card slot, so it makes Galaxy S still one of the best pics. Huwaei X5 and X6 come out soon, which might make a cheaper alternative, especially the X5 if it lands for $300-400.

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blakamin

4431 posts

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#432783 30-Jan-2011 11:20

If I wanted a "big" phone, I'd go the Galaxy.

I personally prefer a smaller form factor to fit in the pockets of my jeans so I went a 3.2in screen and that's the max size, pocket-wise, for me. Shame about the slower processors though...

Another one to watch out for will be the LG Optimus 2X dual-core.

Linuxluver

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#432812 30-Jan-2011 13:28

mrgsm021: Hi James, glad you are considering the Android bandwagon. I am using a 16GB Galaxy S (bought from ebay) on Vodafone. I bought it when it had 2.1 out of the box and then flashed a few unofficial 2.2 ROMs (JP8, JPE) and now JPY 2.2.1, which is already running very smoothly without and optimisation/lagfixes. I am very happy with the phone, impressive large screen, 1GHz CPU. heaps of memory space for downloading apps (2GB allocated out of a total of 16GB), whereas I think the HTC one generally is 512MB or 768MB (some of the others here have HTC androids so please correct me if I am wrong).

Not sure if Galaxy S will receive official 2.3 upgrade as annoucement of the Galaxy s2 is imminent so very unlikely, you can however look up XDA forums for unofficial 2.3 ROMs when they are available but it is entirely your own risk to flash to these unofficial ROMs.

+ 1

I'm also on JPY 2.2.1 un-rooted, no lagfixes...and it works as well as my Nexus One....*finally*. That wasn't how it started out. The thing used to lag like a one-legged dog.

If you want OTA updates, then go HTC....or the (Samsung-made) Google Nexus S.

But if you're happy to be a 'self-supporting' phone user and learn to hate Kies (and love ODIN) like the rest of us.....get the Galaxy S.

I love my Galaxy S (now - on JPY 2.2.1).....but Samsung have a LOT to learn about how to manage the software and how to get it right the FIRST time.

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caldazar

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

#432821 30-Jan-2011 14:32

Of all the current phones available, if I were to buy today, I would still go for either Samsung Galaxy S or Nexus S.

uenostation54

22 posts

Geek

#432890 30-Jan-2011 18:39

I would go with HTC.
I have an HTC Magic from three years ago and HTC has recently updated it with Android 2.2.1. This phone released with 1.5. I'm sure if you bought a samsung you could hack your way up the update ladder, but you can trust HTC to update your phone to the most recent OS. I mean my 3 year old magic is running 2.2.1 before samsungs 6 month old phone. It is getting a bit slow compared to other phones on the market now, and I certainly wouldn't expect gingerbread on it, but Froyo runs very smoothly.
HTC phones generally have amazing build quality, good support and nice hardware. I am very happy with my phone and I'm sure it will last me another couple of years.

Tinshed

278 posts

Ultimate Geek

#432948 30-Jan-2011 21:20

Undoubtedly it comes to to personal preference and a X factor "x". I can't recall why I choose the HTC over the Samsung, perhaps it was the higher resolution camera. It is heavier than the Samsung. Judging my the reviews either would be a good choice. I am very happy with my Desire HD, but since I have never tried the Samsung I can't really give you The Answer. Both are excellent and both very popular.

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

NZHarrier

77 posts

Master Geek

#433001 31-Jan-2011 01:30

My personal view is go for the Desire HD, the body of the Samsung is Plastic and doesn't feel that great, while the HTC feels solid. Also the UI on the HTC beats the Samsung hands down.

If you get the HTC just watch out for the USIM/ mem card cover if you take it off with one hand you will most likely bend it, (at the moment not covered under Warranty) trick is to take it off with your two thumbs down the side gently.

I was looking at the Desire HD but at $899 AUD a bit high for me, in the ending I went for the Dell Streak great device and at $749 AUD a lot cheaper.

Good luck

kramer672

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#433013 31-Jan-2011 07:04

Thanks guys for all your replies, it's certainly given me some ideas. Also looks as though the google nexus 1 is quite good, though expensive, seems almost very similar to the galaxy s (probably due to both being made by samsung, I guess). It certainly sounds as though Nexus 1 and HTC are going to be much easier to get official upgrades for the software for, though at the moment the easiest one to find in the shops here in christchurch seems to be the Galaxy S. Can't find an HTC Desire anywhere to have play with one, and that's a big thing for me with handheld devices, I don't like buying one until I've had a play with the interface, see how it's made etc.

James

ArtooDetoo

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#433023 31-Jan-2011 07:51

kramer672: Thanks guys for all your replies, it's certainly given me some ideas.? Also looks as though the google nexus 1 is quite good, though expensive, seems almost very similar to the galaxy s (probably due to both being made by samsung, I guess).? It certainly sounds as though Nexus 1 and HTC are going to be much easier to get official upgrades for the software for, though at the moment the easiest one to find in the shops here in christchurch seems to be the Galaxy S.? Can't find an HTC Desire anywhere to have play with one, and that's a big thing for me with handheld devices, I don't like buying one until I've had a play with the interface, see how it's made etc.

James

If you intend to leave your new phone 'stock', then the SGS is probably not for you. It's a stellar device but requires rooting and modding to reveal its full potential. That factor alone should be borne in mind when deciding, IMO.

The Nexus S is a very nice device indeed, with 2.3 out of the box, (albeit lacking SD external storage, but unless you're a developer or developer-to-be, that shouldn't be an issue). Not certain when they'll be released here so it doesn't meet your criteria as far as hands-on testing is concerned, but keep your eye on the parallel imported outlets as they usually get the hardware early and often have a working 'demo' in the store.

HTH.

Cheers,
R2D2

Galaxy S has gone to its new owner. HTC Sensation has gone to its new
owner. Galaxy S3 has gone to its new owner. Now using Galaxy Note 3. Skipping Note 4 I think...

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