This is the year of the big smartphone, with flagship devices now sporting huge five-inch screens and pants makers scrambling to expand the size of their pockets. With most users investing in a new phone every two years, choosing a new one becomes even more important – it can seem overwhelming with so many options out there.
The last thing you want is to purchase a pricey phone that disappoints. Two years is a long time to be stuck with a phone you don’t like, especially for those who use their T-Mobile cell phones and other high tech gadgets constantly. What are the advantages and disadvantages of those we’ve seen? More importantly, what are the users saying once they have their hot new smartphone? Which of the latest smartphones live up to the hype? Are there some that are clear head and shoulders above all the rest?
We scoured Twitter for relevant tweets showing user reactions to new phones. It’s not a scientific survey, but we think that you’ll find plenty of great feedback to make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is hailed by CNET as the “everything phone for (almost) everyone.” It is, arguably, lusted after more than any other Android smartphone to date and comes with everything but the kitchen sink. The question seems to be, will you like this phone, or will love it? You would be hard pressed to find a user who doesn’t like it at all.
My Galaxy S4 jargon-free first impressions updated with its battery-life on a day-trip bit.ly/16ljmEr Love it!
— Karthik Srinivasan (@beastoftraal) May 4, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Battery update – after FULL day’s usage, at 6.08pm I still have 34 percent left. Schweet. @samsungmobile #galaxys4
— Arnold Aranez (@mr_gadget) May 3, 2013
Highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S4 include: an incredible 13-megapixel camera and well as shooting modes that allow you to combine multiple images into one or attach sound, among others. It features a powerful quad-core processor running Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) with two gigabytes of RAM Software solutions that allow users to transform it into a remote control for an entire home entertainment system.
For those who don’t want the clutter and may not be especially tech savvy, there is a useful “Easy Mode,” allowing users to show only the icons they want to use, hiding the rest. The few disadvantages of the phone include a dimmer screen than some of its competitors, and a plastic case that some feel gives it a cheaper look.
The long list of software features can cause confusion and may be a bit bewildering to some. While the phone has a 2600 mAh battery, with the large HD display and numerous sensors and applications, battery life may be drained rather quickly. Fortunately, while not in use it drains little power. Most users seem to love their new Galaxy S4 — just four days after its release, Digital Trends reported that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the fourth most popular smartphone in the UK.
HTC One
The HTC One should also be at the top of your list when considering smartphones. HTC’s new flagship smartphone definitely brought its ‘A’ game to compete with the Samsung Galaxy. While it’s not perfect, it comes close. This is a beautiful phone that features a stunning metal design, a powerful next-generation processor and a vividly colorful screen. It also has a fantastic camera that can turn photos into videos, among a long list of other applications.
Some feel that the HTC One might outshine the Samsung Galaxy. However, users have noted that you cannot expand its SD slot or replace a battery due to its sealed case. Also, the BlinkFeed software cannot be removed. The HTC One has had a lot of great press and is boosting the company’s revenue — April sales were up 26 percent over March. While some users are running into battery life issues, most seem to have fallen in love with the device.
A photo sample from my new HTC One! Thank you @htc for this master piece! never going to change this phone! twitter.com/Moh_Photograph…
— The ProPho™ (@Moh_Photography) May 4, 2013
After I see all these videos on how cool the features are on the Galaxy S4, I don’t regret buying the HTC One. Love it. Loveeee it!
— Brzgw (@mumarov) May 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 5
The Apple iPhone 5 is thinner, lighter and faster than its predecessor. The screen is longer and larger and you’ll also find free turn-by-turn navigation. It has addressed previous shortcomings and is by far the best iPhone to date. Unfortunately, Apple Maps is a disappointment. It is buggy, with missing cities and even misplaced towns. Overall, the Apple iPhone 5 makes several improvements and doesn’t have a lot of issues. In February, the iPhone 5 ranked fifth for smartphone user satisfaction behind Samsung Galaxy, HTC Rezound, Motorola Droid and Motorola Atrix.
Am I in love with the iPhone 5 or what? #dying #apple #iphone5 #thanksmom #sohappy twitter.com/Sarina_A21/sta…
— Sarina Ahmed (@Sarina_A21) May 7, 2013
#Apple – iPhone 5 – There’s iPhone. Then there’s everything else. apple.com/iphone/why-iph… ‘Why You’ll Love an iPhone’
— Soheil Gonzalez (@soheilr7) March 16, 2013