HTC One 2014 (M8)

[jjsbasmt]

My last 5 phones over the last 10 years or so have had the type of protection that has a case and a holster setup. I like to carry the phone in the holster in my pants pocket and not worry about a pallet jack or some other action crushing it. And to top this off, I especially love the belt clip that I use to stick the phone in my car visor next to my auto Bluetooth device for true HF calling. NEVER had any of my phones getting damaged or even scratched. I use my old phones loan to friends who's phones become inoperative prior to their 2 year replacement date. Been a Verizon customer for just over 23 consecutive years and most all of family and friends are Verizon too. New case arrived today - loving it.

 

[Qbah]

So I bought the M8.

First impressions...

1) It's biiiiiig. Substantially bigger than my old One.
2) It feels "cheaper". I mean, I know it's aluminum and all, but it doesn't have the same feel like the original One. It feels empty inside? I think it's too light for its size. The original One felt like supreme premium, perfect size to weight. This one doesn't
3) The volume button is sticking out and happens to be on the way to the power button (which is now on the right) when I'm trying to shut the screen off. I change volume on occasion when trying to shut the screen off
4) Double tap to turn screen on or swipe up to immediately unlock are really cool. It's just that they don't always work for some reason Maybe once in 50 times it doesn't work and then I have to reach for the power button. And I do it more than 50 times a day, so it's a bit annoying...
5) No opinion on battery life yet, feels a bit better, but I'm already at 60% after 10 hours. Though I must admit I used the phone a lot today, the original One would fare worse.
6) Camera is sick sick sick That depth thing is sooooo cool and works REALLY good!! I really like the pictures and also others went "wow!" when seeing what it can do
7) Speakers are louder and cleaner - so that's good.
8) I like the onscreen buttons a lot more than the capacitive ones on the original One. They disappear when they're not needed. They always work. You see them when you want to see them. And you always see them when they're there (my capacitive buttons on the original One wouldn't keep backlight on... I never got used to using them in the dark)
9) Speed - it does feel buttery smooth. I have yet to see a single hitch, the original One has its "moments"

Do I like it more than the original One? I don't know yet... I need to get used to the size, as I can't use my pinky finger to keep it secured when holding for example. It does feel more comfortable in my hand (not as sharp) but at the same time it feels fragile... not something I would expect from an all-aluminum phone.

 

[Fritzo]

So I bought the M8.

First impressions...

1) It's biiiiiig. Substantially bigger than my old One.
2) It feels "cheaper". I mean, I know it's aluminum and all, but it doesn't have the same feel like the original One. It feels empty inside? I think it's too light for its size. The original One felt like supreme premium, perfect size to weight. This one doesn't
3) The volume button is sticking out and happens to be on the way to the power button (which is now on the right) when I'm trying to shut the screen off. I change volume on occasion when trying to shut the screen off
4) Double tap to turn screen on or swipe up to immediately unlock are really cool. It's just that they don't always work for some reason Maybe once in 50 times it doesn't work and then I have to reach for the power button. And I do it more than 50 times a day, so it's a bit annoying...
5) No opinion on battery life yet, feels a bit better, but I'm already at 60% after 10 hours. Though I must admit I used the phone a lot today, the original One would fare worse.
6) Camera is sick sick sick That depth thing is sooooo cool and works REALLY good!! I really like the pictures and also others went "wow!" when seeing what it can do
7) Speakers are louder and cleaner - so that's good.
8) I like the onscreen buttons a lot more than the capacitive ones on the original One. They disappear when they're not needed. They always work. You see them when you want to see them. And you always see them when they're there (my capacitive buttons on the original One wouldn't keep backlight on... I never got used to using them in the dark)
9) Speed - it does feel buttery smooth. I have yet to see a single hitch, the original One has its "moments"

Do I like it more than the original One? I don't know yet... I need to get used to the size, as I can't use my pinky finger to keep it secured when holding for example. It does feel more comfortable in my hand (not as sharp) but at the same time it feels fragile... not something I would expect from an all-aluminum phone.

Not sure what you mean about the weight (some are saying it's even too heavy).

The volume buttons are actually a fix from people complaining about the flush buttons on the M7 being hard to press.

You'll love the battery. I'm getting a good 2 days out of mine so far. Used to get 1 day out of the M7.

The camera is indeed awesome, which is why I snicker a bit when people say "It's only 4MP!" For 99% of what people use cameras for on phones, that's fine. The effects and filters you can get out of this thing are amazing. Nice work HTC!

The tap to turn on only works when you're holding it (the accelerometer needs to have been activated within the last few seconds). If the phone hasn't been moved, it won't tap on. This is to prevent it from turning on accidentally.

I got this case for it and it's excellent: good "drop" protection, you can remove it in an instant, and it actually makes the phone look good while it's on:

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperion-Compa...+case+hyperion

 

[Qbah]

Not sure what you mean about the weight (some are saying it's even too heavy).

The volume buttons are actually a fix from people complaining about the flush buttons on the M7 being hard to press.

You'll love the battery. I'm getting a good 2 days out of mine so far. Used to get 1 day out of the M7.

The camera is indeed awesome, which is why I snicker a bit when people say "It's only 4MP!" For 99% of what people use cameras for on phones, that's fine. The effects and filters you can get out of this thing are amazing. Nice work HTC!

The tap to turn on only works when you're holding it (the accelerometer needs to have been activated within the last few seconds). If the phone hasn't been moved, it won't tap on. This is to prevent it from turning on accidentally.

I got this case for it and it's excellent: good "drop" protection, you can remove it in an instant, and it actually makes the phone look good while it's on:

http://www.amazon.com/Hyperion-Compa...+case+hyperion

Well, that's how it feels to me. Something seems off with size vs weight, something the original One has done perfectly.

Battery sounds awesome And the buttons? I think they went too far. Volume on the original One was annoying to change (very!), but I think now it's sticking out too much. And it's really easy to press too.

The tap/swipe protection. I don't understand, how can it accidentally turn on if it's not moving? I mean, if the phone's on the desk, I need to pick it up to turn the screen on, instead of just double tapping to see what's happening... If anything, any unwanted activations may happen if the phone's moving (like being in a pocket). Any idea if there's a way for the gestures to always work?

As for the case - I am not using cases, ever. I love the phones just the way they are. But thanks for the link anyway

 

[Fritzo]

Well, that's how it feels to me. Something seems off with size vs weight, something the original One has done perfectly.

Battery sounds awesome And the buttons? I think they went too far. Volume on the original One was annoying to change (very!), but I think now it's sticking out too much. And it's really easy to press too.

The tap/swipe protection. I don't understand, how can it accidentally turn on if it's not moving? I mean, if the phone's on the desk, I need to pick it up to turn the screen on, instead of just double tapping to see what's happening... If anything, any unwanted activations may happen if the phone's moving (like being in a pocket). Any idea if there's a way for the gestures to always work?

As for the case - I am not using cases, ever. I love the phones just the way they are. But thanks for the link anyway

The gestures will always work if you hold the phone. If you're doing swiping gestures, make sure you start from the edge of the screen.

 

[Qbah]

The gestures will always work if you hold the phone. If you're doing swiping gestures, make sure you start from the edge of the screen.

Bummer. Well, I can always tap it stronger (so that the phone moves) and 3 times. Now that you told me how it works, it turns on every time First tap moves the phone, the other 2 trigger screen on

 

[KentState]

Bummer. Well, I can always tap it stronger (so that the phone moves) and 3 times. Now that you told me how it works, it turns on every time First tap moves the phone, the other 2 trigger screen on

Good idea. That works for me too.

Overall, I'm very happy with the phone, though the Note 2 spoiled me with battery life. This thing runs out much sooner, even if I'm sitting under a VZW tower all day.

 

[KentState]

How is the battery life for the other M8 owners, specifically on VZW? Mine has been pretty poor, almost reminiscent of my Thunderbolt. Today the battery was dead in roughly 13 hours of light use. Screen was only on for 39 minutes, maybe a dozen text messages and a short phone call. Both of my previous phones, Galaxy S3 and Note 2, did so much better even after a couple years use. I will get a S5 as my work phone on Monday and will try to compare side-by-side, but this just doesn't seem right.

 

[Qbah]

2 days for me tops (9AM first day - 1AM the night next day, so roughly 40 hours). But I have to think about the battery then, which makes a 2 day pattern not usable for me. One day - no problem, even with heavy use.

I'm on 3G in Europe, full signal all the time. So might not be really comparable...

 

[Fritzo]

How is the battery life for the other M8 owners, specifically on VZW? Mine has been pretty poor, almost reminiscent of my Thunderbolt. Today the battery was dead in roughly 13 hours of light use. Screen was only on for 39 minutes, maybe a dozen text messages and a short phone call. Both of my previous phones, Galaxy S3 and Note 2, did so much better even after a couple years use. I will get a S5 as my work phone on Monday and will try to compare side-by-side, but this just doesn't seem right.

You might have an app or something draining your battery. I get a minimum of a day and a half with moderate-heavy use.

 

[cronos]

How is the battery life for the other M8 owners, specifically on VZW? Mine has been pretty poor, almost reminiscent of my Thunderbolt. Today the battery was dead in roughly 13 hours of light use. Screen was only on for 39 minutes, maybe a dozen text messages and a short phone call. Both of my previous phones, Galaxy S3 and Note 2, did so much better even after a couple years use. I will get a S5 as my work phone on Monday and will try to compare side-by-side, but this just doesn't seem right.

If screen use is minimum then it's definitely wakelock issues. There are tons of possibilities so you need to use some of the many apps to identify them. Sometimes it's just something that got stuck and will be reset after a reboot.

 

[zerogear]

The camera is indeed awesome, which is why I snicker a bit when people say "It's only 4MP!" For 99% of what people use cameras for on phones, that's fine. The effects and filters you can get out of this thing are amazing. Nice work HTC!

I agree, 1:1 crop compared to other cameras, yes you do lose some detail, but it's only noticeable if you want to print poster sized photos. (But at the same time, if you want to make poster sized photo, wtf are you doing with a smartphone camera)

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Here's a question I haven't really clearly been able to find through my google searches:

I have family in Jordan that have a stake in HTC. Therefore, they can get an HTC One M8 pretty easily (and cheaply) for me. However, I am on Verizon here in the states. So would an unlocked HTC phone work with Verizon? I'm aware of the GSM v. CDMA difference, but unsure if Verizon would be able to accept an unlocked HTC One M8 from Jordan and make it work on the network.

 

[Fritzo]

Here's a question I haven't really clearly been able to find through my google searches:

I have family in Jordan that have a stake in HTC. Therefore, they can get an HTC One M8 pretty easily (and cheaply) for me. However, I am on Verizon here in the states. So would an unlocked HTC phone work with Verizon? I'm aware of the GSM v. CDMA difference, but unsure if Verizon would be able to accept an unlocked HTC One M8 from Jordan and make it work on the network.

No. You'd have to get a phone specific to Verizon.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

No. You'd have to get a phone specific to Verizon.

That's what I figured. Shoot! I dunno if i could do with the mediocre camera and the size anyways, coming from an iPhone. I don't need a lights out camera, but something slightly better than the m8's camera.

Might just wait for new phones coming this year, and maybe hope the new Nexus will come to Verizon. :/

 

[cronos]

That's what I figured. Shoot! I dunno if i could do with the mediocre camera and the size anyways, coming from an iPhone. I don't need a lights out camera, but something slightly better than the m8's camera.

Might just wait for new phones coming this year, and maybe hope the new Nexus will come to Verizon. :/

The M8's camera is not mediocre. What review did you read?

And 'hoping' is all you get when you're with Verizon, so you better make sure that it's worth staying with them (coverage, unlimited plan, etc.). Otherwise, switch to AT&T or T-Mobile, and you could even use Verizon's phone if you want!

 

[zerogear]

That's what I figured. Shoot! I dunno if i could do with the mediocre camera and the size anyways, coming from an iPhone. I don't need a lights out camera, but something slightly better than the m8's camera.

Might just wait for new phones coming this year, and maybe hope the new Nexus will come to Verizon. :/

I don't think it's mediocre, and it is shoots great shots (but not excellent, though I would argue all smartphone cameras don't approach "excellent"). I think you should browse through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2694621 -- and see if the photos seem ok to you before completely brushing it off.

Again, I would only say that HTC One camera wouldn't fit your purpose if you are printing it out to larger sizes on paper.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

The M8's camera is not mediocre. What review did you read?

And 'hoping' is all you get when you're with Verizon, so you better make sure that it's worth staying with them (coverage, unlimited plan, etc.). Otherwise, switch to AT&T or T-Mobile, and you could even use Verizon's phone if you want!

Yea, I have a very very good deal with Verizon, 25% off the normal monthly price, in a family plan. Unlimited talk and text and my share of 6 Gb of data for $50. Until that significantly increases (if it ever does), I'll stick to them. Then probably go back to t-mobile or AT&T.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

The M8's camera is not mediocre. What review did you read?

And 'hoping' is all you get when you're with Verizon, so you better make sure that it's worth staying with them (coverage, unlimited plan, etc.). Otherwise, switch to AT&T or T-Mobile, and you could even use Verizon's phone if you want!

Was going off a few reviews I read. One at iMore, but that directly compared the iPhone to the m8 (which isn't really a contest), and they seemed to have taken noticeably different angles on photos, which really made the m8 look worse that it is IMO.
http://www.imore.com/htc-one-m8-vs-iphone-5s-camera-comparison

I'm still thinking about it. The photos in that posted thread look great! But also have to consider the size of the phone, which is a huge change from the iPhone. I like the Moto X (my partner has one), but not totally in love with it the way I am with my Nexus 7: perfect size and stock android! Unfortunately, Verizon doesn't really allow stock android unless you go the root route.

The screen on the m8 blew me away though. I also need to call Verizon and figure out their return policy. If I can play with an m8 for 2 weeks and return it if I don't like it, that would be ideal.

 

[Fritzo]

Was going off a few reviews I read. One at iMore, but that directly compared the iPhone to the m8 (which isn't really a contest), and they seemed to have taken noticeably different angles on photos, which really made the m8 look worse that it is IMO.
http://www.imore.com/htc-one-m8-vs-iphone-5s-camera-comparison

I'm still thinking about it. The photos in that posted thread look great! But also have to consider the size of the phone, which is a huge change from the iPhone. I like the Moto X (my partner has one), but not totally in love with it the way I am with my Nexus 7: perfect size and stock android! Unfortunately, Verizon doesn't really allow stock android unless you go the root route.

The screen on the m8 blew me away though. I also need to call Verizon and figure out their return policy. If I can play with an m8 for 2 weeks and return it if I don't like it, that would be ideal.

The iPhone is the smallest screen on the market right now. Upgrading to any phone is going to be a shocker for you

I think Verizon has a 14 day return policy.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

The iPhone is the smallest screen on the market right now. Upgrading to any phone is going to be a shocker for you

haha very true, but a nexus 5 and moto x feels less jarring than the very tall HTC One.

 

[Qbah]

haha very true, but a nexus 5 and moto x feels less jarring than the very tall HTC One.

I went from an iPhone 4S to the HTC One to the HTC One M8. I thought it would be very hard for me but let me tell you, the first HTC One was a pleasure to hold and use - I got used to the size jump very fast. I'm still getting used to the yet again bigger M8, but it's almost there. It's nicer to hold, feels like the iPhone 3GS with its round edges (that one was amazing to hold!). The M8 fits very comfortably in my hand but I still find it a hair too long... I'll probably get used to it though

 

[fstime]

Saw this phone in person today. The size is terrible, these phones are getting way too big. They were on the edge with 4.8 inches on the One X, this has an even bigger screen and a dead space below the screen to make it look far to long. They pretty much made it a narrow phablet.

The SGS5 has a nicer shape, less long due to lacking the dead zone below the screen but the texture on the back is also terrible, with band-aid like dimples.

I will wait for the mini version myself.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Don't want to start a samsung v. HTC rivalry, but the Samsung just looks and feels so cheap in my hands, and god their bloatware just seems like the worst. Again, rooting can fix some of this, but... eh. I'm very conflicted on my purchasing decisions. This might be a few month process (as more new phones come out!)

 

[KentState]

I have both, but just had the S5 for about 6 hours so will need some time to have a good comparison. If you have any particular questions, ask away.