[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 5] crazeco:
I bought the Samsung GS5 and HTC One M8. Now I have to return one. Help me decide which one!

I purchased both phones to use simultaneously for a couple weeks. I was confident that at the end of the two weeks, I’d have a clear answer about which phone was best for me – but I’m still torn.

I do think I have my mind made up about which phone is better in specific categories, and maybe some things people don’t think about when writing reviews.

Camera image quality on good shots: GS5.

Outside M8:

Outside GS5:

Auto settings. I upscaled the M8 image to 16MP. I think IMGUR might automatically downscale. My overall impression is that the M8 takes in too much light. It’s difficult to avoid, even when playing with exposure settings. Once you zoom, the GS5 16MP really comes into play. You can be the judge on which images are better, and by how much.

Camera consistency:

M8. 50% my shots with the S5 end up a bit blurry. 75% of my M8 shots are in focus. That’s with still imagery.

Which is more important? Overall quality on excellent shots, or consistency?

Handfeel:

The S5 is easier to hold, especially when laying down in bed. The S5 is lighter and weighted in a way that feels like my hand is simply connected to the device. It doesn’t put strain on my wrist or make me feel concerned about dropping it at all. My confidence level holding the device without a case is extremely high. On the other hand, the S5 has a filmy/slimy feeling that makes it feel dirty. It always feels like the back of the S5 was rubbed on a slice of pizza. I feel confident holding it, but I don’t enjoy it. It’s very uninspiring.

The M8 feels amazing in the hand. I consistently want to pick it up for no other reason than to hold it. It has a nice cool temperature that is very welcoming. I don’t think the M8 is more slippery than the S5. I think it’s how the device is weighted. It’s harder to hold because it feels screen side heavy. When I’m holding it in bed, I always feel like the device is going to slip out of my hand and fall on my face. Not because the case is more slippery, but because of the weight. I am constantly reinforcing my grip on the phone out of fear of dropping it. It’s a strange mix of wanting to pick it up, and being afraid to pick it up.

I did use a GS4 and a Galaxy Nexus prior to that. I wonder how much of this is because I simply feel comfortable with Samsung devices? From a practical standpoint I feel the S5 is the better phone here. From an emotional standpoint I like how the HTC makes me feel.

Turning the device on and off:

The S5 can be turned on with the home button or power button. I’ve found hitting the home button is easier than double tapping. I’ve been able to use the fingerprint scanner with about 80% accuracy with one hand and my thumb. Accessing the camera from the lockscreen produces a second or two of lag.

The M8 is double tap or the top power button. The power button is my least favorite option, it’s recessed and actually fairly difficult to push. Double tap works when you hold the device, but not as well when the device is laying on a surface. For example, if I’m playing music and want to change a song, double tap doesn’t recognize my input 50% of the time. I have to keep double tapping or eventually pick the device up or hit the power button to turn the screen on.

On a positive side with the M8, tilting the device to the side and hitting the volume up key does instantly bring the M8 camera on. And it’s fast. Very handy.

Turning the devices off, there’s always a moment when reaching up to the power button on the M8 that I’m consciously concerned about dropping the device. Side power buttons are better.

Buttons:

Am I the only one that thinks it makes sense to have the back button on the right side like Samsung does it? I use the back button with my thumb 95% more than the current apps button. I don’t enjoy reaching across the screen on the M8. I also tend to prefer the Samsung home button, even though it’s an additional point of failure. I like being able to click a button to turn the screen on or go home. The tactile feel helps very much. I’m often hunting around on the M8 for the onscreen buttons, because the “HTC” bezel throws me off. What a waste of space.

Screen:

The S5 auto brightness is darker than the M8. With AB off, it’s easier to read text on the S5. With it on, it’s generally easier to read text on the M8. S5 is more vibrant with pictures, but the M8 has better contrast. I love the extra screen real estate due to the lack of screen buttons on the S5.

Touchwiz vs Sense:

No preference.

How long will I keep the device:

I feel that the M8 will be gone in a year, because the M9 will have a better camera that make it a worthwhile upgrade. I can see myself holding onto the S5 for two years, it really is maxed out with specs and just works. On the other hand, the uninspiring nature of the S5 will probably make me want to ditch it in 2015.