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Posts tagged ‘HTC One M9’

28
May

HTC 10 vs HTC One M9


HTC has always been known for their beautiful designs and build quality, but when it comes to the flagship race, their high-end offerings have been found lacking in key areas, particularly the camera, that makes it fall short against it competition. Unfortunately, HTC has had a rough go over the last few years, but the company is hoping for a reversal of fortunes with their 2016 flagship smartphone.

  • HTC 10 review
  • HTC One M9 review

HTC may have dropped the “One” moniker with their latest device, but this may actually be the one for you. How much of an improvement is the current HTC flagship when compared to its predecessor? We find out, as we take an in-depth look at the HTC 10 vs HTC One M9!

Buy the HTC 10 now!
Buy the HTC One M9 now!

Design

HTC has made a few tweaks to the design language with the 10, but these small changes go a long way in differentiating the current flagship from its predecessors. Both smartphones do feature a full metal unibody construction, and are made from the same high-grade aluminium materials. However, the HTC 10 doesn’t comes with the brushed metal finish that is seen with the One M9, giving the former a much cleaner and sleeker look. The HTC 10 also comes with chamfered edges all around the back, which has been a bit of a polarizing design element, but the silhouette look that it allows for is actually pretty great.

The biggest changes are seen up front though. The top and bottom sections of the One M9 come with the same metallic finish as the back, which really emphasizes the black border that is found around the display. With the 10, the top and bottom sections are now black, and helps the display blend into all the sides. The bezels on both phones are about the same thickness, but feels a lot less prominent with the HTC 10 because of this.

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Another big change is the removal of the dual front-facing speakers with the HTC 10, and while a front-facing speaker is still found above the display, the one below has been removed, in favor of a fingerprint scanner, which is embedded into a capacitive home button. That being said, the HTC 10 does have a second speaker at the bottom and this comes with a subwoofer built in. Finally, the black bar with the HTC logo that is found with the One M9 is no longer there with the 10, which is definitely a big plus.

Both smartphones comes with the buttons on right side, with the power button placed below the volume rocker. However, while the power button with the One M9 did come with a textured pattern, this is far more prominent with the 10, making it far easier to find with your finger. The buttons of the One M9 also sit a little more flush with the body of the phone, but that isn’t the case with the 10, allowing for better tactile feedback.

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The HTC 10 is slightly taller and wider than the One M9, which is understandable, given that the former features a display that is larger by 0.2-inches. The 10 is also slightly thinner, but heavier than the One M9, but the overall feel in the hand with both smartphones is about the same. The metal build does make both smartphones a touch slippery, and is more pronounced with the 10 because of its smooth finish on the back, and can take some getting used to. Both the HTC 10 and the One M9 are beautifully-designed smartphones, but the cleaner look up front and on the back give the 10 the advantage when it comes to design.

Display

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The HTC 10 comes with a 5.2-inch Super LCD 5 display with a Quad HD resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 565 ppi, while the One M9 features a 5-inch Super LCD 3 screen, with a lower Full HD resolution, and resulting pixel density of 441 ppi. HTC finally made the jump the Quad HD with the 10, but 1080p is more than enough when it comes to the 5-inch screen of the One M9, and in fact, you won’t notice a significant difference in sharpness when comparing the two displays side by side.

What is notable however is the vast improvement in quality. The display of the One M9 features much cooler color temperatures, and almost has a greenish hue, which looks very unappealing. The display of the HTC 10 is far warmer, and does get much closer to true whites. Colors are very vibrant with the 10, with a saturation that almost matches what is found with the good AMOLED displays out there. The HTC 10 offers a viewing experience that is far more enjoyable when compared to the rather dull screen of the One M9, and it certainly isn’t difficult to pick a winner here.

Performance

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As is always the case when comparing a current generation device with its predecessor, performance gets a significant boost, with the HTC 10 featuring the latest and greatest currently available. Under the hood is a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, clocked at 2.15 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 530 GPU and 4 GB RAM, while the One M9 features an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, clocked at 2 GHz, and backed by the Adreno 430 GPU and 3 GB of RAM.

Not surprisingly, the performance with the HTC 10 is far better than what is seen with the One M9. Installing and opening apps takes much longer with the latter, and games take longer to load as well. With the One M9 coming with an older version of the Snapdragon 810, the device also tends to get uncomfortably warm when under heavy use, which further cripples the performance. The HTC 10 scores much higher in benchmark tests, but while that sometimes doesn’t translate to real world performance, the difference is easily seen here when comparing the two.

Hardware

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In hardware, HTC actually removes a few features in order to accommodate the different design language of the HTC 10, but does also add some useful ones in their place. For starters, the IR blaster that is found with the One M9 up top is longer available with the 10. The IR blaster lets you control your television, cable boxes, sound systems, and other electronics, but with this not being as widely used, its removal makes sense when it comes to the latest flagship.

A more important feature that has been removed is the dual-front facing speakers that are seen with the One M9. This was one of the features that made the One M9 stand out from the crowd, and allowed for one of the best smartphone audio experiences around. The sound quality is simply fantastic, with crisp and clear audio, and the front-facing speakers created a very balanced sound.

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On the other hand, the HTC 10 comes with a single front-facing speaker above the display, that is coupled with a woofer found at the bottom of the phone, that helps with the lows and mids. You do get nice sounding audio here, but it doesn’t match up to the quality of the One M9. However, where the 10 does take the lead in terms of audio is when using headphones, with the 10 featuring a Hi-Fi audio DAC, a headphone AMP, and Dolby enhancements, to allow for a great listening experience.

Of course, the reason for the removal of the dual front-facing speakers with the HTC 10 is to make way for the fingerprint scanner up front, that is embedded into the capacitive home button. The scanner is one of the best around, and is impressively fast and accurate. With a capacitive home button comes capacitive back and recent apps keys as well, allowing for more display real estate, when compared to the One M9 and its on-screen navigation keys.

HTC 10 vs HTC One M9 (6)

While this isn’t a hardware feature, it is worth making a note of how loud the vibration motor of the HTC 10 is. It is one of the loudest we’ve seen, and if the phone is placed on a table, you will likely hear the vibration over the actual sound of the notification alert. The vibration motor of the One M9 is also very strong, but not nearly as loud.

The HTC 10 comes with a larger 3,000 mAh battery, compared to the 2,840 mAh unit of the One M9, but with the display of the former getting a bump in resolution, the battery life available with both is quite similar. Both smartphones comfortably allow for a full day of use, with around 4 hours of screen on-time, which is pretty good. Both smartphones also come with fast charging capabilities, but the HTC 10 charges faster, courtesy of a USB Type C (USB 3.0) port and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support.

Camera

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The HTC One M9 comes with a 20 MP rear camera, with a f/2.2 aperture and no optical image stabilization, while the 10 features a 12 MP primary camera, with a f/1.8 aperture and OIS. One of the most disappointing aspects of the One M9 was its camera performance, and while the MP count has been reduced, the camera sensor comes with larger pixel sizes, allowing for much better low-light photography.

HTC One M9
HTC 10

When it comes to image quality, the HTC 10 is far superior to the One M9. Looking at outdoor shots, photos taken with the 10 feature more color and higher contrast, and even appear sharper and with more detail, despite the reduction in megapixels. The One M9 camera is far more prone to overexposing a shot, and there always seems to be a haze over the photo. The HTC 10 does overexpose in some areas though, but when compared to the One M9, the former does a much better job with handling brighter areas. HDR also works better with the 10, even if the image sometimes appears to be a bit unnatural.

HTC One M9
HTC 10

There is also a significant improvement when it comes to taking photos in low-light conditions. The One M9 utilizes a slower shutter speed in these situations, and coupled with the lack of OIS, you often get blurry shots, even with the steadiest of hands. There is a lot of loss in detail, a lot more grain, and the color reproduction suffers as well. HDR usually helps when taking photos in low-light, but it has the opposite effect with the One M9. It takes a lot longer to stitch the photos together, so you will end up with a blurry image every time, and the image will be way too bright.

HTC One M9 camera samples

HTC 10 camera samples

Interestingly enough, the front-facing 4 MP “Ultrapixel” camera of the One M9 is a lot better than the 5 MP unit of the HTC 10. You get a lot more detail with the One M9, and it exposes the shot better. The advantage the selfie camera of the HTC 10 has is with regards to video, with the front-facing camera also coming with OIS, allowing for very steady videos, which is perfect for vlogging. With video, the rear camera of the 10 also does a much better job, thanks to the availability of OIS, and the videos shot with the One M9 also seem to be too dark.

Software

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Both smartphones are running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with the HTC Sense UI on top. However, the difference between the two version of the Sense are significant, with the latest version available with the 10 far more streamlined. The aesthetics largely remain the same, but HTC now retains a lot of Google’s Material Design elements, such as in the notification drop down, the Settings menu, as well as in the Recent Apps screen.

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HTC has streamlined the software experience even further by removing duplicate apps. So now, you get Google Photos, Google Calendar, and Google Messenger, instead of HTC Gallery, and the HTC versions of the other two apps. It used to be redundant and a little confusing for users before, and it’s great to see HTC make this change. There were also a lot of other pre-installed games and apps that cluttered the One M9, but have been removed with the HTC 10.

HTC 10 screenshots

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In terms of features, things remain mostly the same. You get lock screen shortcuts, a robust Themes store that lets you completely change the look and feel of the interface, and BlinkFeed, which a news and social media aggregrator. Of all the left screen experiences out there, BlinkFeed remains one of the best, and is a nice way to have all the information you may need in one page. There is also a great HTC widget that houses all your most used apps, with the list changing depending on your location.

HTC One M9 screenshots

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HTC Sense has been one of the better skins of Android since the One M7, and while the jump from the One M9 to the 10 isn’t a major overhaul, the key changes and improvements that have been made make a huge difference.

Specs comparison

Display 5.2-inch Super LCD5 display
Quad HD resolution, 565 ppi
5-inch Super LCD3 display
Full HD resolution, 441 ppi
Processor 2.15 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Adreno 530 GPU
2 GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
Adreno 430 GPU
RAM 4 GB 3 GB
Storage 32/64 GB
expandable via microSD up to 200 GB
32 GB
expandable via microSD up to 200 GB
Camera 12 MP rear camera, f/1.8 aperture, 1.55µm pixel size, OIS, laser autofocus
5 MP front-facing camera, f/1.8 aperture, OIS
20 MP rear camera, f/2.2 aperture
4 MP “Ultrapixel” front-facing camera
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS + GLONASS
NFC
USB 3.1, Type-C 1.0 connector
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.1
GPS + GLONASS
NFC
IR Blaster
microUSB 2.0
Battery 3,000 mAh
non removable
2,840 mAh
Software Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
HTC Sense UI
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
HTC Sense UI
Dimensions 145.9 x 71.9 x 9 mm
161 grams
144.6 x 69.7 x 9.6 mm
157 grams

Gallery

Final thoughts

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So there you have it for this closer look at the HTC 10 vs One M9! When it comes to these two HTC flagships, the 10 features notable improvements over its predecessor. While the One M9 does offer the better audio experience when using external speakers, the HTC 10 has it beat it pretty much every other aspect.

  • HTC 10 review
  • HTC One M9 review

The display is more vibrant, with brighter colors, and of course, a higher resolution. The design is much sleeker, and the software experience has been streamlined even further. The fingerprint scanner is a nice addition and works remarkably well, and HTC finally got things right on the camera side of things. Unless dual-front facing speakers are an absolute must have, the HTC 10 is definitely the better the choice between the two, and even then, the new speaker arrangement on the HTC 10 provides excellent audio.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

Which is your pick out of these two and is the HTC 10 enough of an upgrade? Vote in the poll and let us know your views in the comments below!

Buy the HTC 10 now!
Buy the HTC One M9 now!

13
Feb

HTC One M9 on T-Mobile, Verizon to get Marshmallow next week


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If you’re like most Verizon or T-Mobile users with an HTC One M9, then you’ve been sitting alone in your darkened apartment, sighing heavily and staring out a window trickled over with rivulets of rainwater for at least the past month and a half solid. Yes, it was all the way back in December when Marshmallow began rolling out for unlocked variants of your device, but here you’ve been stuck with Lollipop well into the new year. Fear not! Your time of banishment is coming to an end, because HTC has announced that Marshmallow is coming to your One M9 starting next Tuesday!


Android 6.0 marshmallow logo DSC_0126See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – February 12, 2016110

That’s right. Mo Versi, product manager at HTC, revealed via tweet that technical approval has been received for T-Mobile devices, and that the rollout would begin next week. Shortly thereafter, Versi confirmed that Verizon variants of the device too were slated for Marshmallowy rewards on the same day, February 16, 2016. These two carriers will be tied for second-place with the Marshmallow rollout on this device, as Sprint customers have been quietly gloating for the past week or two.

http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Are you an HTC One M9 owner on T-Mobile or Verizon? Let us know if you’re stoked about receiving the Marshmallow update in the comments below. Those of us who are still using Lollipop like Amish people can perhaps get some vicarious joy out of your excitement.


htc-one-m9Next: HTC One M9 Review116

9
Feb

HTC offering HUGE discount on Nexus 9 today only


Are you looking for a tablet for your Valentine? HTC is having a massive, limited-time sale to help you pick one up at a great price.

For today only you can pick up an HTC Nexus 9 for 40 percent off! This brings the cost down to be very competitive with even the best priced tablets. Here’s how all the prices break down:

  • 16 GB WiFi – $239
  • 32 GB Wifi – $287
  • 32 GB Wifi + LTE – $359

The 16 GB Wifi version has been going in and out of stock (probably due to this sale), so you may want to save yourself some time and pick up the 32 GB version if it fits into your budget.

But wait, there’s more

In addition to the 40 percent discount, you’ll receive a Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard when you purchase the 32 GB Wifi + LTE version of the Nexus 9. This is not the same Folio Keyboard offered by HTC that showed up in some advertisements last year.

HTC is also discounting all other accessories at 40 percent. You can grab the HTC Folio Keyboard Case for the Nexus 9 for $77 (it’s cheaper on Amazon), Dot View Ice for the HTC One M9 for $29.99, or the HTC Pro Studio Earphones for $47.99, among other deals.

The post HTC offering HUGE discount on Nexus 9 today only appeared first on AndroidGuys.

6
Feb

Android 6.0 Marshmallow rolling out to Sprint’s HTC One M9


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HTC has been pretty attentive when it comes to updating its phones to the latest versions of Android, and it looks like the HTC One M9 on Sprint is next in line. According to Sprint’s software support page, the update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow started rolling out to the One M9 on February 5th. As is the case with most software updates, you might need to wait a few days to upgrade your phone until the rollout is complete.

This new update will bring the One M9’s firmware to version 3.41.651.3. Just what will you get with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update? For starters, you’ll get to take advantage of Google Now on Tap, which will bring the power of Google Now to virtually every corner of your phone. You’ll also get more granular application permissions control, a killer battery saving feature called Doze Mode, and much better volume controls. For a full rundown of many of the user-facing changes in Marshmallow, our own Joe Hindy created an informative video that explains the new features.

As stated previously, you may need to wait a few days before the update becomes available for your phone. If you have yet to get the update notification, head to Settings>System updates>HTC software update>Check now to check manually. Have you gotten the update? If so, let us know how you’re liking it in the comments below!


Sprint logoNext: Best Sprint Android phones (January 2016)18

23
Dec

Marshmallow arriving for the HTC One M9 (unlocked) within 24 hours


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As promised earlier in the month, an Android Marshmallow update is on its way for this year’s HTC One M9 flagship, along with a smaller update for the One A9. HTC’s Mo Versi has just announced that the two updates will be going live any time now.

Well, any time in the next 24 hours, according to the tweet. Also, there appear to be two slightly different updates heading out to the smartphones. The HTC One A9 will be bumped up to Android 6.0.1, complete with all those extra emoji’s, while the One M9 will receive the original 6.0 Marshmallow software.

http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The update only appears to be heading out to US customers who own unlocked versions of the handsets too, so we’ll have to wait for news on when the upgrades will arrive for customers in other countries. As usual, carrier branded handsets will lag further behind.

HTC seems pretty hot on the updates, having rolled out Marshmallow to its One M8 smartphone back at the start of December. Keep an eye out for that OTA notification any time now.

10
Dec

10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015)


Are you in the market for a new smartphone? Is Sprint the service provider you’re considering? You’re in luck!  We’re here to help you pick out that next handset. If you’re an existing smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade won’t be too much of a challenge. But, for others, particularly first-time buyers, the idea of buying an Android might make them nervous.

Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig mine through the muck and pull out a few gems.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Sprint this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Sprint if you’re currently contemplating a new device.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Galaxy-Note5_front-with-spen_White-PearlThe fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S6

Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at T-Mobile

LG G4

LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.

LG G4 at T-Mobile

LG V10

LG-V10-Black-01

The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favorite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.

But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.

LG V10 at T-Mobile

HTC One M9

carousel-htc-one-m9-gunmetal-380x380-1The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build.  The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage. And, perhaps the best part, the included Uh Oh Protection will replace your water damaged or cracked screen for free inside of 12 months.

HTC One M9 at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime

Somewhat of a trimmed-down take of the Galaxy S line, this one gives new smartphone users more than enough to learn the ropes. What’s more, it comes at a fraction of the cost of the flagship brand. Specs include a 5-inch HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera, and a front-facing 5-megapixel camera. Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, you also get to enjoy expandable memory via microSD slot.

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime at T-Mobile

ZTE Obsidian

Priced to move, you’ll have a hard time beating the value in the ZTE Obsidian. Those looking to get into the smartphone game should find the 4.5-inch phone meets their needs. The Android 5.1 Lollipop provides the Material Design aesthetic that’s become all the rage; the 8GB storage with microSD expansion (up to 32GB) ought to be enough to store your music, pictures, and other media.

ZTE Obsidian at T-Mobile

Kyocera Hydro Wave

carousel-kyocera-hydro-wave-all-380x380-1Does your lifestyle find you spending time around water? Plumbers, lifeguards, and parents of toddlers will enjoy the waterproof Kyocera handset. Not only that, but the Military Standard 810G rating ensures this one can take a beating. Go ahead, drop it, if you can. The non-slip finish won’t make it easy on you.

Kyocera Hydro Wave at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime

When all you need is the essentials, consider picking up the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime.  It’s a pocketable 4.5-inch experience with a 5-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 2-megapixel shooter. The quad-core processor and 1GB RAM won’t set any benchmark records, but what do you expect for about one hundred dollars? Give this one to the kids for their first taste of Android.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime at T-Mobile

The post 10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.

2
Dec

HTC One M9 and M8 should receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow sometime soon


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Android 6.0 Marshmallow has already been available on Nexus devices for some time now, and it’s finally starting to make its way to other Android smartphones across the board. Some variants of the LG G4, Moto X Style and 2014 Moto X have already gotten the update, and so has the Google Play Edition HTC One M8.

Soon after Google announced Android 6.0, many OEMs came out to say which of their devices would be updated. This includes HTC, which said that the One M8 and M9 would see Marshmallow before the year’s end. Well, now that it’s December, are you wondering if HTC is on schedule with these updates? According to some leaks and various bits of speculation floating around the web, it’s looking like the Taiwanese company is right on schedule. Taking a look at Mo Versi’s Twitter, he’s recently responded to many folks asking when their phones will be updated. And although there’s no exact date for the rollout, Mr. Versi says that both the unlocked One M9 and M8 will still get the update this year, with carrier variants following close behind.

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When will the carrier versions get updated, you ask? Again, we don’t have an exact date, but Mr. Versi did say that Sprint’s One M8 is expected to get updated on January 4th. Additionally, popular HTC leaker LlabTooFeR on Twitter earlier today said that the Marshmallow update will likely roll out to the European One M8 in the next two weeks or so.

http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Now, it’s pretty difficult to tell when exactly all of these updates will begin rolling out, but at least we have a pretty good idea that HTC is still on schedule. We’ll be sure to let you know if we hear anything more from the company regarding these updates.


Android 6.0 marshmallow logo DSC_0126See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates roundup – November 20, 201565

1
Dec

10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015)


It’s the holiday shopping season and discounts and promos are in full swing. If you’re like a lot of consumers, now is the time to consider a smartphone upgrade. Buying a new device can be a fun endeavor, especially if you’ve got previous experience. For some, however, the thought of selecting a new handset may trigger some trepidation.

Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig through the clutter.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Verizon this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Verizon if you’re currently shopping around.

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Droid Turbo 2

As the first phone to feature a shatterproof display, much can be said about the new Droid Turbo 2. Not only does this one give you peace of mind in knowing that it can fall out of your pocket or desk without shattering, the phone also features some pretty impressive hardware.

Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Turbo 2 features a 5.4-inch display at 2560×1440 resolution and a 21-megapixel camera. Quick charging ensures that the phone never runs low on juice; moreover, the 3760mAh battery gets you two days of use. In other words it’s built to be used and somewhat abused.

In a first for the Droid series, buyers can head to the Moto Maker tool to design their own unique version of the phone. There are more than 1,000 combinations of colors and materials to choose from.

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon

Customized Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon

v10

 

LG V10

The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favourite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.

But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.

LG V10 at Verizon

Motorola Droid Maxx 2

Another relative newbie, this Motorola packs a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display, 21-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB internal storage. Toss in the 3630mAh battery with Turbo Charging and you’ve got a device that should never run low on power. Other specifications include Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, microSD expansion card slot for more storage, and a water-repellent coating.

Motorola Droid Maxx 2 at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S6

Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at Verizon

Galaxy-S6-edge+_right_White-Pearl

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at Verizon

LG G4

LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.

LG G4 at Verizon

LG G4 at Amazon

Google Nexus 6

Running an untouched version of Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 is among the first to receive an update to the 6.0 Marshmallow build. The 6-inch screen might be a little bigger than you’re familiar with but the reviews and feedback have been solid. Internal storage is tapped at 32GB with no microSD expansion card slot but it should be enough for those who live in the cloud.

Google Nexus 6 at Verizon

Google Nexus 6 at Amazon

HTC One M9

The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build.  The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage.

HTC One M9 at Verizon

HTC One M9 at Amazon

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)

As an ancestor to the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2, the Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of Verizon customization. In other words, it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones with only a few added touches. We love what Motorola adds to the user interface: twist to open camera, chop to activate flashlight, and voice actions. Pick yours up in Black, White Bamboo, or Football Leather.

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Verizon

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Amazon

The post 10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.

24
Nov

Top 10 Android phones at Verizon (November 2015)


With Black Friday breathing down your neck and the holiday shopping season in full swing, now is the time that a lot of people are considering a smartphone upgrade. Buying a new device can be a fun endeavor. But, for some folks, the idea of picking out a new handset may be a little more difficult.

Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig through the clutter.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Verizon this November. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Verizon if you’re currently shopping around.

moto-droid-turbo2-featgrid-1x2-shattershield

Droid Turbo 2

As the first phone to feature a shatterproof display, much can be said about the new Droid Turbo 2. Not only does this one give you peace of mind in knowing that it can fall out of your pocket or desk without shattering, the phone also features some pretty impressive hardware.

Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Turbo 2 features a 5.4-inch display at 2560×1440 resolution and a 21-megapixel camera. Quick charging ensures that the phone never runs low on juice; moreover, the 3760mAh battery gets you two days of use. In other words it’s built to be used and somewhat abused.

In a first for the Droid series, buyers can head to the Moto Maker tool to design their own unique version of the phone. There are more than 1,000 combinations of colors and materials to choose from.

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon

Customized Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon

v10

 

LG V10

The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favourite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.

But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/lg-v10/

Motorola Droid Maxx 2

Another relative newbie, this Motorola packs a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display, 21-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB internal storage. Toss in the 3630mAh battery with Turbo Charging and you’ve got a device that should never run low on power. Other specifications include Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, microSD expansion card slot for more storage, and a water-repellent coating.

Motorola Droid Maxx 2 at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Verizon

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S6

Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at Verizon

Galaxy-S6-edge+_right_White-Pearl

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at Verizon

LG G4

LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.

LG G4 at Verizon

LG G4 at Amazon

Google Nexus 6

Running an untouched version of Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 is among the first to receive an update to the 6.0 Marshmallow build. The 6-inch screen might be a little bigger than you’re familiar with but the reviews and feedback have been solid. Internal storage is tapped at 32GB with no microSD expansion card slot but it should be enough for those who live in the cloud.

Google Nexus 6 at Verizon

Google Nexus 6 at Amazon

HTC One M9

The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build.  The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage.

HTC One M9 at Verizon

HTC One M9 at Amazon

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)

As an ancestor to the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2, the Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of Verizon customization. In other words, it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones with only a few added touches. We love what Motorola adds to the user interface: twist to open camera, chop to activate flashlight, and voice actions. Pick yours up in Black, White Bamboo, or Football Leather.

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Verizon

Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Amazon

 

The post Top 10 Android phones at Verizon (November 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.

23
Nov

HTC cyber week deals: discounts on Nexus 9, One M9, RE camera and more


htc one m9 review aa (27 of 34)

I can already taste Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals (as well as the turkey). The internet is filling up with discount announcements (we have listed our favorites here) and now it’s HTC‘s turn. What will they have for us during America’s shopping hysteria?


best black friday dealsSee also: Black Friday 2015 – best deals (Updated!)20

The Taiwanese manufacturer has just announced its cyber week deals and they are looking quite enticing! There are discounts on a phone, tablet, camera and even accessories. Here are the details!

  • 11/25-11/27: 40% off Nexus 9 (free Logitech keyboard for first 500 32GB/LTE units sold.
  • 11/27-11/29: 40% off all accessories
  • 11/29-12/2: 60% off RE Camera (free protection pack)
  • 11/29-12/2: 40% off HTC One M9

Nexus 9-19

I must say these deals are actually quite tempting. It’s hard to find 40%-60% discounts on these types of electronics (unless you are signing a service contract).

HTC is in a bit of a tight spot after disappointing One M9 sales, so they may be trying extra hard to capitalize on this yearly event. They failed to really impress the public with that smartphone, but it happens to be a pretty decent device… especially at 40% off!

HTC RE-4

Reviews:

The Nexus 9 also continues to be a hell of a tablet, and that RE can take some sweet handheld videos and images. In fact, I think I might be signing up for that cam! Are you taking advantage of any of these deals? Hit the comments and let us know!