HTC One X, or the Samsung Galaxy Nexus

**Phil Nickinson** · 04-02-2012, 11:26 AM

My thoughts ...

http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-on...g-galaxy-nexus

**dmmarck** · 04-02-2012, 11:29 AM

Somewhat predictable result, no? The One X is newer, and like anything in the Android world, newer eventually becomes better. The only concerning point that I'd make mention of is the display. If the display is that much better, and displays are Samsungs "forte," then what the hell went wrong?

Certainly appreciate the comparison, and if I had extraneous dollars I might make the leap myself.

**bplewis24** · 04-02-2012, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by dmmarck

If the display is that much better, and displays are Samsungs "forte," then what the hell went wrong?

Certainly appreciate the comparison, and if I had extraneous dollars I might make the leap myself.

Nothing really went wrong. It comes down to display differences. Samsung is pushing their own SAMOLED technology and thus their displays are of that kind. HTC has partnered with a manufacturer that uses SLCD (2?) technology.

Even though I am a proud owner of a Galaxy Nexus, I held the belief even when I first purchased it that SLCD is superior on mobile phones for the very reasons Phil goes into in his comparison: they are typically used outside in bright lighting conditions, and LCD is better for that due to it's brightness. The display technology HTC is using apparently continues this trend. Heck, even my OG Droid has a brighter display outdoors than the Nexus. However, when it comes to deep blacks, the Nexus trumps it.

Having said all that, while I enjoyed Phil's comparison, the "Updates and Hacking" section needs to be expanded. Any comparison to a Nexus device must include an in-depth explanation of the different methods of hacking required/available on each phone.

Brandon

**dmmarck** · 04-02-2012, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by bplewis24

Nothing really went wrong. It comes down to display differences. Samsung is pushing their own SAMOLED technology and thus their displays are of that kind. HTC has partnered with a manufacturer that uses SLCD (2?) technology.

Even though I am a proud owner of a Galaxy Nexus, I held the belief even when I first purchased it that SLCD is superior on mobile phones for the very reasons Phil goes into in his comparison: they are typically used outside in bright lighting conditions, and LCD is better for that due to it's brightness. The display technology HTC is using apparently continues this trend. Heck, even my OG Droid has a brighter display outdoors than the Nexus. However, when it comes to deep blacks, the Nexus trumps it.

Having said all that, while I enjoyed Phil's comparison, the "Updates and Hacking" section needs to be expanded. Any comparison to a Nexus device must include an in-depth explanation of the different methods of hacking required/available on each phone.

Brandon

I agree with the last statement. And while I'm sure the dev support will be strong for the One X, I find it hard to believe that it will approach the support the GN is getting at this moment.

**Phil Nickinson** · 04-02-2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by bplewis24

Having said all that, while I enjoyed Phil's comparison, the "Updates and Hacking" section needs to be expanded. Any comparison to a Nexus device must include an in-depth explanation of the different methods of hacking required/available on each phone.

Soon as there's something to say, we'll say it. No ROMs yet (last I checked). No bootloader unlock for the retail version last time I checked. I don't have a retail bootloader on mine here. HTC hasn't released kernel source yet. And the phone I have here is different than what you'll get on AT&T.

We do think about these things.

**bplewis24** · 04-02-2012, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Phil Nickinson

We do think about these things.

I know, that's why I used the word "expanded." I probably should have said "updated." Either way, it's very material.

Brandon

**Dreamliner330** · 04-02-2012, 04:20 PM

One thing I really like about the One X is the hardware buttons. It boggles my mind that a decision would be made to use screen real estate for buttons. Whats worse, is there seems to be no consistency in regards to button placement. The menu button seems to float around depending on the app you use.

Hardware buttons are infinitely better, it offers consistency and more screen real estate.

I'd like to know if there is a way to pull up search quickly. I long-press the search button and do a voice search at least 10 times per day. Having to go to the homescreen, then press a widget will simply not work.

**harold42483** · 04-02-2012, 07:04 PM

If I am correct the sprint version will have a dual core. The main attraction is the fact that non lte versions will have quad core processor. That for me is a let down. I think I'm going with the nexus. I love speedy updates like on my xoom. I would love that in a phone.

**Dreamliner330** · 04-02-2012, 07:52 PM

The Snapdragon S4 is in the LTE version, which benchmarks better than the quad core and uses less battery.

With the quality of the Android apps right now, I'm not feeling very confident that many would actually use quad core.

**Phil Nickinson** · 04-02-2012, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by dreamliner

The Snapdragon S4 is in the LTE version, which benchmarks better than the quad core and uses less battery.

With the quality of the Android apps right now, I'm not feeling very confident that many would actually use quad core.

I've got both here.

I can't tell a bit of difference. Folks really are making too big a deal out of it.

**Crispy** · 04-02-2012, 08:54 PM

The Nexus is not a competitor to this phone. It's a last gen device with inferior cpu, camera and screen.

The real competition will be with Galaxy S3, whenever that gets revealed, but at least then we will be comparing 2 phones with SoC's that have integrated LTE, and newer cpu/gpu. New Exonys vs Krait should be very interesting, as well as Samsung AMOLED HD vs SLCD2.

**Mikey47** · 04-02-2012, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by dreamliner

It boggles my mind that a decision would be made to use screen real estate for buttons.

I'm not smart enough to know the answer to this one, and it may be a dumb question. The Nexus doesn't have these buttons and ICS adds them in, right? So when those buttons are there being displayed on the Nexus does that mean the display is smaller than 1280x720? Or does it mean when you run an app, like youtube, that removes those buttons and takes over the full screen that it becomes larger than 1280x720?

I guess the reason why I ask is that we know that these OEMs are stuff all sorts of stuff into these tiny little form factors if that is space that wouldn't be used by the screen anyway, why not just make it buttons?

**jroc** · 04-02-2012, 11:07 PM

This one would be a no brainier for me...especially since AT&T actually might have better service in my area. And the One X has an FM radio!!! lol

**Dreamliner330** · 04-02-2012, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mikey47

I'm not smart enough to know the answer to this one, and it may be a dumb question. The Nexus doesn't have these buttons and ICS adds them in, right? So when those buttons are there being displayed on the Nexus does that mean the display is smaller than 1280x720? Or does it mean when you run an app, like youtube, that removes those buttons and takes over the full screen that it becomes larger than 1280x720?

I guess the reason why I ask is that we know that these OEMs are stuff all sorts of stuff into these tiny little form factors if that is space that wouldn't be used by the screen anyway, why not just make it buttons?

That is my point exactly. The display is 1280x720 and the button bar is within that resolution. I'm not sure if the button bar hides on the Galaxy Nexus, it doesn't in Honeycomb, thats for sure.

Buttons are better. I suspect Google caught wind of a rumor Apple would be doing away with their single button so they had to 'beat them to the punch.'

IMO its a huge mistake, there is plenty of room 'off screen' on all these devices. People are complaining about continuity, which was not a problem in Gingerbread.