I really wanted to like this phone but having a hard time not viewing it as a total fail. My S3 is the best phone I've ever had but I'm only loyal until something newer and shinier comes out and would've gladly jumped back to HTC if the One didn't fail in so many areas.
1. If HTC was going to chintz on the megapixels and take a HUGE marketing risk, they should've made sure the camera was the best available or at least as good as it's main rivals. From all the reviews I've read, the camera is decent but clearly not on par with the best. Good in low light but that's about it?
2. Running older version of Jelly Bean? Really? has HTC fallen so far that it couldn't get 4.2.2 like the S4 and can anyone honestly say it will get Key Lime Pie in a timely fashion? Anyone want to bet whether the S4 gets it first?
3. Blinkfeed, if I wanted Flipboard, I would download Flipboard not have it front and center.
4. Battery life. Most reviews are on the HSPA+ version, not the US LTE Version so reviews are practically worthless and even then battery life has been reported as OK, nothing stellar.
5. Screen, again a chance for HTC to distinguish itself but it went smallish and while it's exemplary, the S4 is bigger, lighter and at least as good from the reviews so far.
6. Lack of features. Sure many of the S4 features are gimmicky and may not be used after the 1st week but some are likely going to be keepers and imitated by other makers.
7. Availability. Late April in the US? T-Mobile just announced the S4 for May 1 and I'd imagine the other carriers will be within days. Whomever at HTC was responsible for the One launch may single handedly bring HTC down. The launch could literally buried by the expected S4 blitz in the US, there is no Verizon version and I'm willing to be ATT will have the S4 front and center in its stores.
I'm sure I'll get flamed and accused of trolling but whatever
Have at it.