Definitely sticking to metal phones.

[dpham00]

Also metal shell doesn't necessarily mean heavier. Take a look at the 5c, which is 18% heavier and 17% thicker than the 5,despite both having similar internals. Though the 5c has a steel frame, and plastic shell whereas the 5 has an aluminum shell

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

 

[dpham00]

Was considering the One, but its hardware was no where near the hardware of the Note 3. And it has a 1" smaller screen and nearly 1000 mAh battery deficiency. Those were some of the important specs in my decision. Case construction was a 2nd tier factor but is still important to me. I mean these are $700 devices so I think they should have top notch build and materials.

The one max has a slightly larger screen and battery than the note 3

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

 

[power5]

The one max has a slightly larger screen and battery than the note 3

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

But it has the S600 instead of the S800. Also, I think I am at my max size with the Note 3. The Max is 1/2" longer, 1/8" wider and 2mm thicker. Not much but the N3 is already straining my max size. Will not go any bigger I do not think. Also Max does not have a stylus and I am a designer and really like being able to sketch on my phone. I would have bought the Max if it was the same size as the Note 3 and had a stylus and same S800. The front speakers on the One are so much better than the Note 3 I think Samsung could have been better off just giving everyone some very very nice headphones and not equipping speakers on the N3. I really disliked HTC after they pretended that they did not produce the Titan after 6 months on the market. Then the One came out and I said I could possibly give them another chance since they are a bit more supporting of their android line than WP. But the only way I buy another HTC is if it meets all my critical requirements. I made an exception for the plastic on the samsung since I had never had a samsung phone before and read mixed reviews about their plastic being good even though it does not feel as nice as metal. Now that I know, it puts more importance on build materials.

If the Note 3 was not available I think I would have gotten the LG G2 or Sony Z1. I was almost ready to get the Nexus 5 since its so cheap. Would have allowed me to wait on my upgrade for another 6 months. as I got used to Android. 2300mAh battery killed it for me despite what google claims about power saving features of 4.4 I doubt it would get through my 10-14 hour days.