Do people still recommend this device?

[mikeyboy80]

I'm looking for a new device and at the moment I've only been interested in the M9. I tried the Galaxy S6 but i was put off but the cartoon like touchwiz. I had the m8 and loved the premium feel of it. I don't care about the camera quality, i just want a device which is fast for web browsing, can text/call and decent sound quality.

I'm worried about the reviews people have given on this device, so am i wrong in deciding to go for this?

 

[NightOrchid]

Yes I do, Its a lovely device.. then again, Im a huge fan of sense. With the release of 5.1, we are seeing better battery life and the updates since release have given better audio on the speakers (on release day, many people mentioned that the M8 speakers still sounded better, but not anymore).

From what i know "stagefright" is still around, but if you turn off "automatically recieve MMS" in Messaging, you should be ok.

As I dont play games or shoot alot of video on my M9 then I cant speak for the over-heating, but HTC did release an update for this.

The only issue still plaguing our M9 is the Low-Light camera performance. While its vastlt improved since release day and now has HDR, the low-light performance can still look mushy on Auto mode, but uising Manual mode and shutter speed does give better results. However, if your serious about your photography you can pick up a lovely lttle compact for about £100+, so dont get hung up on all the damming YouTube and web reviews, most people doing these reviews couldnt tell the difference between a shutter speed and ISO, so dont worry

This is a lovely device, easily one of the beat of 2015, it runs liquid smooth.. in fact, smoother and crisper than the S6, G4 and many of the other devices...

So yeah, its worth it

 

[mikeyboy80]

Thanks very much appreciated.

 

[NEXUS_HTC_PS]

Totally worth it. Everything ^^^touched on above are all key points. When it comes to software, not even vanilla Android does it for me anymore(although, I did just order a Nexus 9). HTC does connectivity, call quality and UI like no other. There were some heat problems in the beginning, not gonna lie. Since the first update it was better though. I also haven't noticed any "throttling" on the processor either. No slow downs and no more heat. Just nab it. You won't regret it.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[neo905]

If you have software version 2.11 that addresses stagefright. That has been released to the M9 for some time now. I don't agree with the speakers being louder after the 5.1 update. The M9 is still loud but not louder than the M8. The M9 is still louder and clearer than most other phones at full volume. The battery life is a mix bag for me post 5.1. The standby time has really improved. However, even on power saver mode I am only getting about 4 hours screen on time max. Which is actually less than before. The problem is the phones battery life is now worse when the screen is off and I am using it an app. ie. listening to music, radio, podcast, etc. On GSAM I used to be able to get 7 hours active time which is a combination of screen on and screen off usage. Now it is closer to 6 hours and I was told it was going to go up to 8 hours active time and 5-6 hours screen on time. That is a bit disappointing but at least the battery overall in lasting a full day on moderate use and I wasn't getting that before. Other than that, the camera has improved immensely since I bought it in April. The only remaining weak point is the low light pictures. The video has also improved a lot. As always sense is still my favorite skin and the phone is still smooth and fast. Also, it doesn't get as hot as it did before and even then I thought it was overstated. Do I think it is worth it for you? Based on what your criteria is, absolutely go for it.

 

[GeodudeFFP]

All comments above are spot-on. I'm not sure if I would pay full retail for it, but I wouldn't for any other phone either. Get it from a good seller on swappa...I did, and still can't figure out why it got some relatively harsh reviews. It's unquestionably one of the best phones I've ever had.

However...remember the Snapdragon 820 is coming out in several months. Yeah, there's always something "better and faster" around the corner, but the 820 will be a lot more than just better and faster (search it if you're not familiar with it). But if you want a phone now, pick up the M9 on swappa...you should be well-pleased with it.

 

[NightOrchid]

If you have software version 2.11 that addresses stagefright. That has been released to the M9 for some time now. I don't agree with the speakers being louder after the 5.1 update. The M9 is still loud but not louder than the M8. The M9 is still louder and clearer than most other phones at full volume. The battery life is a mix bag for me post 5.1. The standby time has really improved. However, even on power saver mode I am only getting about 4 hours screen on time max. Which is actually less than before. The problem is the phones battery life is now worse when the screen is off and I am using it an app. ie. listening to music, radio, podcast, etc. On GSAM I used to be able to get 7 hours active time which is a combination of screen on and screen off usage. Now it is closer to 6 hours and I was told it was going to go up to 8 hours active time and 5-6 hours screen on time. That is a bit disappointing but at least the battery overall in lasting a full day on moderate use and I wasn't getting that before. Other than that, the camera has improved immensely since I bought it in April. The only remaining weak point is the low light pictures. The video has also improved a lot. As always sense is still my favorite skin and the phone is still smooth and fast. Also, it doesn't get as hot as it did before and even then I thought it was overstated. Do I think it is worth it for you? Based on what your criteria is, absolutely go for it.

Sorry to read about your battery issues, I must be honest, like you my stand by time is good, but I dont get the battery drain using apps, did you do a factory reset after the update?.

When i got my first one in April, it didnt overheat that much but I changed it because I read into it too much.. that was the point I was going to make in the OP, was its easy to get drawn into these reviews and worry about what others are saying rather than buying it for your enjoyment.

 

[NightOrchid]

All comments above are spot-on. I'm not sure if I would pay full retail for it, but I wouldn't for any other phone either. Get it from a good seller on swappa...I did, and still can't figure out why it got some relatively harsh reviews. It's unquestionably one of the best phones I've ever had.

However...remember the Snapdragon 820 is coming out in several months. Yeah, there's always something "better and faster" around the corner, but the 820 will be a lot more than just better and faster (search it if you're not familiar with it). But if you want a phone now, pick up the M9 on swappa...you should be well-pleased with it.

Agreed... also at this point, try and get an unlocked M9 as they can be really complicated and costly to convert from a carrier to an unbranded M9, (check out XDA)

 

[mikeyboy80]

Thanks, much appreciated.

Im not a photographer by any means but i was worried about the constant bad reviews about it. Also mixed reviews about the battery life, i have a usb cable in my office anyway and i normally charge my phone every night. One thing which i did notice with the M8 is the battery drain i experienced. I didnt experience any lag with the M8 but the other week i noticed that in terms of browsing it wasn't fast anymore - not sure if this was due to it being last years model.

 

[neo905]

Sorry to read about your battery issues, I must be honest, like you my stand by time is good, but I dont get the battery drain using apps, did you do a factory reset after the update?.

When i got my first one in April, it didnt overheat that much but I changed it because I read into it too much.. that was the point I was going to make in the OP, was its easy to get drawn into these reviews and worry about what others are saying rather than buying it for your enjoyment.

I didn't do a factory reset actually. Has anyone not done it after the 5.1 update and then did it after the fact and noticed a difference? I just don't want the hassle if there is no big difference.

 

[neo905]

All comments above are spot-on. I'm not sure if I would pay full retail for it, but I wouldn't for any other phone either. Get it from a good seller on swappa...I did, and still can't figure out why it got some relatively harsh reviews. It's unquestionably one of the best phones I've ever had.

However...remember the Snapdragon 820 is coming out in several months. Yeah, there's always something "better and faster" around the corner, but the 820 will be a lot more than just better and faster (search it if you're not familiar with it). But if you want a phone now, pick up the M9 on swappa...you should be well-pleased with it.

The improved battery life, camera possibilities and finger print scanner anywhere on the screen alone will make me want to switch if HTC can finally put it all together.

 

[IAmSixNine]

I got mine when HTC had the one day sale for 25% off.
my TMO rep matched that for me, otherwise i was not going to get one.
So im not an early adopter of the M9 but mine came with 5.1.1 and it seems to run well. My only complaint is the screen. I feel its not as good as my M8.
Other then that its been good. To me it just didnt feel like much of an upgrade, but thats just me. Is it a solid phone. Yes.

 

[GoliathIAm]

HTC Sync Manager is unbearable. And Facebook ****s with syncing and backups. I have the M9, my sister has the Note 4, her Boyfriend the S6 Edge, and my roommate the G4. Out of all of them they I prefer my phone. The overheating with certain apps has been addressed, now my phone just stays warm if I'm using it frequently. I was a four year iPhone user before switching to the M9 because my sister worked for T Mobile at the time and I got it for almost free. I'll be getting the iPhone 6s when it comes out. The M9 definitely has it's perks. They're actually about to put out a remade version of the M9 with a different processor all together because of the heating issues. Atleast that's what I've read in a few places. So I would hold off. It's the end of the year right before the holiday season. Tons of phones are about to hit the shelves. I will say it's more liquid in transitions and less glitchy than the S6, and better than the Note and G4, so if you want android, wait for the hardware provisions to be made on the M9 here soon, then upgrade. As for me, I'd give my phone a 4/10, and honestly can't wait to get rid of it.

 

[NightOrchid]

Thanks, much appreciated.

Im not a photographer by any means but i was worried about the constant bad reviews about it. Also mixed reviews about the battery life, i have a usb cable in my office anyway and i normally charge my phone every night. One thing which i did notice with the M8 is the battery drain i experienced. I didnt experience any lag with the M8 but the other week i noticed that in terms of browsing it wasn't fast anymore - not sure if this was due to it being last years model.

I dont want to put you off the M9, its a great device... However, the M8 is also a viable choice. Its pretty much the same phone, with the exception of the the 4UP camera, the slightly warmer (colour temperature wise) display. The only thing with the M8 is that HTC have pulled the 5.1 update, so you wont see Sense 7 on the M8 until Android M, which could be as far as after xmas.

As a photographer, it grieves me to see critical reviews of a smartphones poor low light performance on the camera. If you want to take night and low light photography without using flash, you should use a tri-pod and slow shutter speed. All mobiles have a fixed aperture, wide angle lens, but the CCD sensor is only the size of a pen tip, whereas the CCD on a compact camera can be the size of a big coin, so you cant hope to get great low-light images.

Mobile phones are only useful for quick snaps and macro photography during the day, so dont worry, the M9 camera is great in day light.

However saying that.. ive got some great special effects at night, using Blur, light trails and deiffernt filters with smart phone cameras, so they can be fun too.. Just dont use it for a wedding

 

[neo905]

HTC Sync Manager is unbearable. And Facebook ****s with syncing and backups. I have the M9, my sister has the Note 4, her Boyfriend the S6 Edge, and my roommate the G4. Out of all of them they I prefer my phone. The overheating with certain apps has been addressed, now my phone just stays warm if I'm using it frequently. I was a four year iPhone user before switching to the M9 because my sister worked for T Mobile at the time and I got it for almost free. I'll be getting the iPhone 6s when it comes out. The M9 definitely has it's perks. They're actually about to put out a remade version of the M9 with a different processor all together because of the heating issues. Atleast that's what I've read in a few places. So I would hold off. It's the end of the year right before the holiday season. Tons of phones are about to hit the shelves. I will say it's more liquid in transitions and less glitchy than the S6, and better than the Note and G4, so if you want android, wait for the hardware provisions to be made on the M9 here soon, then upgrade. As for me, I'd give my phone a 4/10, and honestly can't wait to get rid of it.

You are really all over the place in your assessment. The M9 is better than the other phones you mentioned but you only give it a 4 out of 10? Ummmm ok. Yet you are getting a phone with a 1,715 mAh battery, 720P display and 4.7" screen and think you are getting something special? I guess it's a bit easier to swallow if you are American. The prices for iPhones outside of the US due to the strength of the American dollar are well over $1,000 for the 6S/6S+. Apple is really milking marketing this "optimized software" to justify the purchase. I guess that is what is attracting you.

 

[neo905]

Sorry to read about your battery issues, I must be honest, like you my stand by time is good, but I dont get the battery drain using apps, did you do a factory reset after the update?.

When i got my first one in April, it didnt overheat that much but I changed it because I read into it too much.. that was the point I was going to make in the OP, was its easy to get drawn into these reviews and worry about what others are saying rather than buying it for your enjoyment.

I just did a factory reset. I will let you know if the battery life improves. I did notice it updated my Google play Services app which wasn't done before. i also have some new features that weren't there before like being able to remove adds from Blinkfeed.

 

[GoliathIAm]

You are really all over the place in your assessment. The M9 is better than the other phones you mentioned but you only give it a 4 out of 10? Ummmm ok. Yet you are getting a phone with a 1,715 mAh battery, 720P display and 4.7" screen and think you are getting something special? I guess it's a bit easier to swallow if you are American. The prices for iPhones outside of the US due to the strength of the American dollar are well over $1,000 for the 6S/6S+. Apple is really milking marketing this "optimized software" to justify the purchase. I guess that is what is attracting you.

It's not just the iphone I'm attracted to. All of my iphone's were jailbroken and I had them just perfect for my use. 90% of it being for jailbroken purposes. This is why I made the upgrade to Android because I figured I'd have a million times more freedom since it's open source, which in some aspects I do, but I still can't customize certain things to the specs I could on a jailbroken iphone. I know you'll make the point that with then 6S I won't be able to jailbreak it because of it being on iOS9, but eventually an exploit will be found.

All I'm saying is that if you want an Android, I would recommend the M9 over the S6, G4, and Note, but I don't like the M9 personally.

 

[delta7]

It's okay, I love the sound and the build of the phone. I prefer the 5 inch screen over my old phone the note 4 which is 5.7 inches.

However, it'd not all thst great.

The phone is very slippery without a case and the screen is just okay, nothing special Samsung kills it period.

I run power saver 24_7 to preserve battery but that's just android period you cannot truly be content with battery because android does much more so it will use more battery period.

I like blink feed overall, love sense over TouchWiz and LG skin.

Don't care for Motorola phones, think they're just bleh.

For Android sense is just better but the m9 isn't what I thought it would be.

I give it a 6 outta 10 nothing special. Pretty reliable and fast no lag but the phone doesn't wow me at all.

I'm getting old so my wow days are about over, just get a phone and call it a day.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[GeodudeFFP]

It's not just the iphone I'm attracted to. All of my iphone's were jailbroken and I had them just perfect for my use. 90% of it being for jailbroken purposes. This is why I made the upgrade to Android because I figured I'd have a million times more freedom since it's open source, which in some aspects I do, but I still can't customize certain things to the specs I could on a jailbroken iphone. I know you'll make the point that with then 6S I won't be able to jailbreak it because of it being on iOS9, but eventually an exploit will be found.

All I'm saying is that if you want an Android, I would recommend the M9 over the S6, G4, and Note, but I don't like the M9 personally.

I'll admit I'm no iFan, but what can you customize on a jailbroken iPhone that you can't on an Android phone (especially a rooted Android phone)?

 

[neo905]

It's not just the iphone I'm attracted to. All of my iphone's were jailbroken and I had them just perfect for my use. 90% of it being for jailbroken purposes. This is why I made the upgrade to Android because I figured I'd have a million times more freedom since it's open source, which in some aspects I do, but I still can't customize certain things to the specs I could on a jailbroken iphone. I know you'll make the point that with then 6S I won't be able to jailbreak it because of it being on iOS9, but eventually an exploit will be found.

All I'm saying is that if you want an Android, I would recommend the M9 over the S6, G4, and Note, but I don't like the M9 personally.

That's what they said about Apple TV3. Isn't it still not jailbroken yet?