HTC 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S7

[npaladin-2000]

The unlocked S7/S7 edge is an international version. Samsung doesn't make a US version. For some reason, that gigantic company stays tied to carriers in the US.

That's part of Samsung's marketing strategy. They keep the carriers happy by making damn sure there's no unlocked versions out there compatible with US LTE bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13 and 17 primarily) and Verizon and AT&T in exchange promote Samsung's devices on their own dime.

The tide is finally turning on this stuff though, Moto shunned the carriers completely, Google won't deal with them anymore, and now HTC is going outside the carrier ecosystem. Google's the only one I see ads for recently though.

 

[Wildo6882]

So unlocked 10 from HTC has US warranty? If so, it's good thing for unlocked 10.
No samsung pay doesn't bother me much, but warranty for US is big deal. If they still offer $599 pricing for unlocked 10, this looks more attractive to me.

Yes it does. That's a huge part for me. Gotta have a warranty.

 

[Wildo6882]

That's part of Samsung's marketing strategy. They keep the carriers happy by making damn sure there's no unlocked versions out there compatible with US LTE bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13 and 17 primarily) and Verizon and AT&T in exchange promote Samsung's devices on their own dime.

The tide is finally turning on this stuff though, Moto shunned the carriers completely, Google won't deal with them anymore, and now HTC is going outside the carrier ecosystem. Google's the only one I see ads for recently though.

And we get screwed in the end.

I hope this is changing. I'm pretty much resigned to only buying unlocked phones. Nexus, HTC, Apple, etc. No carrier phones for me.

 

[Adranalyne]

That's part of Samsung's marketing strategy. They keep the carriers happy by making damn sure there's no unlocked versions out there compatible with US LTE bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13 and 17 primarily) and Verizon and AT&T in exchange promote Samsung's devices on their own dime.

The tide is finally turning on this stuff though, Moto shunned the carriers completely, Google won't deal with them anymore, and now HTC is going outside the carrier ecosystem. Google's the only one I see ads for recently though.

I'm in agreement here. HTC can't afford to shun carriers, but we don't know if it was AT&T that said they wouldn't carry the phone or HTC telling them to kick rocks. Samsung, however, definitely can negotiate a better deal akin to what Apple has, but they haven't. I don't see that changing, either, because I would guess it's more profitable for Samsung this way. I would definitely buy an unlocked S7 Edge with the Exynos if it had a warranty and was Android/Samsung Pay capable.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Sun Hyung Hong]

I have a Galaxy S7 and if I had the option to choose between the S7 and HTC 10, I would still go for the S7. The HTC 10 looks really nice, but the S7's IP68 and Samsung Pay are useful features to have. I live in Seoul, South Korea and I no longer need to take my card out whenever I take the bus or subway because of Samsung Pay. I do like the HTC 10's software more though. I hate app duplicates and there's a lot found in the S7. This actually made me miss my Nexus 4's stock Android.

 

[Jdroids]

That's part of Samsung's marketing strategy. They keep the carriers happy by making damn sure there's no unlocked versions out there compatible with US LTE bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13 and 17 primarily) and Verizon and AT&T in exchange promote Samsung's devices on their own dime.

The tide is finally turning on this stuff though, Moto shunned the carriers completely, Google won't deal with them anymore, and now HTC is going outside the carrier ecosystem. Google's the only one I see ads for recently though.

International S7 seems to support ATT and T-mobile LTE bands at least. But I agree Samsung needs to support unlocked version more in US.

 

[Altema22]

This is a rant, so if you easily get emotionally scarred, then move on

I think we're kind missing the other side of the coin here. What does the Galaxy S7 offer that the 10 does not? A little bit better camera results, on some but not all photos, and against a phone on pre-release software? Now, that's a valid point if the camera is the number one critical component for you. Go for it. We know the S7 takes great shots, and I would recommend it for anyone who has that priority. But what's funny is that everyone was saying that they hope the 10 camera would be at least decent or "good", and now that it's here and a serious contender as one of the best cameras in the world, it gets dismissed? And for what it's worth, video conferencing uses the front facing camera, and a doctor with a patient consulting with another doctor while holding the phone in his hands and using the front camera is a thing. So are group selfies in dark restaurants, and video chat. OIS is a good thing. But I guess the general public will ignore it. That is, unless Samsung gets it, THEN it will be the best thing since sliced bread!

Another funny turn-about? IP certification. Sony had it, Samsung fans did not care. Other phones had water resistance for years, and Samsung fans did not care. Now they have it, and it's suddenly the most important feature in the world. Here, check out my waterproof phone! I peed on it this morning!

Then there's durability. The S7 breaks, and breaks easily. Not just the glass back, but the phone fails internally in more than one drop test, just like the S6. And what are we comparing it to now? The next gen of the toughest non-hardened phone in the world. Say what you will about the M9, but you can literally beat an S7 to death with it, and the M9 would be fine.

Security. Software is important, but has anybody thought through the physical characteristics? You secure your device and it cannot be unlocked. Except by your fingerprints. Which are all over the back...

And for crying out loud, why is there NOT an AC article titled "Does the S7 have quality audio? Lol. No. Not even a little". And I say that because a flagship that most of the commenters are holding up as the best of everything, has audio specifications that are inferior to phones from two years ago. For some people, audio is more important than peeing on your phone, and more important than the camera. I know the AC editors took a step in the right direction when they got a legitimate audio testing setup. But, I get the feeling that they will ignore professionals that do audio for a living.

\r

 

[Bearcats98]

This is a rant, so if you easily get emotionally scarred, then move on

*Golf clap*

 

[DarkTlaloc]

Honestly, I think it comes down to what you're looking for from the phone. As someone who switched to Samsung after having hardware issues with their One M7 (probably my favorite phone, all-time), here's how I look at it:

Do you want the (arguably) best screen out there? Go with the S7. I had a Note 4 before my S7, so the glass back is a nice change of pace (metal M7, plastic Note 4). One of the main reasons I went with the S7 is that I like that Samsung has been pushing the envelope recently in terms of things like mobile payment (Samsung Pay is a huge boon in my opinion).

I'd probably get the HTC 10 if you want a metal-backed phone over glass, and if the idea of a mostly stock Android is important to you. It looks like the camera is going to be pretty solid (maybe not quite as good as the S7's, but still pretty great for a phone) and the performance is going to be all-around speedy, so it really depends on what you're looking for from Android. I lean towards the S7 this gen because of a few hardware pieces (screen, hardware involved in LoopPay, IP68 rating, etc.), but if you don't care about AMOLED or Samsung Pay, the HTC 10 might be more enjoyable from a UI perspective (I definitely prefer Sense to TouchWiz).

 

[Adranalyne]

This is a rant, so if you easily get emotionally scarred, then move on

I think we're kind missing the other side of the coin here. What does the Galaxy S7 offer that the 10 does not? A little bit better camera results, on some but not all photos, and against a phone on pre-release software? Now, that's a valid point if the camera is the number one critical component for you. Go for it. We know the S7 takes great shots, and I would recommend it for anyone who has that priority. But what's funny is that everyone was saying that they hope the 10 camera would be at least decent or "good", and now that it's here and a serious contender as one of the best cameras in the world, it gets dismissed? And for what it's worth, video conferencing uses the front facing camera, and a doctor with a patient consulting with another doctor while holding the phone in his hands and using the front camera is a thing. So are group selfies in dark restaurants, and video chat. OIS is a good thing. But I guess the general public will ignore it. That is, unless Samsung gets it, THEN it will be the best thing since sliced bread!

Another funny turn-about? IP certification. Sony had it, Samsung fans did not care. Other phones had water resistance for years, and Samsung fans did not care. Now they have it, and it's suddenly the most important feature in the world. Here, check out my waterproof phone! I peed on it this morning!

Then there's durability. The S7 breaks, and breaks easily. Not just the glass back, but the phone fails internally in more than one drop test, just like the S6. And what are we comparing it to now? The next gen of the toughest non-hardened phone in the world. Say what you will about the M9, but you can literally beat an S7 to death with it, and the M9 would be fine.

Security. Software is important, but has anybody thought through the physical characteristics? You secure your device and it cannot be unlocked. Except by your fingerprints. Which are all over the back...

And for crying out loud, why is there NOT an AC article titled "Does the S7 have quality audio? Lol. No. Not even a little". And I say that because a flagship that most of the commenters are holding up as the best of everything, has audio specifications that are inferior to phones from two years ago. For some people, audio is more important than peeing on your phone, and more important than the camera. I know the AC editors took a step in the right direction when they got a legitimate audio testing setup. But, I get the feeling that they will ignore professionals that do audio for a living.

\r

Well there's a better camera. Not just in the results. It's faster to focus and faster to launch. The display is better. Battery life is better, especially on the Edge. What it lacks in durability physically, it makes up for with being able to take a swim or being thrown in sand. It has far better accessory support because the general public probably won't even be aware of the 10 at all. It's mobile payment system with Samsung Pay is extremely useful and can be a huge difference in whether someone purchases a Galaxy phone (as a poster above attested to).

The 10 has got the audio down, though. I guess if that's important to you, by all means. I just think it's a mistake to make that your marketing target because not nearly enough people cared the past 3 times they tried, but you have to give it to HTC---they get an idea in their head and they hammer it home endlessly, regardless of whether it works or not.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Bearcats98]

Camera seems to be direct win for S7. But if you don't use your phone for a camera this isn't much of point. Launch speed..I don't know how to classify that. My three year old DNA launches from lock window in less than a second to maybe a second and a half. Granted I have to hit the power button to wake it. What are the current launch times for the S7 and 10? I also believe HTC allows a finger gesture to launch camera from a dark screen.

Audio is a win for HTC. However its something I don't care about but goes into the same bucket of camera. If its important its a tick box; if its not its not even a line item.

Display is subjective. Each to if said owner prefers the strengths of which screen. Bright and over saturated (and HTC seems to have some issue with that per some reviews) does not indicate a great screen. Its a personal preference thing.

Battery life is to be determined on the direct comparison of S7 and 10. Per the battery life test by ananddroid it seems like its almost a toss up depending on your phone habits. But since its only review phones in the wild we really don't know about true human being use. S7e is whole different beast and not applicable for battery longevity discussion comparisons. Its just different and I would hope having 17% more capacity would last longer.

IP68 is neat and an advantage. However if I can't drop my phone by accident or something of similar nature; which one is more apt to happen given the law of averages? I keep "hearing" how easily they are to be broken but only come across one person directly that has actually broken one. So I am not so sure how easily they are broken.

 

[npaladin-2000]

This is a rant, so if you easily get emotionally scarred, then move on

I think we're kind missing the other side of the coin here. What does the Galaxy S7 offer that the 10 does not? A little bit better camera results, on some but not all photos, and against a phone on pre-release software? Now, that's a valid point if the camera is the number one critical component for you. Go for it. We know the S7 takes great shots, and I would recommend it for anyone who has that priority. But what's funny is that everyone was saying that they hope the 10 camera would be at least decent or "good", and now that it's here and a serious contender as one of the best cameras in the world, it gets dismissed? And for what it's worth, video conferencing uses the front facing camera, and a doctor with a patient consulting with another doctor while holding the phone in his hands and using the front camera is a thing. So are group selfies in dark restaurants, and video chat. OIS is a good thing. But I guess the general public will ignore it. That is, unless Samsung gets it, THEN it will be the best thing since sliced bread!

Another funny turn-about? IP certification. Sony had it, Samsung fans did not care. Other phones had water resistance for years, and Samsung fans did not care. Now they have it, and it's suddenly the most important feature in the world. Here, check out my waterproof phone! I peed on it this morning!

Then there's durability. The S7 breaks, and breaks easily. Not just the glass back, but the phone fails internally in more than one drop test, just like the S6. And what are we comparing it to now? The next gen of the toughest non-hardened phone in the world. Say what you will about the M9, but you can literally beat an S7 to death with it, and the M9 would be fine.

Security. Software is important, but has anybody thought through the physical characteristics? You secure your device and it cannot be unlocked. Except by your fingerprints. Which are all over the back...

And for crying out loud, why is there NOT an AC article titled "Does the S7 have quality audio? Lol. No. Not even a little". And I say that because a flagship that most of the commenters are holding up as the best of everything, has audio specifications that are inferior to phones from two years ago. For some people, audio is more important than peeing on your phone, and more important than the camera. I know the AC editors took a step in the right direction when they got a legitimate audio testing setup. But, I get the feeling that they will ignore professionals that do audio for a living.

\r

Bottom line is that Samsung fans have gotten as bad as Apple fans in some ways. Interestingly, both make beautiful hardware as far as I'm concerned, it's their software that turns me off (in both cases). I'd love a phone with HTC's speakers and SD slot, Samsung's front, Apple's back, LG"s cameras, and the software build from a Nexus 6. But no one's building that.

 

[DarkTlaloc]

Camera seems to be direct win for S7. But if you don't use your phone for a camera this isn't much of point. Launch speed..I don't know how to classify that. My three year old DNA launches from lock window in less than a second to maybe a second and a half. Granted I have to hit the power button to wake it. What are the current launch times for the S7 and 10? I also believe HTC allows a finger gesture to launch camera from a dark screen.

Audio is a win for HTC. However its something I don't care about but goes into the same bucket of camera. If its important its a tick box; if its not its not even a line item.

Display is subjective. Each to if said owner prefers the strengths of which screen. Bright and over saturated (and HTC seems to have some issue with that per some reviews) does not indicate a great screen. Its a personal preference thing.

Battery life is to be determined on the direct comparison of S7 and 10. Per the battery life test by ananddroid it seems like its almost a toss up depending on your phone habits. But since its only review phones in the wild we really don't know about true human being use. S7e is whole different beast and not applicable for battery longevity discussion comparisons. Its just different and I would hope having 17% more capacity would last longer.

IP68 is neat and an advantage. However if I can't drop my phone by accident or something of similar nature; which one is more apt to happen given the law of averages? I keep "hearing" how easily they are to be broken but only come across one person directly that has actually broken one. So I am not so sure how easily they are broken.

I honestly think this is more of an Audi VS BMW VS Mercedes discussion than a Ferrari VS 1985 Toyota Tercel one. There's no wrong answer, just an answer that ends up being better for the individual user.

I've never had a water resistant phone before, and never needed it. However, I've also always been incredibly careful around water with my phone, and now that I have the option, am really enjoying being able to worry about that a little less (it's even nice to submerge the phone once in a while to clean it off a little). Is it a game-changer? Probably not. Something I value? Hell yeah.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm generally a "no case" phone owner; if I get a phone for its looks, why would I put a case of it? However, I'm paranoid enough about the S7 (it's very slippery and I've dropped it a couple times already) that I got a rubber bumper. With that being said, the HTC 10 is going to be no better; will it survive drops better? Perhaps, but it'll still get dents (just like my M7 did), and that's the thing that worries me most (I have insurance if the phone craps out).

In terms of audio, it sounds (no pun intended) like the 10 is the better option, but I'd be willing to bet the majority of users won't notice either way, so that's again going to be a spec that only matters to a very specific crowd. Cool, yeah, but not something everyone will care about.

The bottom line is that neither phone will disappoint you if you purchase it, so you can weigh the pros and cons of each and be confident that no matter what, you're getting one of the best phones of the year.

 

[Bearcats98]

I honestly think this is more of an Audi VS BMW VS Mercedes discussion than a Ferrari VS 1985 Toyota Tercel one. There's no wrong answer, just an answer that ends up being better for the individual user.

I've never had a water resistant phone before, and never needed it. However, I've also always been incredibly careful around water with my phone, and now that I have the option, am really enjoying being able to worry about that a little less (it's even nice to submerge the phone once in a while to clean it off a little). Is it a game-changer? Probably not. Something I value? Hell yeah.

I believe your comparison is good.

And I am in same boat; never had IP68. But, like you, have been careful with my equipment. Accidents certainly happen.

 

[illregal]

Because it's essentially the same design with updated internals. It offers nothing outside of superior audio (and even that's debatable against some phones) to differentiate itself and that's why it's tough to sell one next to a Galaxy or an iPhone. Why would the majority buy something that is inferior to these devices in the core things that make a good phone (display, camera, battery, etc)?

This isn't some conspiracy where these sites refuse to acknowledge other phones. The 10 just isn't as good as it's competitors. Simple as that.

Posted via the Android Central App

Wait.. how is the s7 different then the s6? It isn't some conspiracy.

Well there's a better camera. Not just in the results. It's faster to focus and faster to launch. The display is better. Battery life is better, especially on the Edge. What it lacks in durability physically, it makes up for with being able to take a swim or being thrown in sand. It has far better accessory support because the general public probably won't even be aware of the 10 at all. It's mobile payment system with Samsung Pay is extremely useful and can be a huge difference in whether someone purchases a Galaxy phone (as a poster above attested to).

The 10 has got the audio down, though. I guess if that's important to you, by all means. I just think it's a mistake to make that your marketing target because not nearly enough people cared the past 3 times they tried, but you have to give it to HTC---they get an idea in their head and they hammer it home endlessly, regardless of whether it works or not.

Posted via the Android Central App

I understand you're disappointed you spent your upgrade on a piece of junk.. But running around stating all your opinions as facts is making you look silly.

 

[Adranalyne]

Wait.. how is the s7 different then the s6? It isn't some conspiracy

Battery life is vastly improved. There's an SD card. IP68 rating. It's more comfortable to hold with the back being curved in, especially the Edge. That's a huge difference, especially the storage and durability.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[tnt4]

I understand you're disappointed you spent your upgrade on a piece of junk.. But running around stating all your opinions as facts is making you look silly.

To be honest that's going on with both sides of this thread...

 

[Adranalyne]

To be honest that's going on with both sides of this thread...

I'm not stating them as fact, actually. These are things reviewers are stating, including the very people who work on this site. The 10 is a really, really good phone. If I didn't have the Edge or the 6P currently, I'd heavily consider buying one unlocked (because it is great they offer that here in the US). This thread is comparing the 10 and the S7 and I've highlighted the differences between them. The display, camera, and battery are all better on the S7, but how much better and how much that means to you is going to vary. It may mean nothing. You may value the metal build so much that you don't care about the losses in those departments.

All I'm saying is that if you look at it objectively, the S7 is going to come out on top head to head. That doesn't make the 10 any less of a phone. I'm just pissed at them for not making something better because I know they can. HTC does A LOT of things right. I was hoping the 10 would be the thing that puts them back in the game, but I don't think it will. Admittedly it's extremely early, but I don't feel they did enough to stop the average consumer from buying an S7 instead. And that sucks because competition between HTC and Samsung would produce some excellent devices and maybe even push Samsung to offer unlocked devices.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[tnt4]

I'm not stating them as fact, actually. These are things reviewers are stating, including the very people who work on this site. The 10 is a really, really good phone. If I didn't have the Edge or the 6P currently, I'd heavily consider buying one unlocked (because it is great they offer that here in the US). This thread is comparing the 10 and the S7 and I've highlighted the differences between them. The display, camera, and battery are all better on the S7, but how much better and how much that means to you is going to vary. It may mean nothing. You may value the metal build so much that you don't care about the losses in those departments.

All I'm saying is that if you look at it objectively, the S7 is going to come out on top head to head. That doesn't make the 10 any less of a phone. I'm just pissed at them for not making something better because I know they can. HTC does A LOT of things right. I was hoping the 10 would be the thing that puts them back in the game, but I don't think it will. Admittedly it's extremely early, but I don't feel they did enough to stop the average consumer from buying an S7 instead. And that sucks because competition between HTC and Samsung would produce some excellent devices and maybe even push Samsung to offer unlocked devices.

Posted via the Android Central App

Hey don't pull me into this, I was just responding to that other guy stating you were spewing opinions only. I prefer the S7.

*grabs more popcorn*

 

[mzman]

Well there's a better camera. Not just in the results. It's faster to focus and faster to launch. The display is better. Battery life is better, especially on the Edge. What it lacks in durability physically, it makes up for with being able to take a swim or being thrown in sand. It has far better accessory support because the general public probably won't even be aware of the 10 at all. It's mobile payment system with Samsung Pay is extremely useful and can be a huge difference in whether someone purchases a Galaxy phone (as a poster above attested to).

The 10 has got the audio down, though. I guess if that's important to you, by all means. I just think it's a mistake to make that your marketing target because not nearly enough people cared the past 3 times they tried, but you have to give it to HTC---they get an idea in their head and they hammer it home endlessly, regardless of whether it works or not.

Posted via the Android Central App

I see a few glaring errors in your posts.

1. The HTC's camera is not necessarily worse. Just because some reviewers say so, doesn't make it so. From what I've seen, HTC does better with exposure and saturation in many cases. Take it camera reviews more seriously form those who have experience with photography (I do), not just those who know phones.

2. The battery on the Samsung is not better. Again, it's not so clear. Some recent reviews show that HTC's is better in some use cases, worse in others. The most thorough recent tests show the HTC's is better.

3. The Samsung is more fragile. You break it, game over. The HTC can't be dropped in a lake, and necessarily survive. However, you can just call up and get a new one from HTC at no charge if you should happen to drop it in a lake. If you habitually take your phone into the water, I suppose it's better to have the S7. Unless of course, the water causes you to drop it, in which case see above. For my use, I'd rather have a tougher phone with easy replacement policy, than one I can take swimming and have to avoid banging into the edge of the pool.

4. The HTC comes with more memory. Available memory, that is. Bloatware means something, it's not just a word.