Questions from a prospective buyer on HTC One physical characteristics and usability

[Neon01]

I'm currently an IP5 owner, but traditionally a Android user (my last three phones were the HTC One X, International Gnex, and Galaxy S). I find both camps to be lacking somewhat, but what I like best about iphone are the ergonomics of the phone. Specifically, I like the great tactile response of the physical buttons, the vibrate/ringer physical switch that I can operate in my pocket in a meeting, and the ideally placed on/off button. I've yet to get this from any android phone I've used. The Samsung phones have the power button in a terrible location where I can't help but press the volume buttons when operating. The HTC One X wasn't bad, but the buttons had TERRIBLE tactile response, were so inconspicuous as to be difficult to locate, and the power button was angled _away_ from where my index finger would be pushing it (because of that bevel on the rim of the phone).

I'm really excited about the Google play HTC One and getting back to the flexibility of Android (I miss Google music the most, and I'm eager to try out the new music service), but these types of user experience features are pretty important to me. Can anyone give me some info on the HTC One with regard to these features/ergos?

Also, is there any kind of app or other trick to enable an android phone to go into vibrate mode without turning it on and selecting that mode. Maybe a long press of the vol up/down button or something?

Thanks

 

[DS1331]

There's a small widget that comes with the HTC one for your homescreen and you press it once or twice to get silent and vibrate.

Sent from my HTC One using AC Forums mobile app

 

[DS1331]

That's all I know though

Sent from my HTC One using AC Forums mobile app

 

[OhAlfie]

I found the One to have HORRIBLE button layout and style. So incredibly user UN-friendly compared to the S4. No matter how much I tried to "like" the layout, it became more and more annoying (and cumbersome) to use. I much prefer the S4 layout. Fits like a glove and can easily be navigated with one hand, no need to constantly adjust/move the phone around to power it up, change volume etc. And you can just hold the volume down button to go into vibrate mode.

Worst of all was not having a physical "Home" button. The left/right touch buttons on the One annoyed me to no end. HORRIBLE decision by HTC to make it that way in my opinion.

I had the choice of getting the One or the S4 and based on the horrible buttons it offered, I had to pass and go S4. I don't regret it at all.

 

[Topgonzo]

I found the One to have HORRIBLE button layout and style. So incredibly user UN-friendly compared to the S4. No matter how much I tried to "like" the layout, it became more and more annoying (and cumbersome) to use. I much prefer the S4 layout. Fits like a glove and can easily be navigated with one hand, no need to constantly adjust/move the phone around to power it up, change volume etc. And you can just hold the volume down button to go into vibrate mode.

I had the choice of getting the One or the S4 and based on the horrible buttons it offered, I had to pass and go S4. I don't regret it at all.

Now what in the heck does this thread have anything to do with the s4?
We get it.. You love your s4 and you troll the one forums to spread your joy... This is not the place.. It would be different if the op asked opinions about the s4 but he never mentioned it.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[cgardnervt]

I found the One to have HORRIBLE button layout and style. So incredibly user UN-friendly compared to the S4. No matter how much I tried to "like" the layout, it became more and more annoying (and cumbersome) to use. I much prefer the S4 layout. Fits like a glove and can easily be navigated with one hand, no need to constantly adjust/move the phone around to power it up, change volume etc. And you can just hold the volume down button to go into vibrate mode.

Worst of all was not having a physical "Home" button. The left/right touch buttons on the One annoyed me to no end. HORRIBLE decision by HTC to make it that way in my opinion.

I had the choice of getting the One or the S4 and based on the horrible buttons it offered, I had to pass and go S4. I don't regret it at all.

Only took me 2-3 days to get used to my HTC One's button lay out after coming from an S3. Is Samsung's button layout better? Maybe but the HTC One is to perfect otherwise to pass up! Plus come 4.2.2 we gain a menu button again. Either way a button layout should not be a deal breaker for anyone. Including the OP. I like change and options!

 

[karmamule]

As far as I know the volume controls will respond while playing music and the screen is off, but only affect music volume. To affect ringtone volume you have to hit the power button, but then you can press vol. up or down to change ringtone level or go to vibrate only. (At least you don't have to unlock the phone)

I actually don't mind the button placement of the One and can access the buttons while using one-handed without an issue. My only gripe with the buttons is that they made them very flush on the surface. At first that was an annoyance because I was constantly glancing to make sure I was hitting them. Once I developed sense memory for them that was no longer an issue.

However, despite them being flush I think the tactile response to being pushed is noticeable so that's not an issue for me. I had a One X for a while as well, but unfortunately it's been awhile so I can't directly compare the two. I suspect you won't be *thrilled* with button feel/response, but IMO they get the job done and I don't notice them one way or the other now in everyday use.

 

[OhAlfie]

Now what in the heck does this thread have anything to do with the s4?
We get it.. You love your s4 and you troll the one forums to spread your joy... This is not the place.. It would be different if the op asked opinions about the s4 but he never mentioned it.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Read again, OP does compare Samsung phones to the One.

 

[DS1331]

Read again, OP does compare Samsung phones to the One.

Lol yeah and he said he hated the Samsung button layout. Whatever stop bickering and help the guy out with his questions if possible

Sent from my HTC One using AC Forums mobile app

 

[Habiib]

Read again, OP does compare Samsung phones to the One.

The Samsung phones have the power button in a terrible location where I can't help but press the volume buttons when operating. The HTC One X wasn't bad, but the buttons had TERRIBLE tactile response, were so inconspicuous as to be difficult to locate, and the power button was angled _away_ from where my index finger would be pushing it (because of that bevel on the rim of the phone).

Yup the OP is comparing the Samsung phones against the One..................X

To the OP, I have a problem with the power button location on the One. This applies to when the phone is in my pocket. With the power button being in the upper left and the micro-usb port in the lower right, I find myself pressing on the usb port to get my phone off of standby mode, if the phone is oriented upside down. The power button being nearly flush doesn't help that situation either. Also the volume buttons may take additional effort to press depending on how a case is designed (a la HTC double-dip case).

My only other annoyance, is that when I'm entering my PIN to unlock my phone, I often press the Emergency Call button by mistake. This occurs when the HTC keyboard is set as the default.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Oofa]

Your reasons for liking the iP5 are the reasons many stay with iPhones altogether. There really isn't anything comparable when it comes to those little things. I think it's all a matter of getting used to doing something in a new way. If you really want to venture into One territory, go for it and don't give up after only 1-2 days with it.

 

[OhAlfie]

Lol yeah and he said he hated the Samsung button layout. Whatever stop bickering and help the guy out with his questions if possible

Sent from my HTC One using AC Forums mobile app

I'm not bickering. I'm pointing our what I consider flaws with the One. OP asked opinions, he/she is getting options, some may like them, some may not.

 

[Neon01]

Your reasons for liking the iP5 are the reasons many stay with iPhones altogether. There really isn't anything comparable when it comes to those little things. I think it's all a matter of getting used to doing something in a new way. If you really want to venture into One territory, go for it and don't give up after only 1-2 days with it.

I see. That's a shame. For someone like me, these elements of phone design are key to every day operation. It's not really a matter of just getting used to it in a couple days and then everything's okey dokey. As you can see from my OP, I've owned a variety of Android phones (and many HTC Windows Mobile phones before that), so it's not like I haven't used them for years, despite misgivings. I realize no phone is perfect - there are plenty of reasons I want to come back to Android from iphone! I'm just asking now so I know what I'd get into. When I experience poor wifi signal on my IP5 where other devices (including my wife's IP4s) have great signal, the "grass is greener" syndrome starts to set in, and I start thinking about switching again. It's nice to know (for certain) that the other options out there aren't perfect either. Easier on the wallet too!

Really appreciate all of the other replies too. Good stuff here. I had kind of written off the GS4 based on the AMOLED screen, but maybe it's worth a look too. Still, that power button placement... If it's like the Gnex...ugh.

 

[CHILLYWILL_95831]

I'm currently an IP5 owner, but traditionally a Android user (my last three phones were the HTC One X, International Gnex, and Galaxy S). I find both camps to be lacking somewhat, but what I like best about iphone are the ergonomics of the phone. Specifically, I like the great tactile response of the physical buttons, the vibrate/ringer physical switch that I can operate in my pocket in a meeting, and the ideally placed on/off button. I've yet to get this from any android phone I've used. The Samsung phones have the power button in a terrible location where I can't help but press the volume buttons when operating. The HTC One X wasn't bad, but the buttons had TERRIBLE tactile response, were so inconspicuous as to be difficult to locate, and the power button was angled _away_ from where my index finger would be pushing it (because of that bevel on the rim of the phone).

I'm really excited about the Google play HTC One and getting back to the flexibility of Android (I miss Google music the most, and I'm eager to try out the new music service), but these types of user experience features are pretty important to me. Can anyone give me some info on the HTC One with regard to these features/ergos?

Also, is there any kind of app or other trick to enable an android phone to go into vibrate mode without turning it on and selecting that mode. Maybe a long press of the vol up/down button or something?

Thanks

Here on a very different note regarding button placement on the One, and I have owned the the HTC EVO 3d and the Htc EVO 4gLTE, the One has superb button placement. With the buttons being flush and, in the case of the power button (sub flush), you just don't get all of those accidental presses and powering your phone off and on and turning volumes up and down and possibly even turning off ringers unintentionally. Does the button layout take some getting used to? Yes. But, I haven't had a phone yet that i didn't need to get used to button placement....just saying! It takes hours, not days, to adjust! I read someone else's post sayng the layout was "horrible!" You might want to take that with a grain of salt considering he owns a Galaxy phone. I think the bickering back and forth over which phone is better is just ridiculous! Be realistic....The best phone out there has nothing to do with the quality of your phone...it has to do with what's most popular and the Iphone wins that battle hands down. The Iphone is the yardstick period..dot ...com! It does not mean it's the most feature laden(Samsung Galaxy s4), or the best combination of hardware and software(HTC One), but it is the best selling and most popular phone out there!

None of these phone manufacturers are going anywhre anytime soon... so pick your favorite features and enjoy! I also did not mention the Windows phones, which I happen to think are really cool and maybe have the best OS of all these phones, but they suffer from lack of apps and popularity! If i'm rating my overall experience with my One, from launch until now....All I can say is WOW! I've got all my apps on this bad boy, I love Google Play Music, which seems to work best on WIFI and 4g ...it is downright unbearable on 3g. I'm always running all of my radios and the phone just does not stutter no matter what I throw at it. I experience ZERO lag. The only time i get a small amount of lag is using SWYPE. However, Swiftkey had no lag! So there you go....I've considered the HTC One to be the perfect phone to snatch Iphone users. It's got the professional look and feel and the Sense overlay is minimalist and as many Iphone users would say about their Iphones.."IT JUST WORKS!"

 

[duytuanbme]

You don't have to worry about buttons placement, I am a iPhone user since the 3GS but I am now accustom to One's power button for only 1 week of usage. Sometimes I even misclick on the headset plug when holding my previous iphone 5. It will become a habit when One become your daily driver.
About ringer/silent switcher I haven't searched for any apps you mentioned, well I have to admit that convenience is something that iphone dominates. When it comes to the One I always have to turn on the device and switch manually. You will notice there are some features that iPhone surpass One in terms of user experience such as headphone buttons or the quaility of apps, etc.
But overall every phone has its pros and cons, so try to think that they are new experience rather than compare them. Adapt !

 

[Frank Estevez]

I'm currently an IP5 owner, but traditionally a Android user (my last three phones were the HTC One X, International Gnex, and Galaxy S). I find both camps to be lacking somewhat, but what I like best about iphone are the ergonomics of the phone. Specifically, I like the great tactile response of the physical buttons, the vibrate/ringer physical switch that I can operate in my pocket in a meeting, and the ideally placed on/off button. I've yet to get this from any android phone I've used. The Samsung phones have the power button in a terrible location where I can't help but press the volume buttons when operating. The HTC One X wasn't bad, but the buttons had TERRIBLE tactile response, were so inconspicuous as to be difficult to locate, and the power button was angled _away_ from where my index finger would be pushing it (because of that bevel on the rim of the phone).

I'm really excited about the Google play HTC One and getting back to the flexibility of Android (I miss Google music the most, and I'm eager to try out the new music service), but these types of user experience features are pretty important to me. Can anyone give me some info on the HTC One with regard to these features/ergos?

Also, is there any kind of app or other trick to enable an android phone to go into vibrate mode without turning it on and selecting that mode. Maybe a long press of the vol up/down button or something?

Thanks

If anyone complains about the buttons it's because they either expect everything to be completely perfect for them, they just like to whine, or they've only used the phone for a little while and have made no effort to adapt to the layout and then complain about it as if they've struggled with the buttons for months.
You get used to the buttons, it's not an immediate thing for everyone though, but you get used to it; it's not even remotely difficult.
Also, you can set the phone to vibrate from the lock screen, although a switch would be awesome but Apple probably has it patented.

 

[Wullie32]

I absolutely adored my S2 but after getting a Nexus 7, I came to really hate the home button. I hated having such a marvellous touchscreen device and yet whenever I wanted to use it, I had to click this horrible bit of plastic that made such an awful noise. Whenever I see an iPhone, to me that layout with the central home key just looks so archaic now.

Having said that, one of my main concerns before getting a One was that I thought the button placement (up top being the only place to wake - I want double tap to wake!) would make the phone deeply irritating to use, and that would be exacerbated by not having a menu key.

I can honestly say it didn't bother me for more than a couple of minutes after switching it on, and now I much prefer it. When 4.2.2 comes, I think I'm likely to keep it as it is. I like long press for Now, and double tap for multi-task.

Buttons are simply not an issue unless you're determined to make it one.

 

[madlaw1071]

You aren't alone in disliking the One's button lay out. Many reviews have pointed out and one review I remember said it was the worst button placement ever on a cell phone.

That being said, I've used a One AND an S4 daily for about a month. I've learned to live with the terrible ergonomics and enjoy the many other benefits the One offers.

In reality, the poor LED bothers me more than the buttons.

 

[jfs101]

Only took me 2-3 days to get used to my HTC One's button lay out after coming from an S3. Is Samsung's button layout better? Maybe but the HTC One is to perfect otherwise to pass up! Plus come 4.2.2 we gain a menu button again. Either way a button layout should not be a deal breaker for anyone. Including the OP. I like change and options!

+1 Same experience here...

Posted via Android Central App

 

[AdamsHouseCat]

I see. That's a shame. For someone like me, these elements of phone design are key to every day operation. It's not really a matter of just getting used to it in a couple days and then everything's okey dokey. As you can see from my OP, I've owned a variety of Android phones (and many HTC Windows Mobile phones before that), so it's not like I haven't used them for years, despite misgivings. I realize no phone is perfect - there are plenty of reasons I want to come back to Android from iphone! I'm just asking now so I know what I'd get into. When I experience poor wifi signal on my IP5 where other devices (including my wife's IP4s) have great signal, the "grass is greener" syndrome starts to set in, and I start thinking about switching again. It's nice to know (for certain) that the other options out there aren't perfect either. Easier on the wallet too!

Really appreciate all of the other replies too. Good stuff here. I had kind of written off the GS4 based on the AMOLED screen, but maybe it's worth a look too. Still, that power button placement... If it's like the Gnex...ugh.

Now that you have raised a mention of the screen, the HTC One's screen is much brighter than the S4.