First off, to each his own. Everyone should get the phone they like. I'm not saying my view is the "right" opinion. The S4 will be my first non iPhone, as I've had them since the original. I hear a lot of people saying they prefer the One because of the "premium feel/build" due to the aluminum casing.
1. If you plan on putting the phone in a case, then why does it matter what it's made of? It could be made of greenish copper if it's just going to be covered. (I don't like phones in cases, so this is moot for me personally)
2. I actually feel like I had to be much more careful with my iPhone 5 and original iPhone (neither in a case) because they were aluminum. I actually have to think before I place do something as simple as place my iPhone 5 on a surface, making sure it won't get scratched. With the S4, I'm glad I won't have to treat the phone this way. And if the worst happens and the back gets damaged, I can replace it easily.
I played with the One in store the other day and just wasn't at all seeing what others do in that phone. Looks clunky and weird to me. Just my thoughts.
I'm switching over from an HTC one. I had mine for a month. I had used it A LOT and it still looked like new when I sold it yesterday. The build quality is really great on these - only sold it because the S4 has a drastically better SAR value.
That said - I've never had an issue with Samsung's build quality.
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