I am coming from an iPhone 4s, and had a desire to move away from the Apple Ecosystem. I'm a confirmed Tech / Gadget addict, and after reading specifications ad nauseum for weeks prior to the launch , I chose this phone. The only two that were in contention for my business were the S4 and the HTC One. The One didn't win my business because of the processor. Although I understand the strong opinions of plastic over metal, hardware spec will win me over usually - oh, that and my Otterbox Case covers the whole back of the darn thing anyway. So:
1. Wanted the fastest, latest technology
2. Wanted to move away from Apple Ecosystem
3. Wanted better camera (better for me was 13mp versus the One's Low Light feature)
4. Larger Screen was very important - old eyes!
5. Although a bit oversaturated, love the screen color
6. Size of battery, operational time (surprisingly, being able to swap the battery was not a big deal for me, as I have a good habit of keeping my phone charged)
7. Applications I used on the iPhone available on this phone / OS (could not find one that wasn't)
8. Was already on AT&T, grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan contract
9. As close to pure Android experience as I could buy (I know that the Google phones are better at updating, but the hardware spec just wasn't there for me - I hope Sammy does a better updating job than I have read)
10. Integration of various helper applications across environments (Google Now, Google Keep, Chrome et al)
11. My sisters positive experience with her Note II
12. My colleagues (several) good experience with the S3
13. The experience I had helping a friend set up their Android phone - was impressed with overall experience (Play Store, setting up the device)
14. When I asked the AT&T Sales guy what phone everyone was returning with their 2 week try out, he stated that folks were mostly returning the HTC One and buying the S4
15. Ease of trade up with AT&T - $200 for my 4s as a part of the deal (I know, could have gotten more on the open market, but it's easy and quick, and I'm busy like we all are)
16. Standardization of Micro USB Chargers (I was upset with Apple changing there charger / input port and making it yet again a proprietary interface)
17. S4 is running v4.2.2 of Android - the latest retail out there. Again, my hope is that Sammy keeps up with the updates. Application updates have been very good so far.
18. 32GB version. I know, the removable Micro SD card - I prefer to use on board mem 'cause it's a bit faster. For $50, what the heck.
19. Was concerned about speaker holes in HTC One front case - water spill worries.
I am very happy with my purchase. A couple of burps setting up the phone, and came with a consummate amount of Samsung and AT&T bloatware, but I knew that going in so no big deal to remove. The phone is plenty fast performing most tasks, and slips into my pocket well with the Otterbox "Commuter" case. Good luck with your purchasing decisions, hope these details help.
1. Wanted the fastest, latest technology
2. Wanted to move away from Apple Ecosystem
3. Wanted better camera (better for me was 13mp versus the One's Low Light feature)
4. Larger Screen was very important - old eyes!
5. Although a bit oversaturated, love the screen color
6. Size of battery, operational time (surprisingly, being able to swap the battery was not a big deal for me, as I have a good habit of keeping my phone charged)
7. Applications I used on the iPhone available on this phone / OS (could not find one that wasn't)
8. Was already on AT&T, grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan contract
9. As close to pure Android experience as I could buy (I know that the Google phones are better at updating, but the hardware spec just wasn't there for me - I hope Sammy does a better updating job than I have read)
10. Integration of various helper applications across environments (Google Now, Google Keep, Chrome et al)
11. My sisters positive experience with her Note II
12. My colleagues (several) good experience with the S3
13. The experience I had helping a friend set up their Android phone - was impressed with overall experience (Play Store, setting up the device)
14. When I asked the AT&T Sales guy what phone everyone was returning with their 2 week try out, he stated that folks were mostly returning the HTC One and buying the S4
15. Ease of trade up with AT&T - $200 for my 4s as a part of the deal (I know, could have gotten more on the open market, but it's easy and quick, and I'm busy like we all are)
16. Standardization of Micro USB Chargers (I was upset with Apple changing there charger / input port and making it yet again a proprietary interface)
17. S4 is running v4.2.2 of Android - the latest retail out there. Again, my hope is that Sammy keeps up with the updates. Application updates have been very good so far.
18. 32GB version. I know, the removable Micro SD card - I prefer to use on board mem 'cause it's a bit faster. For $50, what the heck.
19. Was concerned about speaker holes in HTC One front case - water spill worries.
I am very happy with my purchase. A couple of burps setting up the phone, and came with a consummate amount of Samsung and AT&T bloatware, but I knew that going in so no big deal to remove. The phone is plenty fast performing most tasks, and slips into my pocket well with the Otterbox "Commuter" case. Good luck with your purchasing decisions, hope these details help.
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