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Galaxy S7 vs HTC 10: What Buyers Need to Know

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With the Samsung Galaxy S7 readily available and the new HTC 10 now official, buyers have a tough choice to make for their next smartphone. Both have similar specs, a big screen and excellent camera. Here we’ll be comparing the new HTC 10 to Samsung’s tried and tested Galaxy S7.

Samsung’s Galaxy S7 was released back in March, and has received high praises across the board. HTC took longer to release its new phone, but has a completely redesigned smartphone with a camera that looks to best Samsung’s offering. They have similar screen sizes, internals, the same battery and more.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Review

Last year the HTC One M9 was announced and released in March, then arrived around the same time as the Galaxy S6. This year things are different. Samsung moved up the release while HTC delayed it. Either way, we now know everything about both, and below are some key details for potential buyers.

Galaxy-s7-camera

The HTC One lineup has been an excellent phone for years, but continues to struggle with a similar overall design, mediocre camera, and poor battery life. The struggles of HTC have been well documented, but that should all change with the new HTC 10. They dropped the “M” branding, refined the design, matched Samsung on many points, and have some unique software changes many may enjoy.

With the new LG G5 receiving mixed to poor reviews, HTC is next in line to try and dethrone the popular Galaxy lineup, and this year it could actually do it. HTC focused on the design and claims it was made after customer support polls and feedback, even though many online aren’t fans of the big bezel-like chamfered aluminum edge on back. That aside, it’s still a powerful phone that should give Samsung a run for their money.

HTC 10 vs Galaxy S7: Design

As we all know by now, Samsung’s new Galaxy S7 is extremely similar to last years model, something that HTC was criticized on with the HTC One M9 last year. That said, Samsung made massive changes for the better. Yes it looks the same, but it was improved across the board, has a micro-SD slot, is IP68 dust and water resistant and more. That last one HTC can’t match.

However, new for 2016 the HTC 10 could be the company’s best smartphone yet. They’ve changed the unibody aluminum frame, added a Samsung-like fingerprint scanner to the front, and made both the front and rear cameras excellent. It did lose the dual front speakers, which was one of few leads over Samsung, but the new bottom speaker has a Hi-Fi chipset for enhanced sound. While we’ve yet to try the new HTC 10, everything we’ve seen from them in the past screams of quality, and most like the HTC 10 will be a well-built, fine tuned device, similar to the Galaxy S7.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 7.33.29 AM

Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge come in a few different colors, but so does the new HTC 10. However, only Silver and Black seem to be available for both, with a Gold option being available on the S7 Edge, or the HTC 10 outside the US.

HTC has removed the huge black bezel and HTC logo from the front, and replaced it with a more understandable fingerprint scanner. Making it that much closer to competing with Samsung.

Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6s Features - 1

Technically it would only be fair to call this one a toss up. They both have pros and cons, both are made of metal, but the HTC 10 is likely more durable as it isn’t covered in glass on both the front and the back. It won’t get covered in fingerprints either.

Until we try it we can’t say more, but HTC has always impressed when it comes to hardware. This might come down to personal preference.

HTC 10 vs GalaxyS7: Display

For years the HTC One series has had slightly smaller screens than most of the competition. Starting out at 4.7-inches, then 5-inches for the last two years, while Samsung and others got bigger. This year HTC brought their A-game and released the HTC 10 with a 5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD display. It isn’t AMOLED like the Galaxy S7, but it’s a tiny bit bigger. The Galaxy S7 is technically only 5.1-inches.

If you want something even bigger, get the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge

If you want something even bigger, get the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge

The Galaxy S7 and HTC 10 are nearly the same size, with a tiny tiny lead going to HTC, although reports suggested the screen was 5.15-inches, but they are calling it 5.2. So, it;s basically equal to the Galaxy S7 in all reality. Of course the small details are different, software interface changes, and Samsung’s Galaxy S7 is IP68 water resistant. In terms of the screen though, it will come down to preference. Some don’t like the overly saturated look of Samsung’s AMOLED screens, while others like me absolutely love it. HTC’s SLCD5 technology could be better in direct sunlight though, so that’s something to consider.

At the end of the day Samsung has won awards for it’s Quad-HD screen for a few years in a row, and again this year. So we’re still expecting Samsung to lead the pack in this regard.

HTC 10 vs Galaxy S7: Specs

Here’s where things start to really get difficult. The Galaxy S7 and HTC 10 are nearly identical under the hood, aside from a few small differences. They’re both very powerful, and each has something the other doesn’t.

HTC 10 Specs

  • 5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD SLCD5 Display
  • Snapdragon 820 Processor with 4GB of RAM
  • 32-64GB of internal storage, with a micro-SD slot (up to 200GB)
  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with Sense UI 8
  • 12 Megapixel “UltraPixel” camera with OIS, laser auto-focus, f/1.8 aperture & more.
  • 5MP front camera, f/1.8, OIS and more
  • Fingerprint Scanner similar to the Samsung Galaxy S7 (and HTC One A9)
  • 3,000 mAh battery for all-day usage, Quick Charge 3.0 Rapid Charging
  • 32-bit Hi-Fi BoomSound Bottom Facing Speaker (not front facing)
  • USB Type-C Charging Port
  • Aluminum Design

As you can see that’s a pretty big list of details. The HTC 10 matches Samsung on absolutely everything, except for wireless charging, Samsung Pay and IP68 water resistant, which is a big one.

That said, the HTC 10 has better sound, the latest USB Type-C port that’s reversible, faster, and supports Quick Charge 3.0 technology. The HTC 10 can charge from 0-80% in 35 minutes, while the Galaxy S7 with Quick Charge 2.0 can only go from 0-50% in about 25-30 minutes.

Galaxy-S7-spill

In the recent past, no matter what people say in the comments, HTC’s recent phones struggled in the camera department, and didn’t have the best battery life. Both of those issues should be gone this year. A huge 3,000 mAh super quick charging battery, and a camera that just topped the Galaxy S7 Edge in a camera benchmark and review website. Yes, it could be that good. Moving on, here’s what the S7 offers.

Galaxy S7 Specs

  • 5.1-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad-HD Display (5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge)
  • Qualcomm 820 Processor with 4GB of RAM (Samsung Exynos 8-core outside the US)
  • 32 GB of storage and Micro-SD for storage expansion.
  • New 12 “Dual Pixel” Rear Camera with f/1.7 aperture, OIS and more
  • 3,000 mAh battery with Fast Charging, Wireless Fast Charging (3,600 on Galaxy S7 Edge)
  • Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with TouchWiz
  • Fingerprint Scanner for security
  • IP68 Dust & Water Resistance (5 meters for over 30 minutes)
  • Flat Design (no camera bulge)
  • more

Samsung’s camera might end up still having a faster auto focus, and could be better in low light, but from the sounds of things the HTC 10 matches or beats it in almost all categories, and scored the highest of any smartphone to date. Well ahead of the iPhone 6s Plus.

So what does all this mean? Well, that either of these phones is going to be an excellent purchase decision. They’re both fast, powerful, beautifully made, premium, take great photos, last all day, recharge fast and more. The choice will come down to design, and software. Both have Android 6.0 covered in their own UI skin, both offer themes to change the look, so this is a tough choice.

HTC’s new Sense 8 does offer a new “FreeStyle UI” where apps, icons, or widgets can go anywhere on the screen. No longer locked to a 5×5 grid. This gives users more control like we’ve never seen on Android. That should be neat.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 11.14.53 AM

 

HTC 10 Release Date

Here’s where HTC has a small problem, the HTC 10 didn’t arrive in March like last year, and the Galaxy S7 arrived earlier than ever before. It will have a full two month lead on HTC by the time the 10 is available.

The Galaxy S7 was released on March 11th, and many received it early. However, the HTC 10 is only available for pre-order right now, and will be released in the United States “from early May”. We don’t have an exact date, but it could be worth waiting three or so weeks to see reviews and get one. We’re hearing May 9-12th, but have yet to confirm that.

htc-10-carbon-gray

Both Samsung and LG have a big lead on the already struggling company. That said, the HTC 10 has a lot to offer, looks great, and should be worth the wait.

HTC 10 vs Galaxy S7: Price & Carriers

Last but not least, is pricing and carriers. The Galaxy S7 is available from all major carriers, small regional carriers, and retail stores starting around $672 from Verizon, or less from some other sources. AT&T is charging a little more, but most have monthly payment options for under $29 a month. Making it affordable, but an expensive outright purchase.

And while HTC states carriers will announce pricing in the near future, they’re asking $699 for the unlocked HTC 10 that works on AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as the global unlocked edition. We could see carriers charge $649, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 8.02.58 AM

Another thing is the HTC 10 so far will only be available from Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. AT&T will not be carrying it, but the unlocked model on htc.com that’s available for pre-order right now works with AT&T, and they’ll even ship it with a SIM. Technically that’s better, as it won’t have carrier branding or bloatware, and get faster software updates, but that’s bad news for those on AT&T who wanted to upgrade or pay monthly.

The Galaxy S7 can be found for well under $699 from most sources, while initial pricing puts the HTC 10 around $699. Again, carriers may charge less, so stay tuned for more details. At the end of the day buyers can’t go wrong with either of these phones, as they’re both top-notch. Decide what’s right for you, and we’ll have hands-on with the HTC 10 in the coming days. Which one will you be buying? Let us know in the comments below.

23 Comments

23 Comments

  1. Nitro

    02/26/2016 at 11:41 pm

    Bad battery life on HTC? WTF are you talking about? My HTC M7 had the best battery life of any smartphone I’ve ever owned. I could go 2 days on one charge even with moderate to heavy use.

  2. Wes Tillery

    02/26/2016 at 11:42 pm

    If they really do chose to get rid of the front speakers then I probably won’t buy it. I’ve had every HTC one m phone because of those speakers. The s7 edge looks nice.

  3. Anar Bailey

    02/27/2016 at 12:12 am

    Sorry. No boom sound, no sale. Simple as that.

  4. Iain

    02/27/2016 at 12:21 am

    Both phones sound good. I’m more of a HTC guy though so I’ll probably continue with the M10. Samsung make nice high spec phones but I just cant stand touchwiz, much prefer sense.

  5. foreigncarnut

    02/27/2016 at 5:39 am

    They had a competitive edge in sound with the boomsound speakers and the metal case. Now, everyone has a metal case and if they eliminate the boomsound, they give up something that has separated their phones from the pack. If they do not have boomsound, then I will go G5 or the next Nexus.

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  7. Ryan Nas

    02/27/2016 at 10:40 am

    I will 100% happily return to HTC from Samsung if HTC does at least the following for #powerof10 : 1. Keep the dual front-facing speakers, memory card slot, and full-HD screen (or better), 2. Update the camera to compete with the likes of Sony Z5 as well as bringing some type of water resistance.
    A new design would be nice, but it doesn’t need to be radical because the last few HTC’s have been the best looking phones (I prefer metal back to glass back) to date in my opinion. Other than the qualities mentioned above, assuming everything else is at least as good as those of the Samsung S7, I’m all in for HTC.

  8. TC

    02/27/2016 at 12:39 pm

    Disappointed with the M9 which is why I’m still using my M8. I expected HTC to come out firing on all cylinders and set the benchmark for 2016 considering the failure of the M9 but to see them scared of releasing it alongside the S7 only confirms they are a follower. I was waiting, eager to get the M10 but not anymore. Just ordered my S7 Edge. Bye bye HTC.

  9. Wil

    02/27/2016 at 11:35 pm

    My HTC m8 has the best battery life out of any phone I’ve ever had and it stands up to the extreme heat and cold more than any phone ever and Ive had samsung,iPhone,and LG top of the line phones

  10. Sunny

    04/06/2016 at 4:48 pm

    I just bought the S7. My last phone was the HTC M8. The camera on that was beyond horrible. The new S7 is amazing but the speaker sound on the S7 is terrible. I loved my boom speakers on the M7. I can still return my S7 as I’m still within my 14 day trial. I got so excited when I saw the M10 advertised. But now I see it has no speakers on the front. They completely lost their edge. I would have returned the S7 and patiently wait for the M10. But not now.

    • Chris DeHoyos

      04/14/2016 at 5:22 am

      If you actually read the article, they CHANGED the speakers, NOT REMOVED THEM

  11. Justin Hammons

    04/12/2016 at 3:46 pm

    I would love to get the HTC 10. Been waiting for the announcement to make a decision. I really think it will be better than the galaxy phones but at&t won’t be carrying the HTC one. That is really unfortunate. Oh well, I guess I’ll go get a galaxy.

    • Joe

      04/15/2016 at 4:57 pm

      Buy the unlocked version from HTC. It will work perfectly on at&t

  12. Chris

    04/12/2016 at 5:08 pm

    Still waiting to see a full review or two before I decide. I was initially disappointed that they dropped the dual front speakers like most everyone else who has commented so far. I’m curious to see if the new sound works with the low tones using the bottom speaker and the high tones using the ear piece. Supposedly it’s decent and the software supposedly works great with the headphones creating a richer sound. Other than that I like Sense UI and miss it. I bought a Note 4 last year and thought the M9 was too minor of an upgrade (last HTC phone I owned was the M8 and I liked my M7 better). So far this looks to be a compelling phone. It’s not the knock it out of the park phone I think most of us were hoping for, but I think it can hold it’s own against other current offerings and it has a few minor advantages over other phones out there. In general, I don’t feel there has been much innovation in Smartphones. I think 3D Touch has some improving to do and it would be nice to see it be more widely adopted by other devices. Didn’t see any mention of an IR Blaster?? I might have missed it.

    I was hoping it would have had an IP68 rating, wireless charging, 3D Touch, Dual Front Speakers, a 5.5 inch screen and a 3500-4000 MAH Battery. With all that said I’m leaning toward getting one after looking at the 7 Edge.

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  14. WGACA

    04/14/2016 at 5:59 am

    Topped the S7 in camera department? Hang on here, if you read DxOMark it shares the same top spot for photography, however the S7 scores higher on video. S7 also has more pros and less cons in the summary than the HTC 10, so all in all I would say the S7 is still king.

  15. Macke

    04/14/2016 at 8:32 am

    Will get the HTC the day I can get my hands on it..
    Use my s7 Edge right now but this year HTC have done a great job.
    Front facing speakers was nice years ago, but if you are normal you use a pair of nice headphones this days.
    Even on my s7 edge I use my Oppo Ha-2 with good headphones to get the best sound.

    And sense is one of my favorite ui, will be fun test it out.

  16. Bill

    04/19/2016 at 9:08 pm

    I think I’m going back to Samsung. HTC my have fixed the camera, but took out the IR Blaster which I loved and changed the speaker setup. I loved the Multi-Media setup on the HTC One M8. The 10 completely changed the direction HTC was going just to be like Samsung. I’ll just go back to Samsung. They’re moving forward.

  17. Brian Bergquist

    05/02/2016 at 2:17 pm

    HTC M8 user here and since I take a lot of conference calls being able to use my mobile with the Boom Sound was great. I’ll wait to hear how the new speakers do. As long as it’s not terrible that’s okay. I’d rather have a better camera this time.

  18. Juris Berzins

    05/10/2016 at 5:51 am

    I used HTC One Mini for 3 years without a case. No single scratch on a screen. F!@#ing Galaxy S7 Edge got it’s first scratch in less than a week. Now after one month the screen is covered with scratches. My usage pattern has not changed, of course.

  19. Rocco Bovenzi

    07/27/2016 at 8:48 am

    I had the2 edge7s for a month the first glass cracked the first week then the back cracked if you don’t put it in a case it won’t last 700 for a phone that you don’t dare leave it out of a case it cost me 175.00 to replace it with insurance now it’s in the 800+ range the HTC runs smoother scrolls easier even gets more bars on reception you don’t have to worry about breaking glass because HTC will replace your phone free if it breaks no questions the 32 bit Dolby labs sound is miles above Samsung and all its bloatware tons of to me useless apps and the finger prints holy! The HTC after one day has convinced me HTC10 is my fave hands down plus it charges faster not by a little alot

    • Rocco Bovenzi

      07/27/2016 at 8:52 am

      I also want to add that the edge7 is so slippery it fly’s out of your hands all the time and fly’s off of your lap it sucks

  20. Zachary Carr

    09/27/2016 at 7:28 am

    People complaining about the camera on the m8 lol honestly the camera isn’t bad at all

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