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Why I’d Buy the HTC One Instead of the HTC One M8

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The HTC One M8, HTC’s new flagship phone built to go head to head against the iPhone 5s and Samsung Galaxy S5, is a marvel to behold. HTC almost managed to build the perfect device. The metal frame is slick and the device itself feels substantial. There’s also enough updated software and hardware features to make it a great buy over the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S5. However, I think buying last year’s HTC One over the HTC One M8 might be a better idea for new smartphone users.

It’ll Cost You Less

Verizon HTC One

Right now buying an original HTC One at some wireless carriers is cheaper than buying the HTC One M8. A 32GB version at Verizon costs users $99.99. I understand that’s not the case at all carriers, but users who do have a carrier that’s still offering the original device stand to save more money. The base model of the HTC One included 32GB of storage, not the 16GB of storage the HTC One M8 does. If you’re only going to store a moderate number of photographs and MP3s that 32GB should be enough to keep you from having to buy an external microSD card for the HTC One M8.

By comparison, the HTC One M8 starts at $199 with a two-year service agreement at Verizon Wireless and a 16GB MicroSD card costs another $12 from Amazon.

More Accessories Are Available

The HTC One M8’s Dot View and other assorted cases are great, however they’re nothing when compared to the sheer volume of accessories that have cropped up since the HTC One made its debut last year. Because the HTC One is older, there are simply more accessories available at more price points.

That isn’t to say that there aren’t plenty of low-end cases available for the HTC One M8. There are, and GottaBeMobile included a few of them in its roundup of decent accessories. However, when it comes to high-end cases like the waterproof cases, the HTC One M8 just isn’t there yet.

You’ll Get This Year’s Software

New HTC One M8 vs - M7 21-X3

Clearly a lot went into creating the new HTC One M8’s feel, its look and its new hardware features. Despite this, I’d like to point out that the device’s biggest upgrade is its software.

HTC has made most of Sense 6’s components updatable through the Google Play Store. Sense 5 often felt slapped together and was a visual mess, Sense 6 has a more coordinated feel that’s reminiscent of the design work Apple did with iOS 7 and what Microsoft is trying with Windows Phone 8. The Blinkfeed and camera app complete with HTC Zoe video clips just feel easier to use.

All of that is headed to the original HTC One. That means users can expect the new premium experience without having to pay a premium price.

It’s Better for People With Smaller Hands

The original HTC One is actually friendlier for users who have small hands. That’s because the HTC One M8 sports a 5-inch display instead of the 4.7-inch display that was available to users last year.  Where the HTC One measured 5.41-inches from speaker to speaker, the HTC One M8 is 5.7-inches from top to bottom, nearly placing it in the realm of phablet and making it even harder to reach the top of the device to turn it on or off.

The Hardware Isn’t That Much Better

New HTC One M8 vs - M7 24-X3

The key reason I’d opt to purchase last year’s device is the same reason that makes the HTC One M8 such a crowd pleaser: HTC barely changed anything meaningful hardware-wise.

There are little changes every. The power button still feels awful, but it no longer houses the IR blaster. Instead it’s been moved to the top of the device on its own. The power port at the bottom is now flanked by the headphone jack so that users can easily pull in and out of their pocket. This being Android, there is even a new, updated processor. I should note that a new second rear-facing camera allows users to refocus images. I even appreciate that HTC finally eliminated physical buttons on the device’s face all-together.

Read: HTC One Review: The Best Android Phone Available Has One Fatal Flaw

Here’s the thing, none of those changes really add up to an experience that’s loads better than what HTC One users get. The second rear-facing camera is great to have but it’s still paired with a 4 megapixel PixelSense camera that takes really soft pictures. That upgraded processor is great, but I doubt most users could tell the difference in performance between the two devices. The HTC One was already a very good Android phone.

If you’re on the fence, I’d say go into a store and get a feel for the original HTC One, then make your decision. Spend a bit of time thinking about whether the updated hardware features are enough to justify the higher price. I think you’ll chose the HTC One over the HTC One M8.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. Drake Press

    04/13/2014 at 5:05 pm

    More accessories are available?! Wow, how long-sighted of you!

  2. Wes Meek

    04/13/2014 at 6:06 pm

    Evidently you haven’t taken the time to see all the advantages the M8 has over the M7, cause if you had you would of wrote: “The M8 is definitely worth the extra $100 bucks over the M7”. First of all, it comes with 32g of built-in storage or you can order it with 64g and $12 for an extra 16g…when is that such a big deal? For less $ than a tank of gas you can get a 64g memory card and have more than enough memory for everything! The dual cameras and 5mp front camera are so much better than M7’s, the processor is so fast that the M8 has the fastest (46ms) touch response, faster than anything else out there. I still own the M7 until June when I’m eligible to update to the M8, my family and friends already have it and I’m not going to miss out, but YOU CAN!

    • Jonny

      04/13/2014 at 7:01 pm

      like I seriously hope people do not actually take your advice and by the old HTC m7 it’s $100 difference and that includes a ton of new software upgrades not to mention a better camera . is seriously falling that you would advise consumers to purchase a year old device with their upgrade instead of the new and improved version of their upgrade

      • Wes Meek

        04/13/2014 at 7:05 pm

        Amen bro!

  3. None

    04/13/2014 at 7:29 pm

    The writer of this article is retarded. You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.

  4. bob marley

    04/13/2014 at 8:52 pm

    “Why I’d buy the iPhone 5s instead of the 6.” I bet you, if someone actually makes this article when the iphone 6 comes out, theyll probably use the same reasons. Its cheaper, smaller, same software, it has more cases. I remember when the iphone 5 was new at it was hard to find a case for it for like the first 2 months but they multiplied faster than rats. Take down this article please, i only want to waste my time reading actually educated articles.

  5. Rick

    04/17/2014 at 2:34 am

    Travis Pope you’re dismissed

  6. Boosha

    04/25/2014 at 10:42 pm

    This has to be the dumbest article I’ve ever read. Phones get outdated so fast that some companies aren’t even waiting an entire year before they come out with new flagship phones. I would NEVER advise someone to get a year old anything. That’s just a foolish thing to do with anything tech related these days imo

  7. GT

    05/20/2014 at 6:33 pm

    Travis Pope, you are an idiot.

  8. Ernz Catalyst Oporto

    06/01/2014 at 10:27 pm

    This guy needs to spend more time focusing on proper decision making and less time writing articles. -1 out of 10, would only follow advice if I had the IQ of a Sea Cucumber.

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