On top of this review at Mashable, the following by Zach Epstein at BGR hails the new HTC One Smartphone as being a true winner and game changer. Both reviews gush over the product. Perhaps Apple truly is taking a backseat to competitors.
Following our review of the global HTC One model, BGR takes an in-depth look at AT&T’s version of the flagship smartphone that may save HTC.
With smartphones, as with any category of consumer electronics, we have no choice but to accept compromises. This has been the case throughout the history of cell phones and it continues to hold true even with best handsets on the market today. Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone 5 features a class-leading design with fast, smooth software, but it has a comparatively small display and lacks some of the great new functionality we’ve seen introduced on other platforms in recent years. The Samsung (005930) Galaxy S III is a sleek handset with a stunning screen and a great feature set, but it feels like a cheap toy, as does its successor. Nokia’s (NOK) Lumia 920 packs plenty of punch in a sleek package, but it’s thick and heavy, and it is missing a boatload of top apps. It’s inevitable — some level of compromise is inherent in all smartphones.
BGR reviewed the international version of HTC’s (2498) upcoming flagship smartphone late last month. We loved it. Other early reviewers concurred; the HTC One received critical acclaim across the board.
While HTC’s success with the upcoming HTC One is anything but certain considering the stiff competition and massive marketing budgets HTC faces from rivals like Apple and Samsung, there’s a reason this new phone has been adored so widely by early reviewers. It’s not just the impeccable design. It’s not just the sleek unibody aluminum case. It’s not just the fantastic construction. It’s not just the dramatically improved Sense software suite. It’s not just the great features baked into Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. It’s something more than all that.
The HTC One is the closest thing we have ever seen to a no-compromise smartphone.
I just pre-ordered one, coming from a 3 y/o HTC Incredible. I am even changing from Verizon to AT&T for it. Verizon is always last with new phones and software updates, and expects people to pay 50% more for data.