Are you going to get the HTC M9 -Specs, carrier, discussion, and $$$DEALS$$$- U.S. release April 10

[KOLIO]

I'm planning on using this phone with metro pcs, which version should I get? I know that I should buy an unlocked version but I'm not sure whether it should be the T-Mobile version or the AT&T version.

The T-Mobile version is the sure-fire fit for METRO PCS users.
As you hinted at, an unlocked GSM/LTE version may work, but, until it is available, you can't be 100% certain that the unlocked version is a 100% match for T-Mobile/METRO PCS/SIMPLE MOBILE.
The AT&T version could work just as well, but, again, until it's released, no one can be certain it'll work 100% on anything other than AT&T & the MVNO's that operate on their network.

 

[DMajor239]

The T-Mobile version is the sure-fire fit for METRO PCS users.
As you hinted at, an unlocked GSM/LTE version may work, but, until it is available, you can't be 100% certain that the unlocked version is a 100% match for T-Mobile/METRO PCS/SIMPLE MOBILE.
The AT&T version could work just as well, but, again, until it's released, no one can be certain it'll work 100% on anything other than AT&T & the MVNO's that operate on their network.

I just don't want any of that T-Mobile bloat. Thanks for replying.

 

[KOLIO]

Understood. T-Mo actually isn't too bad about bloat. There's some there (usually no more than 5 or so apps) , but, most if not all of it can either be disabled or uninstalled altogether.
I'm running a de-bloated T-MOBILE ROM on my NOTE4 ATM, but, I'll load up the stock ROM tonight & take a look & let you know what to expect, at least a good guess anyhoo.

 

[SolApathy]

Sprint bloat has slowly been getting under control. When I had my Evo 4G LTE the bloat was horrible. Every hardware update since has resulted in less bloat. I think carriers are finally starting to realize that people want clean phones, not the Sprint Nascar Zone!

Either way, once Viper comes out with a ROM I will have it installed. Viper has done an excellent job with the M7 & M8. I can only imagine what they will do with the M9. I just wish the carriers would announce the release date lol. I am getting antsy!

 

[KOLIO]

Sprint bloat has slowly been getting under control. When I had my Evo 4G LTE the bloat was horrible. Every hardware update since has resulted in less bloat. I think carriers are finally starting to realize that people want clean phones, not the Sprint Nascar Zone!

Either way, once Viper comes out with a ROM I will have it installed. Viper has done an excellent job with the M7 & M8. I can only imagine what they will do with the M9. I just wish the carriers would announce the release date lol. I am getting antsy!

I think the absolute worse case of bloat I ever experienced was w/the AT&T LG OPTIMUS G PRO:

If my memory serves me correctly, seems the bloat apps numbered in the 20's.

My SPRINT MOTO PHOTON & GALAXY S3 had its share (I remember the NASCAR stuff/etc..), but the overall amount wasn't too bad.
I'm trying to not keep looking @ the M9,but,the little touches here & there that it has over the M7/M8 have my attention.
I grudgingly can accept the sealed battery.
The only real wish-list item I wish HTC would incorporate is wireless charging.
Anyhoo, it's got my interest & gonna try to hold out for a Max variant.
Seen an article somewhere w/a pic of a supposed such unicorn w/a 5.2" display.
While I'd welcome the extra real estate, I'm not putting much stock in that ever making the light of day.

The other big draw to the M9 is the HTC Community here @ A/F. Ditto for the OnePlus/1+1 community.

Judging from past experience,on opening day, good/pragmatic intentions will take a back-seat trip, bound,gagged & blind-folded, to an unknown destination, & pick up an M9 on the return trip home.

 

[Shoestrings]

Undecided.

 

[DapperBox_]

I think so. Originally I was looking at the LG G3, but as 2015 rolls in, the specs will become outdated fairly soon. I also disliked the UI of it, but HTC Sense 7 is very well done. I love the metal design, and one thing that really set me back about the M8 was its camera. As sort of a photographer, I do like to have a good camera on my smartphone. Also, I love the customizability of the One M9 that is available, as that's the kind of thing that I'm into. With all of these features and more, at only a $650 or so pricetag, I think that this is like the perfect phone for me. So, props to HTC for making such a good device, in my opinion.

 

[Alex_NJ]

I think so. Originally I was looking at the LG G3, but as 2015 rolls in, the specs will become outdated fairly soon. I also disliked the UI of it, but HTC Sense 7 is very well done. I love the metal design, and one thing that really set me back about the M8 was its camera. As sort of a photographer, I do like to have a good camera on my smartphone. Also, I love the customizability of the One M9 that is available, as that's the kind of thing that I'm into. With all of these features and more, at only a $650 or so pricetag, I think that this is like the perfect phone for me. So, props to HTC for making such a good device, in my opinion.

I think you need to read some camera reviews first.

The M9 has an atrocious camera right now

 

[SolApathy]

I think you need to read some camera reviews first.

The M9 has an atrocious camera right now

This has been discussed many times already.
#1. The photos were taken with a pre release device
#2. The folks that took most of the photos weren't trying to get good photos
#3. When someone actually used the camera properly the photos were good- for a pre release device.

Here are some unedited shots (pre-release) with the M9. Camera discussion will start HERE once the camera is released to the public. Until then we aren't posting anything there since everything is still speculation for the most part.

 

[rosario1990]

Thinking what should I do?

 

[SolApathy]

I would wait for some real-world reviews to come out so you can properly gauge the quality of the M9 and then take the plunge if it is up to your expectations!

 

[Alex_NJ]

This has been discussed many times already.
#1. The photos were taken with a pre release device
#2. The folks that took most of the photos weren't trying to get good photos
#3. When someone actually used the camera properly the photos were good- for a pre release device.

Here are some unedited shots (pre-release) with the M9. Camera discussion will start HERE once the camera is released to the public. Until then we aren't posting anything there since everything is still speculation for the most part.

I commented as he said he was a keen photographer, even post-release it may be the wrong phone for him

 

[gloriousnumber1]

Make it IP67!

 

[Alex_NJ]

 

[SolApathy]

Latest promo video

 

[EarlyMon]

Embedded

 

[PyroSporker]

[VID embed]

Hmmmmm, taking a photo of The Moon like that is a pretty tough task with a cell phone. I've tried before with devices past (HTC) and generally they come out very poor, even after tinkering with custom settings.
It would be great once this phone comes out for someone to recreate the proposed situation and post the actual results. I'm genuinely interested to see how that comes out, be it positive or negative. A "Truth in Advertising" piece or "MythBuster" like article/video if you will.

---Edit---
I guess they don't explicitly show him take a photo of The Moon, but it is certainly insinuated.

 

[SolApathy]

HTC is planning a big announcement for U.S. customers today (March 18th). A new report claims the company will announce a replacement program that covers for up to a year if your HTC M9 is damaged or you switch carriers.

Here is a link to the live stream starting in 3 hours...

 

[KOLIO]

I missed a couple minutes here & there due to buffering.
Any mention of a MAX variant?

 

[SolApathy]

Wow, very impressive. Free replacement phone- Shipped OVERNIGHT, with no additional charge. You just send yours back with a prepaid label after you get your replacement phone. You get one free replacement in the course of the year.

Second- If you decide to switch carriers you can exchange your existing phone with your new carrier's version of the phone, also free of charge!


Third- If you never use the protection HTC will give you a $100 credit towards the purchase of a new phone. This will be available across all carriers.

Also the word is in..There will NOT be a GPE edition of the M9

 

[KOLIO]

Glad to see HTC focusing on the service side of the equation,hopefully it'll have a ripple-effect w/the other mfgs.
Hoping a MAX/+ variant is announced before the US release/announcement date of 4/10/15 & is included in HTC ADVANTAGE 2.0

 

[PyroSporker]

Hoping a MAX/+ variant is announced before the US release/announcement date of 4/10/15

Wonder if we will see any of the typical HTC -> carrier funny bidness

Could not agree more. Details about any of the possible M9+ or E9 or MAX variants, plus specific rumors about ANY carrier exclusivities is a must (storage capacity, exterior color options, hardware upgrades, software changes, special editions, etc.). I want to see the road ahead before blindly making the turn and possibly choosing the M9

 

[KOLIO]

Wonder if we will see any of the typical HTC -> carrier funny bidness

Could not agree more. Details about any of the possible M9+ or E9 or MAX variants, plus specific rumors about ANY carrier exclusivities is a must (storage capacity, exterior color options, hardware upgrades, software changes, special editions, etc.). I want to see the road ahead before blindly making the turn and possibly choosing the M9

+1,but,that's prolly not gonna happen.
I understand that HTC wants to keep the brand fresh in everyone's minds all year long, but, I'd like to see them alter their product cycle a bit, in two phases:

1) Q1: All flagship-level handsets, including variations in size/memory/color/etc.....

2) Q3: All other handsets (DESIRE line/etc) ....

They could use Q2 & Q4 to introduce the rest of their wares (tablets/watches/cameras/etc) ......

 

[Rose4uKy]

So is that the new Dot View Case. I never tried a dot view case for my M8 cause I hadn't read that great of reviews on it. But if I get the M9 I want to try the dot view. It looks cool!

 

[Rose4uKy]

I just watched the video on the M9 and I really want it but not sure how to go about it. I like the Pink or Silver. My M7 was silver and my M8 is gold cause BB didn't have silver for Sprint. I am not due for an upgrade till next April actually. What would you do? My phone is always in a case but the pink is different but not sure how I am going to like 2 tone I'll have to see it in person. My silver M7 was nice. The gold is nice too my husband has gunmetal but it's in a case so doesn't matter alot. He says we don't need out m8's our fine and than you have to buy case and we love our Zagg. Anyway opinions on what to do.

Sprint said I can upgrade early buy out my contract for $250. I know/well hoping I can sell my M8 for at least $200 or $250 at most if not I'll turn it in to Sprint for a 100 and something better than nothing. Anyway if I pay $250 it's up front than the phone will cost $200 that's $450 plus it'll use my upgrade. Isn't the full price like 479 or something like that anyways? A rep told me the other day at the 1-800 # that I have to pay the $250 up front to upgrade early he said I can not buy out my contract to upgrade early and just make payments on my account for the $250 like I wanted. He suggested I buy the phone outright. But he said their is something where I can make payments on it for like 2 years but pay it off early. All I know is I am on an everything shared data plan and do not want to change my plan in anyway don't want to lease a phone or do easy pay what ever that is. He said I can pay full price and make payments for 2 years I hope he wasn't talking about easy pay or something where I have to change my plan cause I specifically said I didn't want it to change. He said I can't add a full price phone that much money to my account but I would like to maybe pay 300 down and at least charge the rest to my account. It would still have to be paid off by next bill but that would give me a month not sure about paying extra for 2 years but 20 a month comes out to like $480 that's why I was wondering what full price usually is?

I just want the M9 and I have always gotten a phone when due for an upgrade every time but once and that is when the M7 came out. We could pay to upgrade early up front but the guy did something sneaky he wasn't supposed to do and added these 2 numbers to my account and associated them with 2 old flip phones but their old connection cards I was told. I paid 20 bucks for 2 or 3 months than 7.50 for the remainder and the 2 years is up next month on them. I get a 22% discount so they show up as 2 separate and it's like $5.80 after discount. I was trying to find a way to keep them and upgrade those and get the M9 and do the same thing and then swap the M9's to our regular numbers but was told no way and that he wasn't supposed to do what he did to begin with. They told me to just cancel those numbers. Either way I can't wait till the M9 comes out I get excited every time a new one comes out and it's the day after my birthday so I really want it.

Gsmarena reporting that of the four, the gunmetal gray and the amber gold are NOT two-tone.

Other colors reported are Silver/Rose gold, Gold/Pink.

Gsmarena agrees that the weight is only 3 grams less massive.

On the record - lmao at the comments everywhere that it's a brick now because it's thicker.

And it is - by 1/100th of an inch.

Yes. That's the crossover from sleek to brick.

Well done Samsung, your trolls are earning their peanuts today!