Pros/Cons of HTC Rezound vs. Galaxy Nexus

[kisby]

I keep debating between these phones. Yes, I know they aren't out yet, but like many here I want to pounce the minute they appear. So, I'm doing my homework now so I'm ready on November 10 or (hopefully) sooner.

Much of my decision will be based on the look, feel and handling of the phone when I can see it in person. Each phone has their good points. The Rezound has a faster processor (1.5 vs 1.2) but how big of deal is this? The Prime will have ICS right away, but we don't know when Rezound will have it. I'm disappointed that HTC will launch a phone after ICS is available without it. I always hate having yesterday's technology. If I thought that ICS was coming to Rezound soon, that will help me lean toward it, but we don't really know, do we?

I like sense and am looking forward to 3.5, but would I rather have ICS now as opposed to waiting for it just to have sense 3.5?

So, like many, I am torn between these two. I invite your thoughts and personal opinions. I don't expect anyone to make this decision for me, but am interested in hearing how others are making this decision and their thought process.

Thanks.

 

[mcgeorge36]

I am torn between these two myself. I bought the Thunderbolt, and I do like HTC sense, but the Nexus sounds great. I remember the OG droid, and loved the regular stock Android experience. But I have grown accustomed to sense. I am loving 4G, and will definitely make sure I keep that.

 

[TxGoat]

I'd always rather have the better hardware than the better software. Software can always be updated but you can't just update your hardware (yes yes, for the smartass that would say "well you can break out the processor etc, etc..." I know that if you really wanted to you could update the hardware). What kind of RAM does each device have? To me that should be a tie breaker if you're looking at one over the other.

 

[compchick813]

I'm excited for ICS, but it's going to take a while for apps to be updated. So I'd personally rather get the Rezound/Vigor and then update to ICS once it's more established.

 

[jamisles02]

Being that this & the Nexus are the same price, it does make the case a little harder for the Vigor. I know that there are rumors of no-SD card (major drawback) & bad battery life, but I'm lucky in that my upgrade date is Nov 16, so I might wait for reviews of both & the RAZR as well as see if Black Friday will bring any deals for these phones.

 

[vzwuser76]

I keep debating between these phones. Yes, I know they aren't out yet, but like many here I want to pounce the minute they appear. So, I'm doing my homework now so I'm ready on November 10 or (hopefully) sooner.

Much of my decision will be based on the look, feel and handling of the phone when I can see it in person. Each phone has their good points. The Rezound has a faster processor (1.5 vs 1.2) but how big of deal is this? The Prime will have ICS right away, but we don't know when Rezound will have it. I'm disappointed that HTC will launch a phone after ICS is available without it. I always hate having yesterday's technology. If I thought that ICS was coming to Rezound soon, that will help me lean toward it, but we don't really know, do we?

I like sense and am looking forward to 3.5, but would I rather have ICS now as opposed to waiting for it just to have sense 3.5?

So, like many, I am torn between these two. I invite your thoughts and personal opinions. I don't expect anyone to make this decision for me, but am interested in hearing how others are making this decision and their thought process.

Thanks.

While I agree that it is nice to have ICS out of the box, saying that you're disappointed that it is shipping with old tech is really not quite true.

Phones were shipping with 2.2 up until the middle of 2011. Android 2.3 (GB) came out in the fall of 2010. The thing is HTC has been the best manufacturer for getting their phones updated. The only ones that have really had issues is the Thunderbolt and OG Incredible for the 2.3 update.

As far as if the Rezound will get ICS, yes we don't know 100% that it will. But again look at HTC's history for updating their phones. Each one has gotten at least major OS update, with most getting 2. Show me a device that HTC has not bumped up at least one OS update and I'd give creedence to your argument. The only thing that'd stop it from receiving an update is if the hardware wasn't compatible. But with the Rezound and the Nexus being even (with each having an advantage or 2 over the other) there is no reason that it won't at least see ICS, if not JellyBean also.

I look at their past when deciding on a phone. HTC for the most part has been a lot better than Samsung. The Thunderbolt wasn't their greatest, but when you consider that until November 2010 it was going to be a 3G device, then was redesigned to be 4G, and still shipped 5 months later, that's huge. And of course the others (Samsung, LG, and Moto months later) had less issues, but their phones started out as LTE phones, and they had anywhere from a month to 6 months to shake the kinks out. If the Tbolt had launched in say May, we'd be looking at a completely different phone as far as problems.

As far as Samsung, they've had quite a few issues in the past. Build quality, GPS problems, & the slowest to update between the other android manufacturers. Add to that rumors that the Nexus is going with no microsd slot and no removable battery, and that's enough for me to put the Rezound over it on my list.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Samsung does way better on battery than HTC and GPS issue went away in SGS2 and newer phones after that. Also it's just confirmed that Galaxy Nexus has large 1900mAh removable battery, dual LED flash.

 

[DroidAV8R]

Samsung does way better on battery than HTC and GPS issue went away in SGS2 and newer phones after that. Also it's just confirmed that Galaxy Nexus has large 1900mAh removable battery, dual LED flash.

I think you are over-generalizing about the battery life between Samsung and HTC. You have to compare apples to apples.

If the battery specs you provide are accurate, the Samsung will have a battery that has a larger capacity by 280mAh. At the same time, the GN will have a larger, more power-hungry screen and lack the ability to separately set clock speed and voltage in each of its two cores when compared to the Rezound. Reports from those who have used the GN have been disappointing with respect to real-world battery life. The Rezound probably won't be that great either, at least when using LTE since we are still on the 1st gen chips.

The Rezound has a removable battery and a dual-led flash too. If the Rezound has HTC's new camera, the picture and video quality will be amazing. I haven't seen a real world review of the GN's camera- that may be great as well.

I keep debating between these phones. Yes, I know they aren't out yet, but like many here I want to pounce the minute they appear. So, I'm doing my homework now so I'm ready on November 10 or (hopefully) sooner.

Much of my decision will be based on the look, feel and handling of the phone when I can see it in person. Each phone has their good points. The Rezound has a faster processor (1.5 vs 1.2) but how big of deal is this? The Prime will have ICS right away, but we don't know when Rezound will have it. I'm disappointed that HTC will launch a phone after ICS is available without it. I always hate having yesterday's technology. If I thought that ICS was coming to Rezound soon, that will help me lean toward it, but we don't really know, do we?

I like sense and am looking forward to 3.5, but would I rather have ICS now as opposed to waiting for it just to have sense 3.5?

So, like many, I am torn between these two. I invite your thoughts and personal opinions. I don't expect anyone to make this decision for me, but am interested in hearing how others are making this decision and their thought process.

Thanks.

Truthfully, these phones are fairly similar in specification, but will provide a much different user experience (Sense vs stock Android). If you're not sure about which one to get, wait until they are both out and then check them out in person. Also, check out the user reviews for both of them. Both of these phones are on the cutting edge, and IMHO, you can't go wrong with either one as long as the one you pick is a good fit for your tastes.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I think you are over-generalizing about the battery life between Samsung and HTC. You have to compare apples to apples.

If the battery specs you provide are accurate, the Samsung will have a battery that has a larger capacity by 280mAh. At the same time, the GN will have a larger, more power-hungry screen, while at the same time, it will lack the ability to separately set clock speed and voltage in each of its two cores when compared to the Rezound. Reports from those who have used the GN have been disappointing with respect to real-world battery life. The Rezound probably won't be that great either, at least when using LTE since we are still on the 1st gen chips.

The Rezound has a removable battery and a dual-led flash too. If the Rezound has HTC's new camera, the picture and video quality will be amazing. I haven't seen a real world review of the GN's camera- that may be great as well.

I'm not sure what you mean by over-generalizing on battery performance. Just name one phone in the same category that HTC does better than any other, let alone samsung. Fascinate, Charge, SGS2 are quite better than Incredible, Tbolt, Sensation on battery respectively.

I guess you are referring to BMX comment on GNex battery. He clarified that it does about 6 hours under non-stop heavy usage and said Bionic does about 4 hours under similar usage. That's pretty good for dual core/LTE. But like you I wouldn't take anything confirmed until real spec is revealed and early reviews pop up.

 

[DroidAV8R]

I'm not sure what you mean by over-generalizing on battery performance. Just name one phone in the same category that HTC does better than any other, let alone samsung. Fascinate, Charge, SGS2 are quite better than Incredible, Tbolt, Sensation on battery respectively.

I guess you are referring to BMX comment on GNex battery. He clarified that it does about 6 hours under non-stop heavy usage and said Bionic does about 4 hours under similar usage. That's pretty good for dual core/LTE. But like you I wouldn't take anything confirmed until real spec is revealed and early reviews pop up.

In my experience, battery life is different between users. For example, some people complain about the battery in the Dinc2. I love mine, and can almost get 2 days out of a single charge on a stock battery with moderate usage (phone use, web and video use and 4 email accounts using push). On the other hand, I work with some people who use the Fascinate, and they can't stop complaining about having to charge every 4 to 5 hours. At the same time, I know that a lot of people love the Fascinate, and are fine with the battery. My point is there seem to be differences in real-world user experience, so yes, claiming that all Samaung phones are better with battery than all HTC phones is overgeneralizing.

Since nobody has done a review of the battery on the Rezound, we can't get a feel for its battery life, but I'm betting it won't be vastly different from that of the GN.

We will certainly know a lot more once all features and specs for both phones are confirmed, and we see some real world experiences being reported. Until then, this is all speculation.

 

[Crashumbc]

Until these phones actually come out, choosing is going to involve a lot of guess work. either could turn out have a nasty bug etc. There both very close spec. wise. Personally, I think most of it is going to turn out to be personal preference based on the UI's (sense/no sense). some people love sense, some hate it.

Both are going to be really good phones I think, and will have the kind of staying power the Dinc. has enjoyed. It been 1 1/2 years since the Dinc. came out and we're just now getting phones that I would consider a significant upgrade.

 

[vzwuser76]

Samsung does way better on battery than HTC and GPS issue went away in SGS2 and newer phones after that. Also it's just confirmed that Galaxy Nexus has large 1900mAh removable battery, dual LED flash.

My point on the gps had more to do with how they handle problems. I know some people who still have gps problems.

I've seen everything from a 1700 to a 2200mAh battery rumored for the Verizon Nexus. Assuming the 1900mAh is the one that's another 2 hours of battery if both were equal. The Nexus has a screen that's .3" larger. While that might not seem like a big difference, it'll suck more juice.

As far as dual led flash, big deal every HTC phone I've owned had that. Samsung is the one who doesn't always go that route (some Galaxy S phones only had one led, some had none).

 

[Sandroidfan]

In my experience, battery life is different between users. For example, some people complain about the battery in the Dinc2. I love mine, and can almost get 2 days out of a single charge on a stock battery with moderate usage (phone use, web and video use and 4 email accounts using push). On the other hand, I work with some people who use the Fascinate, and they can't stop complaining about having to charge every 4 to 5 hours. At the same time, I know that a lot of people love the Fascinate, and are fine with the battery. My point is there seem to be differences in real-world user experience, so yes, claiming that all Samaung phones are better with battery than all HTC phones is overgeneralizing.

Of course, there are always small number of exceptions and it depends on each one using phone. But I was talking about general consensus from reviews, both pro and users, and HTC generally doesn't have upper hand on battery compared to competing phones used in similar condition. If your friend has to recharge Fascinate every 5 hours, obviously he must be using it in very different way than you do with Dinc2. I can also make Fascinate go two days if I pretty much use it as phone/email device.

And 1620mAh doesn't give me confidence in battery life of Vigor given their track record, especially Tbolt. I really hope it doesn't become another Tbolt when it comes to battery life. Though Nexus has larger 4.65" screen, it's got bigger battery and bottom 0.3" will be used for soft buttons with black background. So it won't be much different than 4.3" screen as SAMOLED doesn't consume much power on black.

 

[jamor]

You can't really decide yet since we don't know the issues.

Who knows which one doesn't play well with LTE or ships with crappy build or etc..

I know I won't be touching the Samsung Prime if I hear 1 GPS complaint. Samsung has the worst GPS and if it isn't fixed, Vigor will be easy choice for me.

 

[Crashumbc]

You can't really decide yet since we don't know the issues.

Who knows which one doesn't play well with LTE or ships with crappy build or etc..

I know I won't be touching the Samsung Prime if I hear 1 GPS complaint. Samsung has the worst GPS and if it isn't fixed, Vigor will be easy choice for me.

Everything I've heard is they've "fixed" the GPS issues. But my Dinc will "lock-in" in about 10-15 seconds if I'm outside, I expect that kind of performance from my next phone too...

 

[vzwuser76]

Everything I've heard is they've "fixed" the GPS issues. But my Dinc will "lock-in" in about 10-15 seconds if I'm outside, I expect that kind of performance from my next phone too...

Both my Inc's (1&2) lock extremely fast. My problem again isn't if the initial GPS problem is fixed, but how they handled the one that did have problems. It goes to how quick they are on fixing issues that come up. If they're ok with having you get the next iteration of the phone to solve the issue, then that's not the phone for me.

 

[DroidAV8R]

Of course, there are always small number of exceptions and it depends on each one using phone. But I was talking about general consensus from reviews, both pro and users, and HTC generally doesn't have upper hand on battery compared to competing phones used in similar condition. If your friend has to recharge Fascinate every 5 hours, obviously he must be using it in very different way than you do with Dinc2. I can also make Fascinate go two days if I pretty much use it as phone/email device.

And 1620mAh doesn't give me confidence in battery life of Vigor given their track record, especially Tbolt. I really hope it doesn't become another Tbolt when it comes to battery life. Though Nexus has larger 4.65" screen, it's got bigger battery and bottom 0.3" will be used for soft buttons with black background. So it won't be much different than 4.3" screen as SAMOLED doesn't consume much power on black.

You are right; the people I work with that use the Fascinate do use it differently than I use my Dinc2- they use it for handset calling and email only. One of them uses it to check sports scores. That's it. On the other hand, most of my calls are made with BT, and I use a fair amount of apps and data in addition to email as well. Again, each user's experience will be different.

I agree with your hesitation about the 1620MaH battery. I said the same exact thing in the Vigor battery thread. It would be nice to ship a phone like this with a higher capacity battery, especially since we know that the 1st generation LTE chips are anything but power efficient. This is where I do think that HTC can run into problems- it's not so much that HTC handsets don't manage power as well as some others, it's more that a similarly spec'd handset with a lower capacity battery will require more optimization in the power management department. I think this is why individual usage leads to results that can be so different for the same handset. On the other hand, as one of the other members has pointed out, a 200mAh increase in battery capacity may very well lead to battery life increases that are only marginal in the real world.

I also agree with you about the TBolt. I don't have one but have read enough to realize how many people have reported bad battery life. The battery for the Vigor / Rezound is already available, and some TBolt users have purchased and begun using it with positive results. This is a good sign.

My understanding of the GN's screen is that the soft buttons disappear and leave the entire screen usable in many applications. Even if they didn't, I believe that testing has shown that an LCD screen of the same size will still use less power than AMOLED. I can't find it now, but one of the major tech blogs did a comparison between the Dinc1 with AMOLED, and the Dinc1 with SLCD and found the SLCD to generally have better battery life. I can't recall the margin of difference right now though.

The differences in clocking/voltage abilities between the application cores in these phones will come into play with respect to battery life too. That's why IMO, it's not possible to say which one of these two phones will provide users with generally better battery life, or if there will be no significant differences between them until they're launched.

 

[DarbagDarbag]

then you have this.....

http://www.extremetech.com/computin...evealed-slower-than-the-iphone-4s-galaxy-s-ii

just rumors of course, but what if it is not as great as everyone hoped.

Right now the vigor is my first choice still, then the prime, then the razr.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[DroidAV8R]

then you have this.....

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Prime) revealed: Slower than iPhone 4S, Galaxy S II | ExtremeTech

just rumors of course, but what if it is not as great as everyone hoped.

Right now the vigor is my first choice still, then the prime, then the razr.

Decisions, decisions.

Just rumors, but looking fairly official. I haven't followed the Verizon Prime thread that closely, are we aware of the differences between the DoCoMo phone and the Verizon Phone (if any)?

You ordered these phones exactly as I do. Vigor first, Nexus second and RAZR 3rd. No way I'm getting a phone without a removable battery (RAZR), and apparent lack of SD card and Samsung's GPS history makes the Nexus a distant second. Plus, I'm a huge fan of Sense.

 

[jikhead]

What if the RAZR allows you go all day until bedtime to recharge and doesn't need a removable battery? On this feature, I would be OK with...I'd prefer that than knowing that I have to change the battery out mid-day to make it through the rest of the day. The single most thing about all MOTO phones that I don't like, is their UI. It's way behind Sense 3.5.

 

[Sandroidfan]

then you have this.....

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Prime) revealed: Slower than iPhone 4S, Galaxy S II | ExtremeTech

just rumors of course, but what if it is not as great as everyone hoped.

Right now the vigor is my first choice still, then the prime, then the razr.

Decisions, decisions.

That's probably not the final device and they were just debugging the firmware codes, checking GPU performance at low clock. So it's not really indication of how Nexus will perform in real world. Even mighty SGS2 got poor benchmarks by anandtech before official launch. But final released version set new records in smart-phone benchmarks. So it's nothing to worry about.

 

[ochowie]

I have to say the demo of ICS really has me reevaluating my desire for the Vigor. The new people hub, calendar app, and mail app all look awesome and I'm loving the built in support for Google Voice voicemail. I think for me the RAZR is out because I hate the look of Motorola Android skins but if both the Vigor and the Prime release the same day it's going to be a toss up of which one I get.

 

[jikhead]

Yes, I was impressed with it as well.

 

[ochowie]

The only thing that is bugging me is a 5mp camera. I know that megapixels don't matter that much and I don't take that many pictures but my OCD is kicking in with respect to that.

 

[Crashumbc]

The only thing that is bugging me is a 5mp camera. I know that megapixels don't matter that much and I don't take that many pictures but my OCD is kicking in with respect to that.

I'd be MUCH more worried about it low light performance then the MP... That's my biggest complaint with phone cameras.