HTC One vs. Galaxy S4 Google Editions Match-up: New Devices Now Available

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 27, 2013

The HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 pure Android Google Editions are now available for purchase in the Google Play online store.

There are some minor differences with the Android software installed in these two new versions of the devices such as a few UI enhancements, a new camera app interface, a tweaked app drawer design, a new live wallpaper, a new default lock screen clock and a different boot animation.

The regular versions of these smartphones were released earlier this year. The pure Android models were announced shortly after their initial release. So now that both are available for purchase, I bet most consumers are wondering which one is better. Here is a quick comparison of the two pure Google Edition models of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One.

Both the Google Galaxy S4 and HTC One have the same specifications as their original variants. The Galaxy S4 features a 5-inch Super AMOLED display while the HTC One has the same 4.7-inch Super LCD3 screen. The Galaxy S4 has a slight advantage as it comes with Gorilla Glass 3 protection over the Gorilla Glass 2 found on the HTC smartphone. Samsung crafted the Galaxy S4 using plastic for its exterior. The HTC One feature glossy aluminum casing that outclasses the Samsung phone in terms of design.

Customers purchasing these new versions also won't have to worry about Samsung TouchWiz and HTC Sense 5 as the smartphones will deliver a more Nexus-like experience. All the unwanted stock apps and bloatware will be completely eliminated freeing up more memory. The new HTC One runs Android 4.2.2 while the original version launched with Android 4.1.2. Both versions of the Galaxy S4 have Android 4.2.2.

The Google Edition Galaxy S4 and HTC One have shed many of the camera features found in the originals. The Galaxy S4 still packs the same 13-megapixel rear shooter with autofocus and LED flash and the HTC One comes with the 4-megapixel camera that allows for simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, face and smile detection and optical image stabilization. Various tech outlets have reported that both cameras take pictures of near equal quality, however, the HTC One shoots better photos in low-light conditions.

The HTC One comes in a little cheaper than the Galaxy S4 at $599. Samsung's device costs $649, however, it has an advantage as it comes with twice as much internal storage as the One.