Because of the similarities in basic features you have to look deeper to fi nd the important differences, and also to see where the manufacturers’ priorities lie. The Xperia is water and dust proof, giving it a toughness in everyday use that you don’t get from the others. The One sports a set of stereo speakers on the front that produce the loudest and highest quality sound output we’ve ever heard from a phone. It also has an infrared port to control your TV, and is very useful. The S4 also has this port, along with a remarkable nine sensors that enable features such as eye and motion gestures, as well as a suite of health apps with accessories.
For the main camera the S4 and Xperia Z both use 13 megapixel sensors, and the HTC One four megapixels – or ultrapixels as the company calls them. The cameras are generally on a par. The 13-MP shots inevitably contain far more detail than the HTC can produce in good light, but drop off in performance in lower light. We’re not convinced by HTC’s argument that fewer, bigger pixels is better, but the wider aperture and image stabilisation does mean it takes the best images in low light conditions. But on the whole we’d say the S4 edges it as an all-rounder, especially with the help of its fantastic feature-packed software.
What’s good
•Excellent camera quality, especially in good light
•Stunning screen
What’s bad
•Gesture support can be gimmicky
What’s good
•Front speakers are immense
•Low light photo quality impresses
What’s bad
•No expandable memory
•Photos lower res and lack detail
What’s good
•Reassuringly tough in most conditions
•Camera quality reliably good
What’s bad
•Few imaginative extras
•Slowest processor of the group
Verdict : The S4 packs in much more than Sony manages,
while HTC’s ultrapixel camera seems like an
unnecessary, and not wholly justifi ed, risk.
Android Magazine UK Issue.25.2C.2013
