Samsung Galaxy S III vs HTC EVO 4G LTE
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It can be argued that the original HTC EVO is phone that defined Android during its emergence as the world’s top mobile OS, but Samsung’s Galaxy S line of phones have been insanely popular over the past few years. Sprint customers have been fortunate enough to have their choice from these two family of phones, and this year HTC and Samsung are back with the latest version of their flagship models available on the pin-dropping network. Both the HTC EVO 4G LTE and the Samsung Galaxy S III run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 SOC, feature large HD displays, an 8 megapixel camera and more memory than most people would need. It’s a good time for Sprint users to need a new phone, but which of these two powerhouses is the right phone for you?
Design:
While these two hero devices may share a similar spec sheet, they couldn’t be more different to look at and interact with. The EVO 4G LTE, which launched last month, is a triumph of industrial design and features an anodized aluminum unibody and a 4.7” display protected by Gorilla Glass 2. The premium materials feel great in the hand while making for excellent build quality. A striking red band adorns the back, giving the phone some personality while stealthily housing the EVO’s sturdy kickstand. The edges are milled down to bare aluminum, providing a smart contrast to the phone’s otherwise black hue. The glossy plastic cover allows for removable memory, something the EVO’s One X sister phone lacks, though many would prefer a matte finish. HTC has made design a top priority for this year’s lineup and this is very apparent in the EVO 4G LTE.
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The Samsung Galaxy S III (right, bottom) and the HTC EVO 4G LTE (left, top) | |
Samsung doesn’t use cheap plastic on the Galaxy S III, but it is still plastic nonetheless. It doesn’t help that they don’t give it any texture, making the phone hard and slippery in the hand. Of particular note is the silver trim ring, which is also plastic, that is made to look like brushed metal. To us this shows that Samsung is more worried about look than actually using premium materials on their phone. The build quality seems quite good, but it just does not translate into the feel of the phone in your hands.
The two devices are nearly identical in size, but to a man everyone who picked up both devices noted that the Galaxy S III felt wider (which it is, though only by 2mm.) We asked several happy Galaxy S II owners which device they preferred, and not a single one chose the Galaxy S III. The biggest complaints we received was that the Galaxy was too big, too slippery or that they did not like the new rounded look. We’d have to agree with them, while we appreciate the smooth back of the S III we prefer the overall design of the Galaxy S II more.
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The Samsung Galaxy S III (left) and the Samsung Galaxy S II (right) | |
One thing we feel needs pointed out is that Samsung has broken with Android 4.0 design language and included a menu button instead of a task switcher like you’ll find on other ICS devices. Google has tried hard to make ICS a more cohesive and unified experience, and other manufacturers seem to be on board with this. Samsung has also rearranged the buttons, bringing Back to the far right. This isn’t a criticism one way or the other, but it is a curious decision from the manufacturer of the last two Nexus devices.
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The Samsung Galaxy S III (left, bottom) and the HTC EVO 4G LTE (right, top) | |
Display:
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Objectively, media just looks better on the S-LCD2 display.
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
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52 Comments
1. bobfreking55 posted on 0 0
I like how your video samples show on my YouTube Subscription feed before the review is released --- I always know the smackdowns before hand lol.
Because of this Jellybean mania, I kinda got my eyes of the Galaxy S III. I want a JB device! First device to get JB wins (between the smackdown) :))
19. DonkeySauce posted on 0 0
If you want Jelly Bean, I'm not sure about Samsung. They're notorious for taking forever to updated their Galaxy phones in the US. I waited forever for updates to my original Epic, and the GSII still has no ICS.
31. phoenixpr posted on 0 0
Agree! SGSIII will get JB first, Loved the Evo LTE, was going to get it. However my #1 things of MUST HAVE on a phone is a removable battery. Sorry Evo LTE your lost...
40. lsutigers posted on 1 1
Wow, EVO LTE wins just about every round. I picked up both of them and I am testing them out. I have to say, I agree with the comparison review, in my opinion, the EVO is a more refined device and has the few extras that were missing out of the One X to be up to par with the Galaxy S III.
I think I will keep the EVO and return the SGS3, both great phones though.
2. tiara6918 posted on 1 0
Very good review! Wish that the htc evo 4g lte was sold internationally as it had better performance and specs than that of the one x. Now, the Samsung Galaxy S 3 has it's true competitor in the smartphone industry!
3. RORYREVOLUTION posted on 4 0
What's the point in doing a vs if you don't pick a winner? Come on PA
30. Birds posted on 1 0
Lol, they left us off with a cliff hanger. Its like a bad movie. I pick the Evo. Nothing against the SGSIII but still I like the evo.
37. pandakilla posted on 0 0
They pretty much said who was the winner....HTC better over all...I like Samsung.........for thier displays
6. Commentator posted on 3 5
"The EVO had its way with the Galaxy S III, beating it convincingly in all three tests we ran it through."
...What? If basic mathematics serve me correctly (and for the most part they do), the GSIII's 12,016 on AnTuTu is just a TAD BIT HIGHER than the Evo's 6,973...
13. Fallout09 posted on 2 2
Where are you getting 12016 on AnTuTu? Article states SG3 had 5740 vs EVO 6973.
17. Commentator posted on 0 0
Brian changed it from what it was before.That's where I was getting it, to answer your question.
21. PhoneArena Team posted on 0 0
We had a mistake with the Galaxy S III benchmarks results; it is corrected now :)
7. Slammer posted on 0 1
I've owned HTC devices for many years with no major issues. I can't praise their build quality enough. I'm not a fan of stationary batteries. I like the option to remove them. However, This review has helped me keep me in check that I maybe purchasing an HTC product once again.
John B.
8. Commentator posted on 0 0
As far as not integrating Google's cloud storage into the music app, the app does allow you to add Play Music as a shortcut.
