HTC One (M8) vs. Samsung Galaxy S5: comparing the specs

The HTC and Samsung flagship devices have both been unveiled. Naturally, we are talking about the One (M8) and the Galaxy S5. The former was detailed earlier this morning, and we saw details of the latter earlier in the month, during Mobile World Congress. We still need to get each of these devices in for an extended testing session to get all the answers, but for now we can look towards the specs for some of the answers.

These handsets are both launching with Kit Kat, which is sort of what we we would hope to see at this stage of the game. But unlike the Google Play editions or Nexus devices, these will each have plenty of extras in terms of the software. In the case of the HTC One (M8) we are looking at Sense and on the Samsung Galaxy S5 we are looking at TouchWiz.

Both of these have some perks, and some drawbacks and both have been improved as compared to previous versions. We suspect both Sense and TouchWiz each have a respective fan base, but we’ll have to reserve our final opinion on each until we spend more time with each of these devices.

Again, what we can do today is take a look at the hardware — a straight up look at the specs. Beginning first with the HTC One (M8) and then moving on to the Samsung Galaxy S5, here is what can be expected for each;

HTC One (M8)

• 5.0-inch 1080p
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB or 32GB of internal storage
• microSD memory card (support for 128GB cards)
• 2600 mAh non-removable battery
• 5MP front-facing camera
• HTC DuoCamera with the UltraPixel taking primary
• 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm
• 160 grams

Samsung Galaxy S5

• 5.1-inch 1080p
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
• 2GB of RAM
• 16GB or 32GB of internal storage
• microSD memory card (support for 128GB cards)
• 2800 mAh removable battery
• 2.1MP front-facing camera
• 16MP rear-facing camera
• 142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm
• 145 grams

One difference you’ll notice is the weight, which goes to the build material. The One (M8) is made mostly of metal, while the Galaxy S5, well, isn’t. In the limited time we’ve spent with both devices, we can say they both feel sturdy, but obviously the One (M8) is a bit more. Otherwise, both devices have the usual array of sensors and connectivity. While the specs have some similarities, there are still some key differences other than the build being of metal or plastic.

Both handsets have some key features surrounding the camera aspect, though we suspect the HTC One (M8) may have a slight edge in terms of the camera. The Galaxy S5 on the other hand has some key features that are missing from the One (M8). One example here is the IP67 rating which means it is dust and water resistant. Samsung also has some health related features including a built-in heart rate monitor on the Galaxy S5. Then again, HTC has the One (M8) equipped with a set of front-facing speakers with BoomSound.

Bottom line here, these are both flagship material and they each certainly deserve some additional hands-on time. You can look for more on each of these devices in the coming days and weeks. Of course, hardware and software aside, we suspect some of this will simply come down to loyal users as some prefer Samsung, and some prefer HTC for no real reason other than the name.