LG G4 vs HTC One M9: 5 Key Differences

Now both the LG G4 and HTC One M9 have been announced and clarified Looking at the world, prospective buyers are probably considering all their options and at the same time looking at the Galaxy S6 while trying to decide which smartphone is right for them in 2015. The LG G4 has yet to be released, but it will be released soon, and here we compare the two for potential buyers looking for their next phone.

Last week LG took the stage and announced the impressive new LG G4, and while it may not have an all-aluminum design like the HTC One M9, it still has a lot to offer besides the stunning new genuine handcrafted leather design. six different colors. These are two of the best phones on the market, so let’s go through all the details.

The HTC One M9 was announced in March and hit all carriers in the United States on April 10. It’s available to potential buyers right now, but the G4 still has a month or so before we see carriers launch it in the US. Some may not be willing to wait, but if you are, here’s what you need to know about these two phones and a few key differences that can help you pick the right one.

Both the HTC One M9 and LG G4 have a lot to offer, but they’re both very different. While LG has a leather look with a big screen, HTC has stuck to the same brushed aluminum unibody and a smaller screen. These are just a few of the many differences that separate these two phones.

When it comes to which smartphone is truly “better” between the HTC One M9 or the LG G4, there are a lot of things that come into play. user preference, software or hardware needs and of course the size of the device are things for each user to decide. While we don’t have all the answers and don’t know what every user needs or wants, below are about five key features or differences that separate the two for those interested.

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Many consumers choose a smartphone based on screen size. Even Apple noticed this and increased the size of the iPhone 6 this time. This year both HTC and LG kept the screen the same size as last year but improved it overall.

HTC has stuck to the same 5-inch 1920 x 1080p HD display, which they think looks great but will keep battery life in check rather than boosting the resolution. It’s a great screen, but LG beat them. The new G4 also has the same size as last year, with a 5.5-inch screen, but much better and in our opinion better than the HTC One M9.

According to an LG press release, this new 5.5-inch Quad-HD display for the G4 has made a “quantum leap” in color gamut and brightness. They call it a “Quantum HD display”. The new LG G4 display is brighter, has extremely rich and striking colors. Moreover, it is more efficient and easier on battery life. Provide enhanced touch functionality and sensitivity while being thinner.

It features new, advanced In-Cell Touch technology that allows it to respond to touches even when there is water on it. Finally, they claim to display even more accurate colors than last year’s QHD panel on the G3, offering a 120% color gamut, a 50% contrast increase, and a 30% jump in brightness. It may not be as good as the Galaxy S6, but it offers more than the One M9. HTC may have more accurate colors, but the screen is smaller and doesn’t look nearly as crisp or pretty.

Don’t get us wrong, the HTC One M9 and its 5-inch screen look great, but if you want something bigger that promises the best colors and saturation, the G4 is something to consider. It’s also not nearly as big at all, thanks to the small bezels around the device. If you want a big screen, LG is the way to go.

Design

LG and HTC are no different when it comes to design approach. LG has something that works great with the same overall look and feel as the previous generation; it’s a lightweight (yet durable) cheap plastic for the buttons and smartphone building materials on the back for a stylish design. They’ve used plastic for years, but the LG G3 is actually it seems like it’s made of aluminum. Gives the plastic enclosure a brushed aluminum look. The new G4 is the same, but they claim the plastic is infused with ceramic to make it feel more durable. And while that’s nice, it’s the new leather options that really make the G4 stand out.

HTC, on the other hand, has continued to offer some of the best looking and best-feeling smartphones on the market. The original HTC One was wrapped in a single aluminum shell, and that went on for two years, and it’s the same basic design on the new One M9. While it looks almost no different from its predecessors, it’s a major upgrade and one of the most powerful devices on the market. And now it has a beautiful two-tone aluminum finish. Aluminum is nice, but so is LG’s leather. Considering I have both, this is a tough choice. This is a launch.

The HTC One M9 features brushed aluminum in several different colors, the best speakers of any smartphone, front-facing speakers (and we’re not sure why others don’t offer the same), and it feels like a premium device overall. And with the new One M9, they have a two-tone color option, which is also aluminum and looks great. While the slightly heavy and small screen has huge bezels around it, LG has a sleek bezel, big screen and six different skins to choose from. If you like to be trendy, you can have different leather backs to match your outfit. Yes, we went there.

Appearance isn’t everything, but it does play a role in many users’ purchasing decisions. Overall we liked the design of the G4 better, but I wish it had front-facing speakers. The buttons and elegant bezels on the back make it look different from the One M9.

While we’re big fans of the HTC One M8 and this device won our Editors’ Choice award, the new HTC One M9 is even better. The LG G4 is slightly wider, extremely light and has a much larger and better display overall, despite being almost the same height. The whole design of the G3 was to offer a stylish device that isn’t too big, but packs a huge and beautiful display inside, and LG is doing that and more with the G4 in 2015.

If screen size isn’t a big deal and you prefer to have a premium device, the HTC One M9 should be perfect. For another thing, G4 wins.

Camera

In 2015 the HTC One M9 finally presented a capable camera that comes with a 20.7 megapixel lens. And while our review left us somewhat unsatisfied, it has to be one of the better options around. However, LG has taken things a step further with the G4 and is targeting the Galaxy S6 and iPhone in terms of camera performance. The 16-megapixel lens has a fast F1.8 aperture, image stabilization, and some of the best software tweaks ever. It shoots stunning images and gives any device value for money. Above is a comparison with it and the S6, and the LG G4 could be the best camera smartphone this year. This is a bold statement.

Most phones are above 2.0 with f-stop, which is the speed of the sensor and how well it captures details and light. So both Samsung and LG are the leaders here. There’s no doubt that the LG G4 takes better pictures than the HTC One M9, but for those who are only interested in this aspect, we’ll have a comparison soon.

The G4 has laser autofocus and this is the third year they’ve introduced optical image stabilization, while the HTC One M9 has a 20.7MP camera, no OIS. The Galaxy S6 and LG G4 should have the best cameras of 2015, but HTC’s option is pretty impressive and it recently received an update to make it even better. We don’t expect the HTC One M9’s camera to catch up, but it will be more than enough for average users who post to social sites.

Features

While specs aren’t as important as having a device that’s fast, fluid, and will work for years, it’s still something many people consider when buying. Below are the hard numbers for those interested, but all these devices are nearly identical except for a few minor changes and the software will play the biggest role in the performance of each device.

As you can see from the breakdown above, these devices are extremely similar. Essentially, buyers’ main concerns should be the camera, screen size, or which manufacturer has the best software and design. And these are in no particular order. Any of these could and could be the deciding factor. The G4 may not be that premium, even with leather, but we love how it feels in the hand. The best feeling I’ve ever used, one of the most comfortable smartphones. HTC One M9 has a more powerful processor and Turbo Charge, which is another thing to consider.

Price

Last but certainly not least is the price. The HTC One M9 is a brand new flagship phone made of aluminum and retails for $199 on a new 2-year contract. We expect the same 2-year pricing for the G4, but carriers haven’t made any announcements yet and we’re hearing a release date is targeted for the end of May or the first week of June.

Both come with 32GB of storage with a micro-SD slot, so there is only one option to buy. Unless LG offers an option made of premium leather at a slightly higher cost. We’re not entirely sure what they have planned for the leather yet, so it may actually cost more than an HTC One M9 from carriers. Rumors suggest that leather options could be $40-50 premium, but we’ll have to wait and see.

The HTC One M9 is $199 on a new 2-year contract and $649 direct from most carriers. Not to mention the monthly payment options that range from $25-28 per month as mentioned above. Expect the same monthly payments on the LG G4, but hopefully a lower definitive price.

final thoughts

Finally, the only major advantage HTC has is the One M9, which is currently available from carriers around the world, while the LG G4 release date is still somewhat of a mystery. AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular have confirmed that they will carry the LG G4, but no date, pricing or availability has yet been announced.

Potential buyers will have to decide if the HTC One M9 is right for them or if they want to wait a month or so for the LG G4 to launch from all major carriers in the US and worldwide. The Galaxy S6 and Edge are another viable option that LG is aware of, so expect big things from the G4 when the release date finally arrives.