LG G4 and HTC One M9: What We Know So Far

Last year the LG G3 shocked many buyers with its sleek design and thin bezels around its large 5.5-inch HD display, but this year the company promises to present the LG G4, a similar device that’s better in every way imaginable. And it will have to if it wants to compete with devices like the new Galaxy S6 or the impressive HTC One M9.

With the LG G4 launch event to be announced on April 28 approaching, we want to take a look at how LG’s latest phone stacks up with the HTC One M9, based on what we know so far, leaks, rumors and some. Here are the details that LG has confirmed about the LG G4 before its launch.

The Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 are both readily available and two excellent smartphones, but the LG G4 is shaping up to be a great alternative. It will have a lot to offer and will have to compete with both of these devices, all of which will be released in a month if not more. Read on for more details on the LG G4 and how it compares to HTC’s all-aluminum smartphone.

While all the focus has been on the Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 for the past few months, LG has been quietly hiding in the background, making an impressive phone that has the potential to steal some of HTC’s sales even if the release date is late. The launch is set for April 28, and we’ve heard that a version will be released in May, and these will be two of the best Android phones available in 2015.

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 as many as five key features or differences that separate the two and can help consumers make the right choice.

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Many consumers choose a smartphone based on screen size. An example where this is a leading factor is when Apple finally moved the iPhone to a larger 4.7 inch screen with the iPhone 6. 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 has to beat them. Last year the G3 had a 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display, but it was blurry, viewing angles were poor and not the best. But that will change in 2015.

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 will be brighter, with 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, it is expected to display more accurate colors than last year’s QHD panel on the G3, offering a 120% color gamut, a 50% contrast increase, and a 30% brightness increase. It may not be as good as the Galaxy S6, but it should definitely offer more than the HTC One M9.

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 keep an eye on.

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.

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 as shown below. However, the new LG G4 seems to be introducing real genuine leather on the back of the G4, something that might lure HTC One buyers to LG’s side.

This is the new leather-clad LG G4

No one can argue which one looks better. 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. Below is an image of the Verizon HTC One M9 in aluminum gold and silver.

At the same time, the LG G4 is shaping up to be one of the best phones of 2015, and its new leather design will help the bezel-less 5.5-inch display. plays a role in many users’ purchasing decisions. The LG G4 is said to have three colors of plastic and six completely new handcrafted genuine leather back options.

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 should be slightly wider, extremely light and nearly the same height but with a much larger and better overall screen. 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 something else, consider the LG G4.

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 high quality, even with leather, but we’ll have to wait and see.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdWPqpVbEk

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. Even LG today posted a bunch of G4 sample photos This is not representative of real-world use, as it is professional and was shot under the best possible conditions, but it is impressive nonetheless.

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’ll have to test LG’s camera on April 28.

Price

Last but certainly not least is the price. The HTC One M9 is a brand new flagship phone made of aluminum and will likely cost more than the G4. However, with a 2-year contract, both will likely cost the same $199, making that choice even more difficult for potential buyers.

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.

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

In closing, the only major advantage HTC has is the One M9, which is currently available from carriers around the world, while the LG G4 has yet to be announced. The launch date is April 28, and we’re hearing of a very late May release date, which could be pushed back to June.

Potential buyers will have to decide if the HTC One M9 is right for them or if they want to wait a month or two 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 it launches next week.