Comparing the Samsung galaxy S4, iPhone 5 and HTC one: From price to Features.

Ahead of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition release date, some consumers are still asking about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a phone with pure Google OS, against owning an iPhone 5 that will receive a new iOS update later this year.
Of course, there’s the argument that Samsung and HTC’s operating system, the Google Android, is more advanced than Apple’s iOS including the upcoming iOS 7 mobile system update. However, Apple’s iOS is still arguably better when it comes to app selection — so it will still depend on the consumer’s preferred ecosystem.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition, and also the HTC One Google Edition, will compete with Apple’s iPhone 5 later this month in the US. Is pure Android OS and top-notch specs enough to convince consumers to switch to Android? Image via Google.

Some analysts say that Apple is not actually competing with Android, in fact, its iOS 7 allegedly shows that Apple is just on the “defensive” side of the game.
Apple’s iOS 7 will also make the iPhone 5 look and feel different, but not by much. Adding new features like the Control Center with quick WiFi, Bluetooth, Music and screen brightness toggles, plus other enhancements will surely make the iPhone 5 a more attractive device.
And then there’s a rumor that Apple will unveil a new iPhone later this year. Of course, Apple will release a new phone because the company needs to compete with Samsung, HTC and other phone makers new devices with top-notch specs. However, adding a new phone on its lineup will not only give Apple a chance to attract consumers who are looking for a new iPhone, but putting a new high-end phone on its lineup will also nudge the iPhone 5 to the mid-range category with cheaper price.
The iPhone 5 is currently priced $649, the cheapest, and $849 for the high-end variant with the biggest built-in storage. If Apple will release a new iPhone in September, then it is safe to say that Apple will cut the price of the iPhone 5.
A cheaper iPhone 5 could be a big problem for Android phone makers, especially for Samsung and HTC’s new products, the HTC One Google Edition and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition running the untouched version of Google’s operating system. With unskinned Android, Google also said that it will update the two phones automatically if a new system is available.

Comparing HTC and Samsung’s phones

HTC One Google Edition is slightly more affordable than Galaxy S4 Google Edition. The One will sport the $599 price tag, while the Galaxy S4 is taking the $649 price point.
HTC One competes with Apple iPhone 5 by offering aluminum unibody, a 4.7-inch 1080p display, two front-facing speakers and a new camera sensor called UltraPixel, but similar to Apple’s, the HTC One does not support additional storage, and its battery is non-removable.
And then that’s the advantage of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Apart from its bigger battery, it is also removable allowing users to replace it with another one in case of emergency. Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S4 also supports additional storage with its built-in SD card slot.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S4 arguably fails to compete with iPhone 5 and HTC One when it comes to build quality, and similar to Galaxy S3 last year, the S4 offers a full plastic body with glossy back that feels sticky.
Both the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition handsets will join the market, US only, on the 26th of June. Google will exclusively retail both handsets via its online Play Store.