Samsung ATIV S vs HTC Windows Phone 8X
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Well, it's not too often that we have two handsets with almost entirely identical software. If you are reading this article, we assume that you already know what Windows Phone 8 is about, but in case you'd like a refresher, feel free to read our HTC Windows Phone 8X Review, or Samsung ATIV S Review, where we take a more in-depth look at the platform experience.
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Samsung ATIV S | HTC Windows Phone 8 |
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The HTC hub | ||
To counter the HTC hub, though, Samsung has the Now application (or hub, or whatever it is). It also provides weather information courtesy of AccuWeather (same as the HTC), as well as news and stocks. On both handsets you get pretty much the same stuff. Samsung has also preloaded its ChatON service for those who'd like to use it.
Messaging
As you can imagine, the ATIV S has a bit of advantage due to its bigger display size, making all keys slightly larger. We're sure that both handsets will deliver a satisfying typing experience, but for those who really type a lot, or have larger hands, the ATIV S might be the better option with its roomier 4.8” screen.
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Virtual QWERTY keyboard of the platform | |
Processor and Memory
With Microsoft having extremely tight control over the specs of Windows Phone devices, it's very hard for manufacturers to differentiate when it comes to hardware as well. It all becomes quite obvious when we see that both the Samsung ATIV S and HTC Windows Phone 8X feature exactly the same Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus dual-core chipset clocked at 1.5 GHz and Adreno 225 GPU.
Additionally, they both have 1 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage, but Samsung has managed to escape from the grip and add a neat microSD card slot at the last minute, allowing its customers to easily increase the storage space.
All in all, you can expect the same kind of buttery-smooth performance out of both devices.
Internet
The browser works quite predictably on both the ATIV S and Windows Phone 8X, meaning that it's very capable.
Although the 8X has a crisper screen, making text more legible, this is successfully countered by the ATIV S's larger real estate. It's very hard to pick a clear favorite in this respect, but if you value stuff like true colors, then maybe the 8X will deliver a more pleasing experience for you. At the end of the day, both will get the job done in a timely and satisfying manner.
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Surfing the web with Internet Explorer 10 | |||
Obviously, the network speeds will vary depending on the carrier and network you use the phones on. As far as specs go, the international ATIV S lacks LTE, but we're sure that when it hits Verizon later in the form of the ATIV Odyssey, LTE will be part of the package. Other than that, both devices feature HSDPA 42.2 Mbit/s, and HSUPA 5.76 Mbit/s.
If you'd like to know more about the browsing experience in Windows Phone 8, please take a look at our Samsung ATIV S Review.
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21 Comments
1. hung2900 posted on 06 Nov 2012, 09:14 18 2
Anyone thinks Ativ S's design is better like me?
For me it looks preety similar but somewhat more beautiful (the back cover) than my beloved Note2.
And I know many people love battery replaceable ability and memory exansion right?
4. Nathan_ingx posted on 06 Nov 2012, 09:23 7 2
I agree...but that's my personal opinion!
I will go for the subtle looking ATIV S!
10. sadaivadai posted on 06 Nov 2012, 12:12 0 1
Its a great design .. but for some reason it doesn't suit to the Windows UI .. For an Android it would have been great ..
They should have used it for SGSIII
20. mahmoodh posted on 10 Nov 2012, 18:34 0 0
AtivS undoubtedly has a beautiful design with its RECTANGULAR BODY WITH ROUNDED CORNERS. But that's what worries me with apples law suit craze. Apple might add this device to the existing lawsuit against Sammy.
2. shadez10 posted on 06 Nov 2012, 09:21 3 0
I really like the cali blue htc 8x... Really good looking...
5. psysect posted on 06 Nov 2012, 09:54 1 3
the both are similer of many aspects but as usual HTC products are more beautifull & better build quality than samsung plus better camera & Beat audio .. these are first reason for election..
then im going for 8x..
6. snowgator posted on 06 Nov 2012, 09:59 4 1
I am NOT a photo guru, so please take this with a grain of salt (Phone Arena staple- the old salt shaker), but the ATIV S photos just looked a huge amount better to me. Brighter and more sharp.
Call quality is huge for me so the 8X gets a nod, but it would have to be proven to me as the Titan and Titan 2 are both below par (T2) to downright horrid (T1).
Looks are entirely personal preference. The 8X is a tad block-like, but seems to be the more solid of the 2 and those colors give it a fun personality. The ATIV is professional and the shine is really eye-catching. I prefer the looks of the ATIV S, but do not dislike the 8X at all.
As a Focus S user, I will admit some bias. But I would pick the ATIV if the screen and call quality were close. The 8X is hampered by my bad experience with the Titan series.
7. brandonrana posted on 06 Nov 2012, 10:22 5 0
Both are really Great devices. Samsung's large beautiful screen and htc's vivid colours are great. Choice varies in every customer. But overall i'll save my money for nokia lumia 920.
9. Lboogey6 posted on 06 Nov 2012, 11:02 1 0
dude calm down the lumia just has a better camera its all the same
hence why this battle is pointless
13. haseebzahid posted on 06 Nov 2012, 14:10 1 0
all three have their strong points no need to say any one is crap all good for different kind of people
-lumia = photo lovers
htc = mucis lovers
samsung = busness guys
11. Joshing4fun posted on 06 Nov 2012, 12:28 3 0
Samsung wins here. Amoled screens are perfect for windows phone. Also I can't stand all the unnecessary bezel on the Htc.
12. psysect posted on 06 Nov 2012, 13:19 1 0
sorry but HD S-LCD2 had beaten super amould screen before this my friend..
14. rsiders posted on 06 Nov 2012, 14:35 0 0
I can't stress this enough with HTC Windows Phones, HTC allows its users to have access to up to date movies to rent or buy directly on the device without any other service(Zune). HTC Watch is the only video service that lets you do that on any of the Windows Phones as far as I know.
15. lubba posted on 06 Nov 2012, 15:24 0 0
Just wondering which US carrier the Ativ S is heading to. Anyone know something or anything?
16. sojizy posted on 06 Nov 2012, 16:32 0 0
Sorry but the Ativ S should have been made in black. It's the ugliest of the 3 windows phones coming out. A black bezel around the screen makes the live tiles and the screen look better in general. I just wish these manufacturers would realize that these phones are too thick. Anything past 8.9mm is a brick to me. I mean the iphone 5 is only 7.6mm thick, why would htc make their phone 10.1mm thick. Doesn't make sense to me. I would have definitely gone for a black or colored GS3 form factor
18. agamhonda posted on 06 Nov 2012, 21:55 0 1
Do anyone know if you can remove the battery on the HTC 8X?
19. avinashmunnu posted on 07 Nov 2012, 08:02 1 0
GSM Arena Stated That HTC 8x Display is Bright But poor under sunlight...
21. superkuiken posted on 15 May 2013, 06:58 0 0
In my country, the lumia 920 costs €100 more than the HTC and Samsung. The lumia 820 however is the same price as these two. Which ons should I buy?
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