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HTC One M9 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4

HTC One M9 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Posted: 24 Mar 2015, 06:07 , posted by John V.

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Tags: T-Mobile -T-Mobile + AT&T -AT&T + Verizon -Verizon + Sprint -Sprint + Samsung -Samsung + HTC -HTC + Android -Android +

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Introduction

Samsung capped the end of 2014 on a good note, as the Samsung Galaxy Note 4’s incredibly top-notch, all-around performance astounded many. It simply excelled in a lot of areas, giving all sorts of users, not just power ones, something that they can happily call perfect. From the specs, to its battery life, and fantastic camera, very few phones launched last fall could match the Note 4’s forward momentum.

Now that we’re very well into 2015, the HTC One M9 is one of the first flagship smartphones to arrive on the scene – where it hopes to enthrall and prove itself amongst its distinguished peers. Needless to say, it’s going to need to excel in several key areas if it is to have any chance of weakening the Note 4’s steam rolling momentum.

Design

Sammy’s new design language is evident in the Note 4, but HTC shows it’s still king amongst smartphone designs.

In looking at the two, the first thing to stand out is the disparity with their sizes – it’s just a handful to hold the Note 4, while the M9’s contoured casing and smaller footprint makes it easier to grasp. Additionally, there’s more of that premium quality and aesthetic attached to the M9’s design, which is something that translates over to giving it a sturdy construction as well. To be fair, the new design language of the Note 4 is a departure for Samsung, especially now that it’s sporting a metal trim bezel, but we wouldn’t go as far to say that it’s an overall better designed phone.

Each phone has their unique characteristics, but it becomes abundantly clear that the Note 4 simply has more features. Shared features between the two phones include the IR blaster and microSD card slot, that’s all! In terms of exclusive features, the Note 4 boasts a finger print sensor, heart rate sensor, removable battery, and an S-Pen stylus – while the M9 has dual front-firing HTC BoomSound speakers with Dolby Audio Surround support.

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+ 12 images

Front view | Side view

5.69 x 2.74 x 0.38 inches
144.6 x 69.7 x 9.61 mm
5.54 oz (157 g)

HTC One M9

6.04 x 3.09 x 0.33 inches
153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm
6.21 oz (176 g)

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

To see the phones in real size or compare them with other models, visit our Visual Phone Size Comparison page.

Display

Not only winning in the specs department, the Note 4’s display also bears the superior color qualities as well.

Of course, their overall size is dictated by their respective displays – so it’s no wonder why the Note 4 is the bigger sized between the two. What’s especially noteworthy, even a few months after it initially launched, is that the Note 4’s gigantic sized 5.5-inch 1440 x 2560 Super AMOLED display continues to be a darling in the space. By comparison, HTC decided to outfit the M9 with a more manageable sized 5-inch 1080 x 1920 S-LCD 3 display.

Obviously, the quad-HD resolution of the Note 4’s display gives it the higher pixel density count of 515 ppi, which is a step up over the M9’s tally of 441 ppi. Upon closer inspection, we can distinguish the Note 4’s superior detail, but in all fairness, when we look at the two from a normal distance, it’s tough to decipher the Note 4’s superior pixel density. 1080p resolution is more than effective, especially when it’s slapped on a 5-inch screen, but Samsung’s decision to push the limits is not only impressive, but a gesture that shows they want to make a long-lasting statement.

Details aside, there are more qualities that indicate to us that the Note 4’s screen is higher quality. In terms of color temperature, the Note 4’s value of 6650K is almost close to reaching that “ideal” reference value of 6500K – whereas the M9’s screen measures in at 8100K, giving it a colder tone.

Display measurements and quality

	Maximum brightness (nits)Higher is better	Minimum brightness (nits)Lower is better	Contrast Higher is better	Color temperature (Kelvins)	Gamma	Delta E rgbcmy Lower is better	Delta E grayscale Lower is better
HTC One M9	508 (Excellent)	10 (Average)	1:1347 (Excellent)	8114 (Poor)	2.21	4.40 (Average)	8.24 (Poor)
Samsung Galaxy Note 4	468 (Good)	1 (Excellent)	unmeasurable (Excellent)	6667 (Excellent)	1.97	1.56 (Excellent)	3.1 (Good)

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The numbers below represent the amount of deviation in the respective property, observed when a display is viewed from a 45-degree angle as opposed to direct viewing.

	Maximum brightness Lower is better	Minimum brightness Lower is better	Contrast Lower is better	Color temperature Lower is better	Gamma Lower is better	Delta E rgbcmy Lower is better	Delta E grayscale Lower is better
Samsung Galaxy Note 4	68.8%	0%	unmeasurable	35.4%	1%	280.8%	231.9%
HTC One M9	78.7%	80%	83.4%	13.9%	3.2%	20.9%	18.8%

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The CIE 1931 xy color gamut chart represents the set (area) of colors that a display can reproduce, with the sRGB colorspace (the highlighted triangle) serving as reference. The chart also provides a visual representation of a display's color accuracy. The small squares across the boundaries of the triangle are the reference points for the various colors, while the small dots are the actual measurements. Ideally, each dot should be positioned on top of its respective square. The 'x: CIE31' and 'y: CIE31' values in the table below the chart indicate the position of each measurement on the chart. 'Y' shows the luminance (in nits) of each measured color, while 'Target Y' is the desired luminance level for that color. Finally, 'ΔE 2000' is the Delta E value of the measured color. Delta E values of below 2 are ideal.

These measurements are made using SpectraCal's CalMAN calibration software.

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Interface and Functionality

Related phones

PhoneArena rating:

8.3 Very good

User rating:

9.1 Excellent

HTC One M9

Specifications News^[261] Rivals Size it Videos

PhoneArena rating:

9.3 Excellent

User rating:

9.2 Excellent

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Specifications News^[375] Rivals Size it Videos

35 Comments

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posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:18 22

1. rockers123 (Posts: 137; Member since: 08 Sep 2013)

Haha one fat disabled kid tried to mess with the king....

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 11:35

17. doejon (Posts: 411; Member since: 31 Jul 2012)

and the maximum brightness is also wrong of the note 4
cuz the maximus brightness will be active in auto brightness

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:52

21. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

Ummm no. Auto-brightness is usually 50% brightness, but adjusts to the ambient light in the room or outside. I can't think of a time, by phone was ever on 100% brightness even in direct sunlight on the Note 4.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:23 9

2. Riymod007 (Posts: 27; Member since: 10 Feb 2015)

Please don't abuse HTC One M9 by comparing with Samsung Galaxy Note 4...!

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:53 1

22. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

The Note 4, should be the phone that sets the bar that every new phone for 2015 must meet as a minimum standard, especially since Apple gave that spot up after the iPhone 4S.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:25 6

3. arch_angel (Posts: 1651; Member since: 20 Feb 2015)

the note 4 is just a badass no doubt about it.
LOL I LOVE COMMENT #1

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:38 6

4. frankg (Posts: 172; Member since: 14 May 2014)

The scary thing is, the Note 4 has an 5,7 inch screen and the HTC just 5 inch. However the Noe 4 is not that much taller..... HTC needs to cut some damn bezels and figure out how to make them boomsound speak smaller, when keeping the same quality.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:41 1

5. may_czos (Posts: 938; Member since: 22 Nov 2014)

Note 4 is 9mm taller and wider, that's quite a difference. HTC needs to learn from Sony - Z3 has smaller bezels and really good speakers.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:55

23. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

If the speakers were any smaller, they would sound ven more like crap. I listened to the music while in a T-Mobile from the M8, and its just highs and mids. It didn't sound bad and I loaded a game too and it was slightly impressive for a phone. But the device is lacking everywhere else that the speakers are even a major enough highlight to even recommend the phone.

I rather just use headphones, loudspeakers on laptops and phones are terrible for what the devices cost. How is it smaller speakers in headphones sound better than the larger ones in phones or laptops I will never understand.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:55 9

6. lehrer (Posts: 18; Member since: 09 Feb 2015)

Note 4 exynos outperforms M9 in almost all the tests. Anandtech did a proper review of m9.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 06:59 5

7. SonyFindOneDroidple (Posts: 865; Member since: 11 May 2013)

I love my Note 4 :)
it is gorgeous.
rocking the white one

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:57

24. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

Me too! Every Note I've had since the 2 was white. But I so wanted the black one until I saw it up close and saw it wasn't black, but a dark grey. The Note 5 will be the next bar to meet after the S6 Edge.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 07:04 3

8. twens (Posts: 1147; Member since: 25 Feb 2012)

When you Make such a good fun why wouldn't you get such lovely comments from satisfied customers. Good job sammy, now bring me my s6 edge.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 07:07 4

9. mrej201 (Posts: 226; Member since: 04 Feb 2015)

note 4 papa

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 07:18 1

10. AppleJuice (Posts: 145; Member since: 12 Sep 2013)

Is it me or the M9 is better in daylight? The M9 is not that bad.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 12:05 3

18. PapaSmurf (Posts: 10457; Member since: 14 May 2012)

It's you.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 07:30 5

11. Neros (Posts: 1016; Member since: 19 Dec 2014)

Note 4; this isn't even a competition.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:58 2

25. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

Well it is a competitions, but it was won by Samsung before the One M9 even entered.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 07:46 4

12. itsdeepak4u2000 (Posts: 3718; Member since: 03 Nov 2012)

Sammy is quite ahead in camera department or say camera optimization than the rest. Their cameras always perform better.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 09:42 2

13. Flippyphone (Posts: 67; Member since: 15 Jul 2014)

If you're going to do a meaningful comparison, then do it with a Note 4 that has Lollipop. That aside, it's sad that Note 4 gave M9 a 6 month head start and M9 is so comparatively weak. There is absolutely no excuse for the poor camera performance. Personally I always use headphones with my phone so I couldn't care less about the speakers, and there really isn't anywhere else that M9 has a meaningful advantage. The user experience on the Note 4 is still one of the best, and it will get even better with Lollipop.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 10:44 1

14. PhoneCritic (Posts: 1293; Member since: 05 Oct 2011)

Really no comparison here. The HTC ( M9 )is a minor upgrade from the M8 ( which I have and Love). However, The Samsung Galaxy Note is in a league all by its self - In Fact it created the Category we call "Phablet" it is a power users dream as far as I am concerned. Samsung will no likely top it with the next release Note 5 which will include all the bells and whistles of the S6 edge ( hope fully they Keep the SD card and Removable battery but make it as refine as the Edge S6 < which design I simply love and will try out. If I like how it feels in my hand it will be my next phone >).

posted on 25 Mar 2015, 01:56

30. Topcat488 (Posts: 1402; Member since: 29 Sep 2012)

Uh excuse me... Please mention the Dell "Streak" in your Facts next time as the REAL Pioneer of the "Phablet". It's not their fault that Android Alpha 1.0 or Cupcake 1.5 sucked. Dell was ahead of its time, so give credit where credit is due thank you. O.o Google it.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 11:22 1

15. Seattletech (Posts: 54; Member since: 14 May 2014)

Note 4 lollipop is so far ahead.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 16:00

26. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

Even without Lollipop its far ahead.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 11:31 3

16. kevin91202 (Posts: 629; Member since: 08 Jun 2014)

"Samsung Galaxy Note 4 maximum brightness 468 nits" -PA

WRONG. It's actually measures 750 nits. Why does PA continue to publish wrong information? Is PA not capable of conducting a simple luminous test? No surprise from a wannabe tech website.

posted on 25 Mar 2015, 05:40

31. Chris.P (Posts: 567; Member since: 27 Jun 2013)

Not really.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:21 1

19. Coconut00 (Posts: 485; Member since: 13 Jan 2015)

Note 4 display is 5.7 inches, not 5.5

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 15:50 1

20. TechieXP1969 (Posts: 14967; Member since: 25 Sep 2013)

So basically the HTC One M9 is just an M8 with the SnapDragon 810, which will probably explode or catch on fire if under heavy load for to long.

I just don't understand what happened to HTC. I had a couple phones from them, one being a Windows Mobile device where the OS was awesome, but he 528Mhz CPU simply couldn't pull the weight of Windows Mobile 6.5 (TouchPro 2), which was the best phone that still had a slide-out keyboard.

Then I had the HTC Droid Incredible and I purchased the Rezound for another family member. The Incredible was awesome. It was fast, has the best camera I had ever used on a phone period.

After that HTC seem to have went downhill. I did like the One XL, but it wasn't released on a carrier I could buy it worth. But then, it turned out to be junk. The One S was junk too. The One family as a whole is just boring. Then after the 4MP camera came, that was simply it.

If you phone is brand new, and you already see the trends of where everyone else is going; and you phone comes out the box pretty much not even being on par, then you already lost.

If HTC is using the One to be its flagship model to battled the likes of the Galaxy S and the iPhone, they need to do what Samsung did. Start from the ground, consider what others are doing, see what YOUR customers are asking for, and bring them a new device that still carriers your signature; but gives them a lasting impression. The M series is just stale.

Even though I don't even like Samsung phones that much, no other Android OEM has given me reason to move to another brand. The reason Samsung is the best selling Android OEM, isn't because they do better, it isn't because of all the ads and money they spend on them, it isn't just the fancy phones; it's because all the other OEM's make it so easy for Samsung to win because they are releasing crappy phones in the US. That is why Samsung is getting its biggest battle from China, because these other guys can't do it right to save their own necks.

I feel sorry for HTC's CEO. It seems neither he or their engineers can make a compelling device.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 21:23

27. redmd (Posts: 1774; Member since: 26 Oct 2011)

The camera and removable battery win the Note 4 for me.

posted on 24 Mar 2015, 23:51

28. Ashwinhari (Posts: 4; Member since: 24 Mar 2015)

Hi i ve been researching recently about the image quality of the HTC One m9 and what I ve found is opposite to these reviews. HTC One m9 even beats galaxy s6 edge at some points means the camera is pretty good.

dropbox.com/sh/yh3izckmz7a4a6j/AABoVgyFMeVHLPNzaTBoyfuVa/HTC%20m9%20retake?dl=0#lh:null-IMAG0061.jpg

is an image sample of the HTC one m9 , zoom in to the numberplate and there is something written beneath the license plate.

This is a sample from s6 edge and look for the same and then complain
dropbox.com/sh/yh3izckmz7a4a6j/AAA2kxL8oXrfsYfA5WZ_MjORa/S6%20Edge?dl=0#lh:null-20150320_140754.jpg

Im pretty sure that s6 edge produce much better photos than note4. So there you have it
and i cant see why ppl complaining HTC m9 in benchmarks coz i see note4 getting bashed in every one of em .

And to be honest, i thot HTC m9s battery would be amazing but guess its just average or on par with my m8's. I hope they will improve it with sw updates like they did with that rear shooter.
peace