Before we get into this review, I should explain that I’m a fan of the Pixel.
I’ve been using the original for over a year now. I use Macs for work, because magazines are almost all made on InDesign, but I default to the Pixel for most of my writing and web browsing, because the key
Google Chromebook Pixel (2015) review
Last yea, we would have wasted few words explaining why the HTC One (M8) was the better device than the Samsung Galaxy S5 when it came to looks and build. But there has never been a more beautiful Samsung smartphone than the S6.
Gone is the flexy-backed polycarbonate of its predecessors, replaced with shiny Gorilla Glass 4 on the front and back, and a hardened aluminium bezel with a finely drilled speaker grille and beautifully machined buttons. It’s gorgeous, particularly in the white and charcoal versions, and it feels lovely and premium in the hands, though their are subtle notes of Xperia-like sharpness filtering through.
Because of Samsung’s newfound appreciation of posh design, the S6’s back isn’t removable, and there’s no space for a memory card. That means you’re limited to the 32GB, 64GB or 128GB your phone is born with, while the HTC’s 32GB can be supplemented with up to 128GB of sweet, sweet microSD memory. The latter sounds appealing, but opt for the 64GB or 128GB Samsung and you should have space to spare anyway.
Meanwhile, the HTC One (M9)’s design sits somewhere between that of the original One and last year’s (M8). It’s still a finely made aluminium unibody, but the front’s stark and industrial like the One’s, and it steps out to a rear that’s organic and sinuous like the (M8)’s. While it sounds like it could be a bit disjointed compared to its near-flawless predecessors, in reality it looks fantastic (especially from behind), and the finishing process has resulted in a device that feels great to use.
However, while the HTC’s a substantial beast measuring 9.6mm at the waist – actually a little thicker than last year’s model – the Samsung is just 6.8mm thick (not including a millimetre of two for the prodruding lens). In fact, for a 5.1in device, the S6 is pretty svelte top to toe, and its sleekness makes it a little easier to hold.
This is a very close round. Appearances are subjective, and both devices are appealing in their own special way.
Winner: Draw
