AT&T customers, who are also Android fans, have a tough decision to make if they want a top-of-the-line smartphone, as the hottest handsets - the Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X - go head to head in one of the tightest competition. It's Android against Android, and they both pack exciting specs and features, but if you had to choose just one, which one would it be?
Features They Have in Common
Both the Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC One X are available for $199.99 at AT&T, both run on Android Ice Cream Sandwich, both have 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processors, they support 4G LTE, and offer a maximum video resolution of 1080p HD. Also, both smartphones can capture images during video recording, both have burst mode, both allow search with voice and voice commands (see difference below), and neither of the two has a dedicated camera button.
Features That Differ
When it comes to user interface, both phones have their own: the Samsung Galaxy S3 comes with Samsung TouchWiz UI, while the HTC One X comes with HTC Sense 4. Samsung's flagship smartphone sports a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, while the HTC One X boasts a 4.7-inch Super LCD. Both have a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.
In terms of memory, the Samsung Galaxy S3 boasts 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, and supports microSD, while the HTC One X has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, but no expansion slot. Both smartphones have 8-megapixel rear-facing cameras, but the difference lies in the front-facing camera: the Galaxy S3 has a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, while the HTC One X' front camera has 1.3 megapixels.
Both smartphones support voice command: the Galaxy S3 features Samsung S Voice, while the HTC One X uses Google Voice Actions. As for dimensions and weight, the smartphones are very similar: Samsung's smartphone measures 5.38 x 2.78 x 0.34 inches and weighs 4.7 ounces, while the HTC One X measures 5.3 x 2.75 x 0.36 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces.
Design
The HTC One X is made from a single block of stylish polycarbonate plastic, with an all-white chassis and a good grip, but is slightly thicker than its competitor (0.36-inch vs. 0.34-inch).
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has some winning features over the HTC One X in terms of design. The most notable ones are the microSD card slot and removable battery. The new Galaxy smartphone features a sleek design with smoothly rounded curves, and sports a more premium plastic construction than its predecessor.
Screen
Both smartphones boast massive displays and both have the same 1,280 x 720 resolution, but the Galaxy S3's 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen delivers more saturated colors, while the HTC One X' 4.7-inch Super LCD sports more realistic hues. The HTC One X display is also much brighter, and images and text appear crisper.
Performance
Samsung went all out with its third-generation Galaxy smartphone, packing an impressive set of special software and interface enhancements. The S-Beam feature stands out, allowing users to transfer content such as photos and videos between phones simply by bumping them together. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich paired with the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and the whopping 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage deliver a smooth experience.
Meanwhile, the HTC One X can hold its own and has some exciting features to offer as well. It also comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, topped with HTC's intuitive and powerful Sense 3 user interface, while the 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor allows it to move fast and smoothly. On the other hand, the HTC One X has 1GB of RAM compared to the Galaxy S3's 2GB, and it supports less gestures and voice controls than its rival.
Camera
Both Android smartphones boast great 8-megapixel main cameras with backlit sensors and both employ Ice Cream Sandwich's new burst mode feature, but the Galaxy S3's camera captures clearer and slightly better HD video. The front-facing camera also has a higher resolution than the HTC One X's front camera (2MP vs. 1.3MP).
And the Winner Is...
Taking all specs and features into account, it's safe to say that both handsets are excellent, and either one of them would prove exceptionally good. The Samsung Galaxy S3 scores extra points for microSD expansion slot, the option of swapping out batteries, and Samsung S Voice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more elegant and intuitive user interface, HTC's latest Sense 3 UI may make the difference. Both Android smartphones are brand new, high-end, powerful, and very hot, so in the end it all comes down to personal preference and needs.
