Is The Htc One M7 Really Better Than The Samsung Galaxy S4 Still Worth Buying In Current Year

In 2013, the battle between flagship smartphones was fierce. Two standout devices—the HTC One M7 and the Samsung Galaxy S4—defined premium Android experiences. Over a decade later, some users still wonder: is the HTC One M7 truly superior to the Galaxy S4? And more importantly, do either of these classic phones hold any practical value today? While nostalgia plays a role, real-world usability in 2024 demands a critical look at hardware, software, battery life, app compatibility, and overall functionality.

The answer isn’t just about which phone had a better camera or sleeker design back in the day. It’s about whether these devices can still serve as functional tools—or even daily drivers—for modern users who appreciate retro tech, collectors, or those on an extreme budget.

Design and Build Quality: Metal vs. Plastic

The most immediate difference between the HTC One M7 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 lies in their construction. The M7 featured a full aluminum unibody, giving it a premium, solid feel rare among smartphones of its era. In contrast, the Galaxy S4 used a polycarbonate (plastic) body with a faux-metal finish, making it lighter but less durable in terms of perceived quality.

HTC's design philosophy emphasized craftsmanship. The M7’s seamless metal frame, chamfered edges, and speaker grills on the front gave it a timeless aesthetic. Meanwhile, Samsung opted for modularity and customization, offering removable backs and batteries—a feature many users appreciated despite the trade-off in build prestige.

Tip: If you're collecting vintage phones, prioritize models with intact seals and original components—especially for devices like the M7 that lack replaceable parts.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both phones launched with Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processors, though clock speeds varied slightly. The HTC One M7 ran at 1.7 GHz quad-core, while the Galaxy S4 initially shipped with the same chip in most regions (though some variants used Exynos).

RAM was another key differentiator. The M7 came with 2GB of RAM, while the S4 offered 2GB globally—making them evenly matched in multitasking capability for their time. However, storage options diverged: the S4 supported microSD expansion up to 64GB, whereas the M7 locked users into fixed internal storage (32GB or 64GB), with no expandability.

Battery capacity also tells a story. The Galaxy S4 packed a 2,600mAh removable battery, compared to the M7’s non-removable 2,300mAh unit. This gave Samsung a clear edge in longevity and user control—swap in a fresh battery when needed.

“Hardware longevity isn’t just about specs—it’s about serviceability. Phones like the S4, with replaceable batteries, often outlive sealed designs when maintained properly.” — David Lin, Mobile Repair Technician & Retro Tech Enthusiast

Software Experience and Update Lifespan

At launch, the Galaxy S4 ran TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0 atop Android 4.2.2, while the HTC One M7 debuted with HTC Sense 5 over Android 4.1.2. Both skins were known for heavy customization, but user preferences split sharply: some loved Samsung’s feature-rich interface; others preferred HTC’s cleaner, more elegant approach.

Over time, HTC delivered updates more consistently. The M7 eventually reached Android 5.0 Lollipop, thanks to community support and official rollouts. The S4 officially topped out at Android 5.0.1, though custom ROMs extended its life significantly.

Today, neither device receives security patches or OS updates from manufacturers. App compatibility is limited. Modern versions of WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Chrome either don’t install or crash frequently due to outdated APIs and lack of TLS 1.2+ support in older Android versions.

Real-World Usability in 2024: A Mini Case Study

Consider Alex, a retro tech collector based in Portland, who tried using a fully restored HTC One M7 as his primary phone for one week. He reflashed it with a lightweight custom ROM (LineageOS 14.1) to improve responsiveness. Despite this, he encountered major hurdles: Gmail wouldn’t sync without workarounds, banking apps refused to open, and GPS navigation lagged behind real-time movement. By day four, he switched back to a budget Android phone.

His experience highlights a crucial truth: even with technical tweaks, these phones struggle with essential services that assume modern hardware and encryption standards.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	HTC One M7	Samsung Galaxy S4
Release Year	2013	2013
Display Size/Type	4.7\" Full HD LCD	5.0\" Full HD Super AMOLED
Build Material	Aluminum Unibody	Plastic with Metal Trim
RAM / Storage	2GB / 32GB or 64GB (no SD)	2GB / Up to 64GB + microSD
Battery (Removable?)	2,300mAh (No)	2,600mAh (Yes)
Rear Camera	4MP UltraPixel	13MP Standard Sensor
Final Official OS	Android 5.0 Lollipop	Android 5.0.1 Lollipop
Water Resistance	No	No
Current Practical Use	Limited (collector’s item)	Slightly better (due to battery swap)

Are These Phones Still Worth Buying in 2024?

Purchasing either phone today should be approached not as a practical decision but as a niche interest. Neither offers reliable performance for everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, or navigation. App stores may allow downloads, but execution fails due to processor limitations and obsolete security protocols.

That said, there are scenarios where owning one makes sense:

• As part of a smartphone history collection
• For developers testing legacy Android behavior
• As a dedicated offline music player (M7’s BoomSound speakers excel here)
• For nostalgic use with Wi-Fi-only functions (e.g., playing old games)

Tip: If buying used, check for swollen batteries, screen burn-in (especially on S4’s AMOLED), and verify IMEI status to avoid blacklisted devices.

Step-by-Step Guide: Reviving an Old HTC One M7 or Galaxy S4

1. Inspect Physically: Check for cracks, water damage indicators, and port debris.
2. Charge Fully: Plug in for at least 6 hours, even if the battery seems dead.
3. Boot Safely: Try powering on. If unresponsive, attempt recovery mode (Volume Up + Power).
4. Factory Reset: From recovery, wipe data/cache to remove old accounts and glitches.
5. Flash Custom ROM (Optional): Install LineageOS or similar for improved stability.
6. Test Core Functions: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, audio, and touchscreen response.
7. Limit Usage: Designate roles like media player or alarm clock—avoid sensitive logins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the HTC One M7 or Galaxy S4 as a daily driver in 2024?

No. Both lack support for modern app requirements, secure connections, and adequate processing power. Even basic web browsing is frustratingly slow.

Which has better sound quality?

The HTC One M7 wins decisively. Its dual front-facing BoomSound speakers deliver rich stereo audio unmatched by the S4’s single bottom-firing speaker.

Is it safe to buy these phones online now?

Only if you’re aware they’re non-functional for modern needs. Be cautious of scams selling “like new” units that may have hidden issues. Always buy from reputable sellers with return policies.

Conclusion: Nostalgia Has Its Place—But Not in Your Pocket

The HTC One M7 was arguably the better-designed phone in 2013, with superior materials and audio. The Galaxy S4 countered with greater flexibility, expandable storage, and a higher-resolution camera. But in 2024, neither holds meaningful advantage as a functional smartphone.

If you’re drawn to these devices, let it be for appreciation—not utility. They represent pivotal moments in mobile evolution: HTC’s bold push toward premium design, Samsung’s dominance through ecosystem and scale. For actual use, even the cheapest new Android phone under $100 outperforms both in speed, security, and compatibility.

🚀 Love retro tech? Share your favorite vintage phone experience in the comments below—let’s celebrate innovation, past and present.