Samsung Galaxy S3 vs HTC One X

[Ingenieur7]

I've posted this elsewhere but I think it is most relevant here at AndroidForums. This information is from various sources, but mainly from GSM. So don't flame me if it doesn't fit your opinions because I'm not being biased in any sort of way.

Samsung Galaxy S3 v HTC One X​

Samsung Galaxy S3

Pros

• Super AMOLED HD Screen is excellent (superior blacks, higher contrast ratios and viewing angles)
• Higher display contrast and better sunlight legibility
• More storage options - Samsung Galaxy S3 offers 16/32/64GB + 64GB microSD which brings it to a maximum of 128GB compared to the HTC One X's non-expandable 32GB
• Higher quality camera sensor and lens compared to HTC One X
• Fastest web browser speed in the market. Evidence: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00VpL_oIWJs/T6NalRAQnzI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/CVLZAXdu0gI/s1600/t3.jpg
• 4G/LTE version has 2GB RAM which is better than the 1GB RAM of the 4G/LTE HTC One X
• Comes with a cool and useful barometer
• Faster and better GPU
• Louder and better audio player compared to HTC One X
• Updated to Android 4.1 Jellybean faster (August/September 2012)
• S Voice natural language commands and dictation
• S Beam for easy and fast file transfers
• User-accessible 2100mAh battery over non-removable 1800mAh battery
• 1.9MP front-facing camera with Smart Stay

Cons

• Design is seen as too conservative by some
• More expensive than HTC One X
• Whites have a very slight blue tint to them

HTC One X

Pros

• Beats audio
• Already on the market
• Cheaper
• Design looks great
• Very good screen (LCD 2) which is excellent (higher max brightness and more accurate whites)
• Quad core with 1GB RAM is faster than most phones on the market
• f2.0 aperture means the HTC One X's camera is better in dark conditions
• Sense UI looks great

Cons

• Camera quality is quite low compared to the SGS3
• Only comes in 32GB storage version and has no microSD... so the maximum storage is 32GB
• 4G/LTE version does not come with 2GB RAM
• Sense is not optimized so the UI is significantly laggier
• Video capture is not at 30FPS, and there is evidence that it is 20FPS which is very bad
• Blacks aren't as strong as on the SGS3 but this is almost a non-issue

Similarities between the two phones

• The build quality of both phones are about the same as they both use polycarbonate (there is evidence from The Verge, GSM and Engadget). The only difference is that the Samsung Galaxy S3 has a metallic trim on the sides. The white version of the SGS3 has a glossy marble-like finish, whereas the pebble blue version has a metallic finish. The HTC One X's battery is not replaceable so you can't replace it with a more powerful battery.
• Both phones are actually the fastest phones on the market
• Both phones are superior to other competitors in terms of browser speeds.

Features depending on user-preference

• 4.8" screen of the Samsung Galaxy S3 vs the 4.7" screen of the HTC One X
• Sense vs TouchWiz. Sense looks great, whereas TouchWiz is a bit boring. However TouchWiz is more responsive and quicker
• Super AMOLED HD vs SLCD 2. The Samsung Galaxy S3's Super AMOLED HD has higher contrast ratios, better blacks and viewing angles. Super AMOLED HD also has better outdoor visibility according to GSM. The HTC One X's SLCD 2 screen, however, has higher max brightness and more accurate whites.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 beats the HTC One X in the CPU and GPU benchmarks. The new Exynos 4 processor of the Samsung Galaxy S3 is stronger than the Tegra 3 of the HTC One X.

There are 2 versions for each smartphone. Both come in an International version and a 4G/LTE version.

Samsung Galaxy S3
International Version
CPU: Exynos 4 quad core processor
RAM: 1GB RAM
GPU: ARM Mali-400

US or 4G/LTE Version
CPU: Snapdragon S4 "Krait"
RAM: 2GB RAM
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 225

HTC One X
International Version
CPU: Tegra 3 quad core processor
RAM: 1GB RAM
GPU: ULP Geforce

US or 4G/LTE Version
CPU: Snapdragon S4 "Krait"
RAM: 1GB RAM
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 225

Which CPU and GPU is better and why?

In terms of processing power, the Exynos 4th generation quad core processor of the Samsung Galaxy S3 is much better than the Tegra 3 quad core processor of the HTC One X. The ARM Mali-400 GPU on the Samsung Galaxy S3 is also superior compared to the ULP Geforce of the HTC One X.

However if we're comparing the US or 4G/LTE versions, then this gap closes significantly. Some US providers will have 2GB RAM versions of the Samsung Galaxy S3 4G/LTE so the SGS3 may win in this case. However it's still an extremely close battle and any difference will most likely be from the levels of optimization of the software engines.

Browser speed test (BrowserMark)

Source: Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-i9300) BrowserMark HTML5 Benchmark Test - GSM Insider : Gadgets news from the insider

What this basically says is that the Samsung Galaxy S3 has the fastest web browsing speeds on the market. This could be due to the SGS3's superior software engine and better signal transmission hardware. The HTC One X is not far behind though and is much better than the HTC Sensation and Sony Xperia S.


3G/4G LTE Signal transmission tests:

BrowserMark - web browser speed tests


CPU/GPU tests:

GLBenchmark 2.1 (Egypt)



Quadrant


Sunspider


Camera Quality
Source: GSM

Image quality
Both the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X feature 8 MP cameras that are capable of taking photos at max resolution of 3264x2448 pixels. Both feature single LED on the back and, thanks to their zippy processors, both offer 1080p and 720p video recording with simultaneous image capture. The lens used in the Galaxy S III has a slightly wider filed of view compared to the One X.

So let's dive right into the image quality. You'll notice that the weather wasn't identical for the two contenders, but lighting conditions were similar enough to make the images comparable.
We added the Galaxy S II to the first round of tests for good measure. As you can see from the crops, in good lighting the Galaxy S III tends to produce images with more detail than both its predecessor and the HTC One X.

The processing of the new Samsung flagship is much more mature too - it introduces very few oversharpening artifacts and loses little detail, while still managing to keep the noise under control. The One X on the other hand is a bit too aggressive with the sharpening and isn't doing nearly as good at removing the noise.

Both contenders tend to oversaturate colors (particularly green), but the Galaxy S III comes a little closer to reality.

And there go a couple of more shots, which tell a similar story. Differences aren't huge, but the Galaxy S III still has an edge.

We also tested the photos that the One X and the Galaxy S III captured, while recording video. They are 6 megapixel stills in 16:9 aspect ratio.

It's interesting to note that the HTC One X frames pictures differently from the video so you always end up with a result with a wider field of view. The Galaxy S III in-video shots have the same framing as the video.
In good light, the two smartphones resolve about the same amount of detail here, but the One X has better contrast and it sharpens its images more aggressively, which makes its output look punchier. The Galaxy S III still has slightly better color reproduction, though.



Things get vastly different in low light, when the bright F/2.0 optics of One X count big time. In such conditions the HTC flagship crushes its opponent, producing images with far less noise and much better contrast.

Most devices out there offer HDR mode straight out of the camera app and so do the Galaxy S III and HTC One X. The One X produces more dramatic looking results, while the Galaxy S III has a pretty subtle approach. Which solution is better is strictly a matter of personal preference, but the Galaxy S III does resolve more detail and its highlights aren't as exaggerated.

Photo quality comparison
We have the Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X in our Photo comparison tool. The tool's page will give you the full details and it's where you can make the most comprehensive observations on the cameras involved in this shootout.

The Galaxy S III uses its resolution advantage to easily outdo the HTC One X in the first two charts. The two are much more evenly matched on the last studio challenge, but the S III shot has far less noise there.

Video Quality
Source: GSM

We were pleased with the video capture on the HTC One X. But the Galaxy S III is just too good to compete with - the resolved detail in the Galaxy S III videos is incredible and they are very smooth with accurate colors.

Here's the Galaxy S III 1080p FullHD sample.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aif8pLLjDJs

And the One X 1080p video sample.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfBRkR682rg

There's also the bitrate to take into account. The HTC One X videos come out with a relatively low bitrate of about 10 Mbps, while the Galaxy S III's clips hover around the 17 Mbps mark. Both devices offer stereo sound recording during capture. Below we've lined up 720p video samples by each of the devices.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr-BdysccZM

The lower bitrate is evident here as well. At 6Mbps the One X videos have about half the bitrate of those captured with the Galaxy S III. (Galaxy S3 is the winner)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee0qO4Z9u2c

Overall, it's hard to see beyond the Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III for the winner in the video recording category. The One X shoots decent videos, but those are nowhere near the S III standard.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has the superior battery life out of the two. Refer to these links from GSM:

The HTC One X suffered a humiliation in the video playback part of our test. The Galaxy S III put the superior power efficiency of its screen to great use here and took a minute over 10 hours to deplete 90% of its battery. The HTC One X, on the other hand, gave up after less than 6 hours of SD playback.

Source: GSM




The Samsung Galaxy S3 has the better battery life and the difference is stunning for video playback.


Other tests and comparisons

Bootup speed test


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkPrBrGQlW4


Video capture test


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAJZZlQ8xkw


19FPS lag on the HTC One X


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3wCQbcp4Qk


Design and user interfaces comparisons


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MFCx4z6LCQ

 

[Doit2it]

Thanks for the vid sample postings, I hadn't seen those. I agree with the YouTube comments about the mic being tinny, but I can live with that for image clarity sake. You can hit pause and read plates in all three lanes. Removable, larger battery, check! SD card, check! SGS3 is definitely better.

Plus the HTC One X is on AT&T. That's why I never bought an iPhone. Thank the Gods of Tech Android came to Verizon before the iPhone or I may have become an Apple fanboy.

Just waiting for the SGSIII to hit the US market so I can throw my money across the counter at the Verizon store!

 

[Android26]

Thanks for all the information man! I'll definitely link people to this OP whenever I can. As for my personal taste, I'm definitely leaning towards Samsung.

 

[remjenkins]

I have just picked up the one x and I have 30 days to keep or return. I know the GS3 is coming. So come on forum, help me out. Give me some pro's and con's of the one x and the gs3. If anyone has had any time with both let me know. I really like the idea of more battery life, but not if its a matter of minutes. HELP

 

[BigCiX]

If the One X had an SD slot and removable battery I'd go for it hands down. Samsung on the other hands sucks on updating (not to mention so does at&t) plus their phones are all plastic. Its a toss up for me. I might just hand on to my Thrill until the next Nexus comes around.

 

[gibbs1984]

Con: TouchWiz.

End of.

 

[Ingenieur7]

I've managed to take a look at a few videos of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and I must say that the phone looks stunning and got excellent feedback for the build quality. This time Samsung has used a luxurious glossy finish. The Samsung Galaxy S3's Super AMOLED screen also has better outdoor visibility and this has been confirmed from many sources.

I still love the HTC One X's screen though.

 

[Ingenieur7]

The Canadian and most likely the US versions of the Samsung Galaxy S3 will have 2GB RAM.

AnandTech - Samsung Makes Canadian SGS3 Variants with Krait Official

 

[chanchan05]

I think you guys in the US can't base your decision on getting the SGS3 from these reviews. For one reason, your versions might not get the Exynos chips on the international SGS3 due to LTE incompatibility. You'll have to wait for proper reviews for US versions.

 

[Ingenieur7]

I think you guys in the US can't base your decision on getting the SGS3 from these reviews. For one reason, your versions might not get the Exynos chips on the international SGS3 due to LTE incompatibility. You'll have to wait for proper reviews for US versions.

The 4G LTE version is coming out very soon.

The 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy S3 will have 2GB RAM compared to the 4G LTE HTC One X's 1GB RAM.

I'm not sure how much of a difference 2GB RAM will make but I think it will give the Samsung Galaxy S3 the extra edge in benchmarking tests including web browser speed tests.

 

[chanchan05]

The 4G LTE version is coming out very soon.

The 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy S3 will have 2GB RAM compared to the 4G LTE HTC One X's 1GB RAM.

I'm not sure how much of a difference 2GB RAM will make but I think it will give the Samsung Galaxy S3 the extra edge in benchmarking tests including web browser speed tests.

Its not just RAM. One of the SGS3 versions for the US will use a dual core S4 chipset, according to reports, not a quad core Exynos, so it may be slower.

 

[Hadron]

Or faster for some tasks - it's "only" two cores, but also a newer architecture. Remember that the dual core HTC One S is faster than the quad core One X in many tests.

 

[dan330]

thanks for all the info!
samsung always trumps others.. in spec and wow factor...

but htc (for me) has been better in daily over all usage..

 

[blisterpeanuts]

Both phones exceed my requirements, but the S3 has expandable storage and removable battery and that tips the scales. When HTC comes out with a model that incorporates these "features" then I'll take another look.

 

[dan330]

Both phones exceed my requirements, but the S3 has expandable storage and removable battery and that tips the scales. When HTC comes out with a model that incorporates these "features" then I'll take another look.

fyi...

Sprint just released... their version of htc One X... EVO LTE (aka: LTevo).
expandable sd-card .. and bigger BUILT-in Battery (2000mah).

and unlimited data on a cheap plan.
but coverage in your area is important!! so do your research.

 

[Ingenieur7]

Both phones exceed my requirements, but the S3 has expandable storage and removable battery and that tips the scales. When HTC comes out with a model that incorporates these "features" then I'll take another look.

Yeah expandable storage really makes a big difference for most people. A lot of people take photos, record videos, store movies, songs, text files, etc. This takes a lot of space in smartphones. Plus you have the OS which takes up around 5 to 10 GB of space, so the microSD card is very important these days.

 

[Spacecasespiff]

http://youtu.be/8LdAFj8iPG

i think that the hox has a better camera. they look sharper and more acurate

try this one if that one does not work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LdAFj8iPGs

 

[Ingenieur7]

That video makes it clear that the Samsung Galaxy S3 has the superior camera.

HTC One X's camera has purple tinting issues.

 

[Covart]

Its not just RAM. One of the SGS3 versions for the US will use a dual core S4 chipset, according to reports, not a quad core Exynos, so it may be slower.

Overclocked to make up for the missing cores. Extra gig of RAM will also aid in multi-tasking and web browsing. I'll take 4g/LTE and 2gb of RAM for the win Alex.

 

[Ingenieur7]

Its not just RAM. One of the SGS3 versions for the US will use a dual core S4 chipset, according to reports, not a quad core Exynos, so it may be slower.

You're wrong.

The Snapdragon dual core S4 processor has a newer A15-like architecture which makes it about the same in performance compared to the Exynos 4 quad core processor. The quad core Exynos 4 uses an advanced A9 architecture which is better than the Tegra 3 of the HTC One X but not as efficient as the dual core S4.

So it's not the number of cores or the clock speed that matters. The architecture is more important.

In terms of overall performance and from the benchmarking tests I've seen:

Exynos 4 = Snapdragon S4 which are better than Tegra 3

 

[chanchan05]

I had no knowledge that the S4 was using A15 though. LOL.

 

[mallee67]

Lol found that waterproof test on youtube

THE Samsung Galaxy S3 is waterproof :

water drop test: Samsung Galaxy S3 - YouTube

 

[Spacecasespiff]

That video makes it clear that the Samsung Galaxy S3 has the superior camera.

HTC One X's camera has purple tinting issues.

My pics don't have a purple tint to them. They look great.

 

[scooterinmn]

Got my S3 on preorder today! I can't wait until the 21st!!

 

[brinky]

Con: TouchWiz.

End of.

^This. It is the reason I went with the HOX instead of the S3. Even thought I think the S3 is a better phone with the SD card and removable battery.