HTC 10 vs HTC One M9: Should you upgrade? | Pocketnow

Yearly updates don't always make for the most exciting new developments when talking about smartphones. For folks using the HTC One M9, has enough changed on the the HTC 10 to warrant a one year upgrade? Let's take a look at these flagship phones!
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HTC 10 vs HTC One M9: Should you upgrade? | Pocketnow
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[@wenliang4757]

M9 has a bonus feature, when you're playing games, it becomes a portable heater.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Wen Liang It's AMAZING in colder climates.

[@CaptainBlitz]

Holy crap this dude knows his stuff. I'm so happy Pocketnow hired him.

[@allthingsflea]

he's had his own channel for a while, he's great

[@TheDark-Knut]

Juan is doing a great job btw.. i never thought I'd be subscribed to Pocketnow for long after Michael fisher's departure.

[@anthonysampayo9221]

Where did he go?

[@michaelguzman6926]

+Anthony Sampayo He left Pocketnow.

[@abhishekjadhav8814]

+Anthony Sampayo he joined Mobile nations I guess.

[@Sakuyushi]

+Michael Guzman when!? what!!!!!!!!

[@TheDark-Knut]

EnemyofHK abt a month back.

[@Changizkhan]

Is that even a question? HTC 10 is one of the best phones to get right now. M9 had a lot of issues before a year.

[@diegomora7608]

+Changiz K Baluch only the overheat problem and the amp, that's it and don't forget the loss of the dual speaker

[@diegomora7608]

So there is no reason to upgrade, I don't know what all that praise is about

[@diegomora7608]

Marky Marc​Poor? Is that an argument? Lol, if you can not afford a phone doesn't mean other ppl can't

[@CaptainBlitz]

+Diego Mora I'd disagree with you there. You lose the front speakers, but not the dual speakers (you still get 2 of them), but if that's still a problem, don't forget you get a fingerprint scanner. A better chipset. More RAM (seriously, 3 to 4 is significant trust me). But more than that you get better build quality, more battery to last you for a while. Even USB Type-C 3.1! Yes that's the 3.1 one and you can use it for headphones too btw. Turns out there are a lot of things to have with the 10 over the 9.

[@diegomora7608]

USB type c is not as versatile as USB right now and you know that from 3 to 4 gb of ram not a big deal trust me unless is a Samsung device wich suffers from that, fingerprint yes you got one point there, better chipset mmm unless you are using kinemaster video editor, filmic pro there is no point in just one generation, I'm rocking a note 4 and is just fine even with demanding games and the apps a mention above, dual speakers ok I'll give another point but Y usually use in ear phone and it's better sound So to me that does not a worthy change, not a, 700 dollars upgrade

[@diablo29]

Thank you so much for showing the differences in screen brightness! I was really curious to know about that

[@briansimple425]

dude always looking forward to your reviews best in depth explanation covered

[@MacroPheliac]

You had Juan job to do, and you did it well sir. You covered every question I had thoroughly!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+MacroPheliac Ha! Glad it helped :-)

[@Cornelius87]

I just wanted them to get rid of the front strip with the HTC logo. The m8/m9 looks a lot better to me.

[@BruhHowDidIGetHere]

When is the 10 vs S7 video coming up? For being 4/20 Pocketnow is pretty active today lol

[@OlivL0live]

Very precise, interesting and expert review telling everything HTC fans would like to know, bringing the good tests and arguments. Not a lot of reviewers could do this as well, thank you! I miss the stereo speakers and IR blaster that are on my M7, and also, BoomBass speaker compatibility is certainly not guaranteed which is a shame as it is a very cool and useful accessory working with the Mx serie so far. Though, the 10 is probably the most consistent phone released by HTC since M7 (M8 and 9 having kept M7 issues with camera, heat and autonomy without bringing exceptional other improvements), time to upgrade for me! :)

[@Crimson_Logic]

Comparison between the M9 plus and the 10 would be more interesting

[@bgmiHLLive]

The beauty of Sense UI on Quad HD display, The new Boomsound and OIS in front camera. These reasons are good enough to upgrade.

[@hltigue]

Hey Juan where did you get that pen that you use to slide up and down when you do your camera reviews for like the exposure because all I can find at the store are the really big thick ones. I hope that makes sense

[@abaldopayardu2660]

I just love how the M9 looks like a shiny Jewel.

[@rubensosatuub]

good to see someone actually test the quickcharge time

[@Sexitoya24]

Great review as always Juan👍

[@Pocketnow]

First again!

[@danielr2124]

+Pocketnow beat me by 20 seconds -_-

[@AscendAB]

+Pocketnow dangit!

[@ElJefe2025]

I am 2nd again!!!

[@shubham_yadav1611]

+Pocketnow Witchcraft.

[@Dan-zm2bf]

If you're not first. You're last. But pocketnow cheated.

[@TheDark-Knut]

In waiting for that s7 vs 10 video!

[@mahdibassam]

Hey Juan, what is that capacitive pen that you use in your videos and where can I buy it? Thanks

[@offgray]

Great review, Juan!

[@CCHHLF]

good review man well done !

[@mkkk8971]

awesome comparison, very informative!

[@jakelee8917]

Nice review! Subscribed!

[@mikebird5148]

It's crazy how different the Geekbench scores are with the older version SD810 in the M9 compared to the new version inside the Nexus 6p, can't tell very much difference if any in the performance though, both buttery smooth.

[@NDBit]

Would you recommend this one or the Moto Turbo?? I'm concerned about the display in addition to overall speed and performance? From videos I'm getting that the Moto has a better viewing experience (I prefer the kind of display I have on my Huawei Ascend P6, as a standard of reference)

[@unknown3158]

What I would like to see in HTC (M) 11: Front speakers back and finger print scanner on the power button so that it can fit the speakers.

[@Edgar-hr6mi]

upgrading from the m9 to the 10 next month! early bday present :D

[@LaVerite124]

Still like the front speakers, I'm good.

[@jlcurtis94]

+LaVerite124 the speakers on the 10 are just as loud as the m9, but sounds better. compared my 10 to my friends m9

[@LaVerite124]

+Billy Routh nope

[@LaVerite124]

+Billy Routh I've heard of that too. nexus is like the best phone everything it seems.

[@Goliath1337]

To be fair, I had the Nexus 6P and the HTC 10, the 6P is louder but not better quality. Not at all.

[@zombiekush760]

I upgraded to an M9 from an M8 today, but I think I'll be returning the M9 tomorrow and probably get a new M8. The M9 loses battery life twice as fast as my M8 when playing the same video. The M10 removes my favorite parts from the HTC One which were Boomsound front facing speakers and the IR blaster.

[@aim-at-me]

Thinking of picking up a cheap 2nd hand M9 to replace my Nexus 5. Worth it or just go full 10?

[@marcov9808]

Ive had the M7 since its release and its been nothing but great to me. Looks like its time for the m10

[@anhhct]

The One M9 has quick charge 2.0. It's just the included charger is not Fast Charge compatible. Charge the M9 with a Fast Charge adapter and it will charge up to 40% in 30 mins.

[@TheMrDocMorris]

What is the name of the headset that you are using in the tests?

[@outthere6465]

I don't get it.... does it mean when you upgrade when you got HTC m9 to m10 will it cost less ??? someone please explain it to me..

[@bonghy]

Your comparisons have always been insightful. How about the M10 against the 6s? How does it stack up in terms of performance and day to day usage?

[@MrProfessorPN]

bought my M8 in November last year should I upgrade? I want this M10 so bad but my M8 is still working fine actually

[@suomiauto]

Not a fan of the 10's design, the back looks really good but the front looks out of place with the black plastic/glass, the M8 and M9 look a lot better with the aluminium design at the front of the device.

[@MPA-uu2in]

I have both the 10 and the M9, and overall the 10 is a remarkably better phone in every aspect, except one: Sound quality. The only reason I still have the One M9 is because those front facing speakers are hard to quit. The 10 blows the M9 away in every other aspect (especially the cameras - the cameras on the HTC 10 have to be the best HTC has ever had). But those speakers on the M9 remain essential. That being said, I love the ultra-zippy fingerprint sensor on the 10, and it's speakers are still far superior to the sound quality on any phone that isn't the M9 (or M8 or M7 for that matter). I should add that the audio experience listening with headphones on the 10 is amazing. By all means, get the HTC 10. I constantly get compliments from iPhone 6S and Galaxy S7 owners, and they suggest the photos on my HTC 10 are better than the ones they take. HTC really hit one out of the park here. I just don't think they realized how much those of us who owned the M7, M8 and M9 phones would grow to love the front facing speakers.

[@ihussain1011]

headphone audio, how much of a difference ?

[@Kpx1999]

What song was that at 4:08??

[@KyleRuggles]

OMG you have great taste in movies, Bowfinger!!!! my fav part was when he was in the parking garage with the dog in heels lol!!! Worth the upgrade I say, but depends on the usage, if I'm just using it for phone calls and checking out news and music, the M9 would be great, but slap on games and photo taking then...err yeah.. Still I have my Nexus 5 honestly I didn't have to upgrade because it suited me just fine for what I need it for, it's all a balancing act lol. Great vid once again :)

[@aliateeb123]

maybe the camera , but games ? m9 can handle most games smoothly

[@KyleRuggles]

Ali Hussain Oh I know it can play games very well. but then the battery usage and heat that comes from it, that's the issue.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+Kyle Ruggles Bowfinger is one of my "friend test" films. If someone can quote lines from that movie I know we're gonna be pals :-D

[@KyleRuggles]

JuanBagnell HA! well I can't quote lines because it's been quite a while but it's by far one of my most fav comedies, right up there with Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck and Christmas Vacation :D. *high five*

[@henrykwieniawski7233]

Happy 4/20 everyone!

[@jfrschnell]

All the One series is the best thing I've ever worked with Android. Ok cameras were not the best but I think with this one they are getting there. As for the m9 just regret HTC jumped to last year's Snapdragon too soon. But the 10... can't wait to test it.

[@tmp5119]

That song you use for all audio tests plagues my nightmares

[@dmelkumo]

picture of Chicago Symphony in 4:39!!! Very nice :)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+dmelkumo YUP! Good eye.

[@casperas2]

why did the one m9's front cam lagg so much?

[@sabresguy9358]

thanks for making this video. I love my m9

[@JDelta87]

Looking at the photo comparisons, I noticed that the 10 looks like it's back to a 4:3 aspect ratio instead of 16:9.

[@kylethomas6599]

watching this on my m7. I can't decide which one to get. the m9 is cheaper, but the 10 is better. but I really want those frontfiring speakers

[@zakiislami]

This year Snapdragon has improved a lot in terms of heat dissipation, a major issue for last year line up

[@alf279]

I'll see how much they ask for the 10, and maybe I'll swap. Honestly, I'm still happy with the M9. Every reviewer makes it look like a bad phone, but I'd still choose this over most devices out there. The BoomSound is great, I love the design very much, I love the performance. Yep it does heat up but not as badly as most say, and I very rarely experienced any stuttering - rooting and installing a custom Sense 7 Marshmallow ROM fixed all those tiny stutters and improved battery life as well. Camera really is not the best I used, but I rarely take photographs other than party photos and selfies with my phone, and the camera is more than good enough for this kind of usage. I take photos with my DSLR, and there is no phone camera that could change this, so that doesn't count for me. Maybe OIS would be useful when I shoot some vids occasionally. Battery life is alright, I usually get through the day just fine while constantly using Messenger and calling people all day, I watch some videos or play some simple games sometimes as well, so I need no improvement there. The display... I don't think QHD is really needed for phones to be honest. 1080p is great. Even Apple's Retina resolution (which is lower than 1080p) is alright. With that said, the things I consider swapping to 10 for are the fingerprint sensor (I own a iPhone 5S as well and I like the simplicity of unlocking this way), the off-screen buttons (which I really missed since the M7, the phone I loved the most ever), and that's it. I'm not sure it's worth it if it's gonna cost much. And people, the M9 is not a bad phone at all. I'd really like to point that out as I hate how reviewers make it seem so bad. It is a phone that turns heads, I've had it since May 2015 and during this one year, when I took it out of my pocket or put it on a table in a public place, there usually were people looking at it curiously. Because it looks that great.

[@Lessthanthreeedm]

Before watching this video I was looking up some phones to upgrade from my shitty Lg g3s, wanted to try out HTC long time ago cause it stands out from other brands and was really considering buying m9 but after hearing about overheating It's instantly out of my wish list. M10 is still kinda too expensive for my pocket and if m9 is gone which model should I buy? Is m8 big improvement from m7? Will it still keep up? Also Im not into the physical button on m9+. Also I'm not buying the oldie m7 (not saying it's bad but it's glory days have passed).

[@benjamindiel4637]

If you are looking for a well priced phone that is basically a better M9, I would seriously consider the Alcatel Idol 3. It has two front facing JBL certified speakers, a Technicolor balanced 1080p 5.5 in screen, 2910 mAH battery, and is available for $120.00 unlocked. I can't recommend this phone enough, as I went from an M8 to the Idol 3, and I think that the Idol 3 is a much better phone.

[@keyroncampbell]

Tagic Mrooper LG trash... I just moved from the g5

[@KJAYG]

That audio speaker play back is a big shift!

[@Dryblack1]

Seems like I'm always the only one to be deeply saddened by the loss of dual front facing speakers, enough to stick to my m9 until another nice phone has them. Probably going to have to make it last a long time.

[@thepariid]

Can someone do Should I upgrade from M9+ to 10?

[@neelrallapalli3500]

should I replace my s6 edge with the 10

[@raymaster972]

Finally another proper HTC phone after the M8. The 10 will definitely be a phone to consider this year!

[@elekai]

What stylus is he using? Seems very fine-pointed and looks ideal for tablet sketching!

[@yassinsmaamoun]

What's the movie at 5:30?

[@boostedadrenaline2884]

I kinda like the grills at the front where the speakers are on the m7 to m9...they should make a grill version of the m10 or htc 10 🌜. I'm blipped and writing this so mind the lack of punctuation n spelling.

[@darkfeeels]

Juan will you be testing Audio and Camera of HTC 10 in depth? I'm looking forward to see how HTC 10's audio compares to LG V10 - since both have built-in DAC.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

+DarkFeels Yup!

[@StephanWahlen]

+DarkFeels just to be clear, every phone has a DAC. Otherwise there would be no analog audio output. But its not necessarily a dedicated - let alone a good one.

[@garykeegan420]

I got the HTC One M8 and already plan on upgrading to the HTC 10 . I'm still keeping my M8 cause the IR blaster isn't on the 10 plus having a spare phone comes in handy .

[@garykeegan420]

+neural_physics I can't blame you there . Samsung really do make great phones it's just the touchwiz I don't care for to much . My last Samsung was a galaxy s4 the touchwiz on that was horrendous

[@MrFreakinout2]

I want to know what kind of stylus that is

[@Jhihmoac]

Personally, I think it was both the 810 SoC and the sub-par camera software that were the main contributors to the M9's failure... During the time I was shopping for a new handset, I was introduced to HTC through a hands-on experience with a friend's One M8...Had that been an M9 however, it probably would've totally killed my interest in the brand, and I wouldn't be typing this via a 10, as I am now...

[@UltraDXSASC]

Still love M8/9 Desing

[@TheRazrsharp16]

ok but i want it where can i get it

[@samshk7851]

Well I'm using htc m9 plus.... limited edition phone and its awsome...

[@colinthomas2525]

very nice review. I think it is the best phone ever made but that is just my opinion. I can't wait to get my first HTC.

[@n0cturn2l]

Am I the only one who prefers the looks of the m9 over the 10?

[@TimeisReel]

Yes, definitely the M9 looks much better. The 10 looks like a Samsung Galaxy/iPhone combo, from the front.

[@maviceltics20]

+Fromthefuture I want a m9 should I or a LG G4 even tho it has a cheap build

[@n0cturn2l]

+Mauricio Juarez It depends if you value premium build over a good camera, go to HTC otherwise go to the LG, but there are alot of people who complained about over heating on the htc

[@civilization95]

+N Ventura I have M9, M8, S6 E, lying around and I can say it is the most beautiful phone ever with quite a big margin. Just the camera is utter crap.

[@maviceltics20]

bountyhunt it's that bad?

[@SubaruWRC1996]

my biggest thought about me moving from the M9 to the M10 would be the sound quality. I like the M9's sound and I don't want to downgrade from the sound quaility

[@SubaruWRC1996]

With headphones its better, and just as good without

[@Henry_Jr_Watsson]

HTC 10 has pathetic speakers...iPhone 6S Plus, Galaxy S6, LG G5. All those old flagships have much better speakers. G5 is very loud and has the most soundstage. The galaxy S6 is just as loud, has almost as much soundstage but hits the low frequencies crazy hard. Low freq bass lines are very good on the S6 on all volume levels.

[@garrett3108]

The 10's speakers are MUCH better than all of the devices you listed.

[@nigmosh65]

+Kameel Boi, you have no idea what you're talking about.

[@adicoolchhabria]

which stylus is that?

[@drkebabs]

Can't wait for this to drop a bit in price

[@Mitrofanvlad]

still on my one m7

[@100subsnovideos9]

Nice 👌

[@Mitrofanvlad]

I'm also on ViperRomM9

[@19ChiX98]

mine is lagging to much now, i will upgrade to 10 in some time

[@gaeilgeganeagla]

+19ChiX98 go to xda and install leedroid for your HTC it gives it a whole new life Rom is amazing

[@Valbuenium]

+19ChiX98 same

[@DJAVIV123]

what do you think about HTC 10 Vs m8 should I upgrade?

[@digitald0m]

Cool video 📹📹📹 not a big upgrade...but kinda cool

[@yusefloughrey9667]

should i upgrade from the m8?

[@hopkins731shawn]

other then the camera, can anyone tell me what exactly was wrong with the M9?

[@Henry_Jr_Watsson]

Battery life and it runs hot. Also it has an mediocre display for anyone that has used an Galaxy S6 or newer (galaxy S phones have unrivaled displays).

[@lielbouskila9853]

Do a comparison of the 10 with the M9+

[@josemanuelgalvan7000]

Question in 2020 wich one it's better ?

[@reggievanness]

How about battery life?

[@SimoneDePascalis]

Love the HTC 10. Also, what's the name of that stylus?

[@TunnelSnakes_Rule]

It's striking how much better the front of the M8/M9 looks compared to the front of the 10

[@deannewell5898]

+Leviathan I Those bezels are hideous, so nope. Each to their own I guess.

[@Darkseth88]

Does the HTC 10 gets hotter, than the Galaxy S7 /Edge (preferably compare the Exynos version)?

[@Kotemoc]

hello everybody. i'm french so excuse me for my bad english. what is the title of the vidéo game on this vidéo?

[@jaygonzalez5005]

What if I'm moving from the M8 to the 10?

[@Kris592gy]

10 vs m9plus...i cant wait

[@japanlover9615]

What's that stylus

[@Zed-kc7cr]

I love the dual speakers so it's m9 for me

[@JasnoGT]

I like the looks and size (narrowness) of the M9 but the videos of how easy you can bend it are unsettling. The 10 looks good.

[@moustafa_1994]

last time i came this early .... I watched the video i came to watch and then went back

[@th33ninja]

Loving the 60fps

[@scarblade234]

If the One 11 has front facing speakers and the HTC Gallery app is available on Google Play (a lot of HTC apps were moved to GP with M9 such as the internet browser) then I'm sold. Front facing speakers are a deal breaker for me. I would like the IR blaster but my cable company allows me to change channel with their tv guide app so not the biggest loss. Haven't used Google Photos but when the same app is home to the videos I record how can it just be called photos??? Always bugged me about iOS and the pictures app.

[@wblake22]

+Billy Routh Can you get facebook and instagram back in the blinkfeed

[@wblake22]

+Billy Routh Oh wow thanks for telling me. Maybe HTC will come out with a plugin later for instagram

[@flyinhoGaming]

I still love my M8 so I don't know if I can get rid of it

[@pillarman]

is that a option ?

[@MultiWirth]

The One series was the best HTC ever build. The M9 has overheating issues due to the bad designed snapdragon 810 and was already an step back from what was good on the M8. Everything after M8 start to suck so bad and i got the OnePlus 3t instead of HTC 10 which also has one of the biggest community on xda-developers which means it will receive future android versions as custom rom. I already run LineageOS because it's better than most stock roms and also my other older devices are running LineageOS, offering the same experience on every device. This also fixes the boomsound crap on htc since custom roms don't include it. For a better sound of the speakers, viper4android gets the job done.

[@Moedewandelaar]

Still rocking m8. Better than both

[@rockyelbrodi]

the M8 is just as good as the HTC 10 asides from the camera. Screen is just fine on the M8 and you get better speakers. The HTC 10 may get better battery life, but meh. I don't think the HTC 10 is worth it over a camera and maybe a fingerprint sensor.

[@z.bailey3358]

i like that m9..i like the metal speaker gril

[@nestorzavala6289]

where is Michael fisher???

[@Sumaa743]

definitely upgrading to htc 10 ..guess what, been holding on to my htc m7 cuz m8 and m9 weren't worth it

[@tswfootball]

Waiting for the s7 edge vs HTC 10 comparison

[@cGoRo]

me 2

[@robbeartois5123]

yeh me to

[@alexanderschmidt8305]

i went for the s7 edge after owning the m7 because the m10 still isn't on the shelf here. i followed thee leaks closely but they just didn't impress me especially because I didn't know about the tweeter. But damn do I wish I had gotten the m10 now..

[@Viellgas89]

already been made, saw it last night, very good comparison, two great smartphones but I'm still going for the 10!

[@Viellgas89]

mobiletechreview has done a 10 vs s7/edge

[@zico82495]

i wish they could have kept the gold edges , it was too good looking ! ,