Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 and LG Nexus 5 Compared As They Pose ...

While the Sony Xperia Z2 and LG G2 will hope to be among the big smartphone sellers in 2014, it seems the dominant trio are set to be the Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 and LG / Google Nexus 5. You can read my 'three months on' review of the Nexus 5 and I have posted detailed first impressions of the Galaxy S5 and One M8, but this is the first time the trio have been photographed candidly side-by-side for an in-depth comparison. Below you'll find high resolution images from all angles and my key findings having now spent time with all three.

1. Size - The HTC One M8 is Huge

Bumping the screen from 4.7 to 5 inches is not the only increase HTC has made with the M8, it is now also much bigger and heavier than both its predecessor and main rivals. The M8 has dimensions of 5.76 x 2.77 x 0.37 in (146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm) and weighs a hefty 5.64oz (160g). While the Galaxy S5 has also has a screen bump (5 to 5.1 inches) and bulked up at 5.59 x 2.87 x 0.318 in (142 x 73 x 8.1 mm) and 5.1oz (145g) it is noticeably smaller and lighter than the M8, an upside of its plastic body though the M8 compensates with its far more luxurious unibody metal chassis.

The real winner in this battle though is the Nexus 5. At 5.43 x 2.72 x 0.34 in (137.9 x 69.2 x 8.6 mm) and 4.59 oz (130 g) it is noticeably smaller and more portable than its rivals, yet still sports a 5in display. While all these devices are substantially larger than the 4in iPhone 5S at 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 in (123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm) and 3.95 oz (112g) the Nexus 5 can still be used one handed with a stretch. If you have large hands the S5 may just about creep into that category, but the significant extra height of the M8 - due to the large bottom bezel - means few will be able to stretch their thumb to the top left of the screen.

2. Thinness - Galaxy S5 edges it

At 0.37 in (9.4 mm), 0.318 in (8.1 mm) and 0.34 in (8.6 mm) respectively, the M8, S5 and Nexus 5 would all have been considered waifs just a few years ago. The first two have actually become slightly thicker than their predecessors but also boast significantly improved battery life, a trade-off I'm sure many will be happy to make. by contrast battery life is the Nexus 5′s Achilles heel and I'd happily see a similarly slight increase in its depth to accommodate a bigger battery come the Nexus 6.

3. Chassis - M8 Boasts Luxury, Nexus 5 has practicality, S5 plays catch up

The metal chassis of the One M8 is arguably its headline feature and it makes a wonderful first impression feeling genuinely luxurious in-hand. HTC has also given the M8 a brushed finish which helps to reduce fingerprints and aid grip, but it is still the slippiest of the three handsets to hold and it takes a brave owner to reach for the top left corner of the M8′s screen while using it one handed.

Most practical is the Nexus 5, or at least the black version of it. For reasons unknown the white edition has a relatively slick back, but the black rear is rubberised and in combination with its smaller size makes it by far the easiest to use one handed. The rubber finish does show up oil from fingerprints, but is great at resisting bumps and scratches.

The Galaxy S5 sits in the middle. Samsung has made a lot of noise about the new textured, dimpled back and it is an improvement over the S4 and less tacky than the mock leather of the Note 3. It is also removable which will be a deal maker for many because (unlike the others) it allows the battery to be swapped out for a spare. The problem is the S5 still feels cheap, much cheaper than a $650 (£550 in the UK) handset should and for those who buy their handsets in store a comparison between the three will leave the S5 in last place.

4. Displays - AMOLED grabs attention, but LCDs hold it

There has been growing criticism of the exaggerated, arguably gaudy, colours on handsets with AMOLED displays and as the only handset of the three to opt for AMOLED the Galaxy S5 isn't immune from this accusation. On the flip side it has a far brighter screen than its LCD-based rivals and it makes the S5 far more camera friendly and will likely win a lot of admirers on the shop floor. The extra 0.1in the S5 has over its rivals isn't really noticeable though, so it is more for bragging rights than any practical benefit.

It is true that the LCD based handsets have greater colour accuracy and the One M8 is fractionally more impressive than the Nexus 5 with slightly richer colours and a marginally wider viewing angle. This is only noticeable on very close comparison though and I can't imagine owners of any of these handsets finding issue with what are ultimately three superb displays.

5. Connectors - S5 brings water protection... and a tacky port cover

While Samsung is (rightly) criticised for bloating its phones with unnecessary and gimmicky features, the water resistance brought to the Galaxy S5 is genuinely useful. Samsung claims the S5 can survive for up to 30 minutes one metre underwater and it means owners won't worry about using it in the rain or taking a call while in the shower.

The caveat is this water resistance is dependent on you remembering to seal the power port with a somewhat flimsy rubber plug which obviously also needs to be removed every time you charge the phone. Its construction doesn't inspire confidence and it certainly doesn't aid the looks of what is already the least attractive of the three phones. Interestingly the headphone jack at the top of the S5 doesn't need to be plugged for its water resistance so whatever system Samsung is using there we'd hope to see adopted for the power port on the S6.

While it lacks water resistance the One M8 wins my affection for positioning the headphone jack at the bottom of the phone - like the iPhone 5 and 5S and unlike the S5 and Nexus 5 which place it at the top. Not having your headphone cable flap around the screen is far more logical and will hopefully be an industry default before long.

But the M8 loses points for placing its power/lock button on the top of the phone. This is fine for a smaller handset like the iPhone, but the size of the M8 means it is impossible to reach one handed and becomes a genuine annoyance. A move to the side like the S5 and Nexus 5 would be more logical in future.

Conclusions - Horses for courses

Picking a winner from these three handsets when judging them on their external designs is tougher than expected. The Galaxy S5 is certainly the ugliest of the bunch but it strikes a good balance in terms of size and practicality, offering water resistance and a replaceable battery. The One M8 is the polar opposite being easily the most stylish, but it is also the largest, heaviest and slipperiest and the position of the power button makes it unnecessarily difficult to lock and unlock one handed. Meanwhile the Nexus 5 is wonderfully compact for a 5in smartphone and its rubber back makes it the grippiest and easiest to use one handed, but the headphone jack is at the top and the chassis shows up every fingerprint.

Ultimately the three handsets are pitching three very different ideals. The HTC One M8 is a design statement, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is a jack of all trades and, at half the price of the others, the Nexus 5 offers jaw dropping value for money. In a sense these handsets should all peacefully co-exist, but it is stating the obvious to say that won't happen.

For a more in-depth look at each phone, including a more detailed look at their specifications and camera performance follow the links below.More on ForbesSamsung Galaxy S5 Hands-On Review: Evolution Not Revolution Gives Hope To RivalsHTC One (M8) Hands-on Review: First Impressions Suggest Stiff Competition For The Samsung Galaxy S5Nexus 5: After Three Months Of Use, It's The Best All-Around Android Phone