Smartphone Design 2014: Innovation or Stagnation?

At design issues are the ghosts. Nevertheless, the eye no doubt on the phone with, and we also throw in this year again a look at the design evolution of the manufacturers. Today it's about the big ones: Samsung, HTC and Sony.

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 (left), the HTC one (M8) and the Sony Xperia Z2 (right).

A pretty smart phone is not the same as a good one that should be made clear here at the outset. Nevertheless, only a few users are nowadays pure pragmatist, they also have aesthetic requirements. Last year, we looked at in three parts, as brave or conservative the various manufacturers of one device to another last so were. Now it is time to take the new generation under the microscope.

Samsung Galaxy S4 - S5 Galaxy

From S3 to S4, the art world, Samsung has accused it comes to design new wine in old bottles for sale. So do I. Unfortunately, you can not say that this call has arrived for more Veränderungsmut at Samsung one. Has absolutely nothing changed on the design language.

Galaxy S4 (left) and the new Galaxy S 5.

Considered frontal fall on at best minimally harder corners and even slightly wider display frame. Only from behind you quickly realize here is two different models. From the hard plastic back was soft plastic with Lederhaptik - referred to elsewhere as a "patch" look. Who the Galaxy S4 or knows the score 3, also knows the Galaxy S5 . Samsung has once again copied itself, otherwise you can not say it.

At least the rear view conveys a fresh impression due to the material change.

HTC: One (M7) - One (M8)

HTC has remained true to his new line, and that should not surprise anyone, but there was a considerable design revolution between X One and One. At first glance, this time what has happened is nothing radical, but if you look closer, you realize quickly, HTC has not simply on the 2013er One rested. The One (M8) is significantly rounder, softer and more fluid in its design language. The aluminum unibody is literally of a piece, even the Werkt fabric itself looks polished and refined. As revolution does not sell the step, but the change is much larger than pictures indicate it first what is quickly noticeable when you hold both devices in their hands.

HTC One (left) and the new HTC One (M8). 

Images are the change in the look of the aluminum does not do justice.

Sony: Xperia Z1 - Z2 Xperia

Sony is a special case of difficult, because there it has been decided to bring out a new model every six months already. Therefore, one can probably expect less innovation, because the development work that flows into a completely new device, just requires some time. Incorrect goodwill would be inappropriate, because that was Sony's free decision. And so you have to say very hard, the Xperia Z2 is nothing more than a more potent, slightly larger Xperia Z1 with more silver than black along the sides. On material, nothing has done, not shape and accents.

The Xperia Z1 (left) and the new Xperia Z2. 

Would not the slightly different size, would have been from behind no clue to tell them apart by both models. 

Conclusion

If you thought last year that the manufacturer no longer be trusted when it comes to design innovation, this year will be no happier, at least when looking at these three manufacturers. HTC is still best off, Sony and Samsung can not even attest to good intentions. Sure, when selling something, why would you change it? But these economically plausible logic satisfies the emotionality only very few customers, especially those with aesthetic demands and urge for change.