HTC 10

I bought an Alcatel Idol 3 last April ('15) - arrived in May. Bought it based on having read numerous reviews and studying the specs. My expectations were exceeded. Unlocked GDM with dual SIM, JBL powered dual front speakers, 5.5" screen with great pixel density, and more. Not only did it deliver more than hoped for, I bought it at a price that was less than half of most flagship phones. And yes, the stereo speakers are Gr-8.

I think the unlocked version purchasable from HTC direct only works on AT&T and T-Mobile, so, GSM only.

Unfortunately, it seems like if we want the Verizon version, we're stuck with bloatware.

Didn't Verizon just cancel their ETF payoff promo the other day?

I don't know who started this metal (aluminum) cases are better stuff, but I prefer the so called plastic cases - hands down. My Alcatel Idol 3 has one of the nicest cases I've ever seen .. It's a polymer mix - stronger and far more durable than the metal cases. Period !!!

I wonder if these will work with the new Nexus phones, which are coincidentally, USB C.

Did HTC kill the IR blaster?

When the M7 came out, the stereo front speakers were what captured me to go HTC. I loved them being someone that likes to watch vids on my phone. Then the M8 came out and I quickly grabbed that one. What a massive improvement! Then when the M9 came out, there was a slight decrease in what I though was the selling point. It was still a decent phone. Then the A9 came out and negated everything I fell for in HTC. It's like they lost their design team. A three year good run, but I'm no longer an HTC person.