In a stroke of marketing genius, HTC was on hand at the Samsung Galaxy S4 reveal with none other than live, working models of the still- unreleased HTC One. And we scored a hands-on.

Someone must have tipped off the HTC marketing department to the fact that Samsung reps at the Galaxy S4 reveal were not very friendly — seemingly trying to create an air of mystery that bordered on contempt.  HTC reps, on the other hand, were beyond friendly, eagerly shaking hands, handing out $100 discount coupons for the HTC One, as well as free bottles of water.

We got to demo some of the phone's more noteworthy features and can't help but be tickled at the irony of finding the HTC One more impressive than the Galaxy S4, whose unpacking event it was crashing. 

The Galaxy S4 reveal in noisy Times Square was an ideal environment in which to demo HTC's new Boomsound technology. HTC's representative played a track and we could hear it clearly.

Although there wasn't time to get deep into particulars, we can tell you that the two speaker bars at top and bottom are not just for show; nor, evidently, are is partnership with Beats Audio. The sound is crisp and definitely beats the iPhone 5.

The most striking difference between the HTC One and the Galaxy S4 — debuting mere inches away — is the body. HTC's handset is made from metal, while Samsung's is the same cheap plastic we've all grown to loathe. HTC claims it's "the first and only smartphone with full metal body and zero gap construction."

The screen is incredibly crisp and vibrant. The marketing materials state that it's 468 ppi — just a little more than the Galaxy S4.

All in all, HTC One stole the show. 

No wonder Apple does all its events indoors.