I guess it just boils down to your area. If you've got plenty of sites around you, the M8 and other HTC devices that aren't known for their RF capabilities will probably work pretty well. But if you're in an area where there are site spacing issues or in a fringe area... every db counts. To me I would want to have better RF over a phone that has design, sleekness, better UI (just my preference, not trying to start a war). Don't get me wrong, I love HTC and Sense. Now if the M8 could be a RF beast like the N5 I would throw my money at HTC every day of the week.