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You've done the legwork?? Ahem....and who put you on to the HTC One?? 
You have to be aware, as I've said, that some phones have fixed batteries and others have memories that are not expandable. So, if you want to have extra storage, or the ability to swap to a spare battery, you need to bear this in mind.
There are versions of the Xperia and S4 that are IP rated and can be used to take pictures under water. Bear in mind, though, that you have to close off all ports to ensure water tightness.
S III is the oldest phone on your list. Having said that, it was only launched in May 2012!
It has an 8 MP camera (1.9 MP on front), 2100 mAh battery, quad core 1.4 GHz processor.
S4 is this year's model, launched April 2013. It has a much improved spec, with a 13 MP camera (2 MP on front) 2600mAh battery, quad core 1.9 GHz processor.
S4 Active has the IP rating. It only has an 8 MP camera on the rear.
The Xperia Z has a 13 MP camera (2.2 MP on front), 2330 mAh battery, quad core 1.5 GHz processor.
Best thing to do now is go and look at them in the shops. Try and arrange to visit shops where they have a live demo model, so you can see it working.
When it comes to buying, nearly all phones (unless you buy them SIM-free) are locked to a network.
It may be worth bearing in mind that if you buy it from CPW, at the end of the contract you can use it with another SIM, as chances are it will be unlocked. If you want to do this, ask before you buy, to make sure the phone you choose is unlocked.
My final piece of advice is to shop around when buying a contract phone.
THIS IS CRUCIAL, unless you enjoy throwing away literally hundreds of pounds.
I have, over the last year, researched many contracts, comparing like with like.
For example, I looked at a Note II with T Mobile. All contracts offered the same number of minutes, texts and amount of data. The most expensive contract was £200 dearer than the cheapest over the 24 month period!
Rather like buying a car, don't focus on the new car price, or the trade in price, but the "cost-to-change".
I have found that the retailers play to the public's liking for "something for nothing".
Contracts with a "free" phone are usually more expensive than those where you pay for the phone.
Look at the total cost over the 24 months (monthly fee plus phone cost), then divide it by 24, then you can compare like with like.
You have to be aware, as I've said, that some phones have fixed batteries and others have memories that are not expandable. So, if you want to have extra storage, or the ability to swap to a spare battery, you need to bear this in mind.
There are versions of the Xperia and S4 that are IP rated and can be used to take pictures under water. Bear in mind, though, that you have to close off all ports to ensure water tightness.
S III is the oldest phone on your list. Having said that, it was only launched in May 2012!
It has an 8 MP camera (1.9 MP on front), 2100 mAh battery, quad core 1.4 GHz processor.
S4 is this year's model, launched April 2013. It has a much improved spec, with a 13 MP camera (2 MP on front) 2600mAh battery, quad core 1.9 GHz processor.
S4 Active has the IP rating. It only has an 8 MP camera on the rear.
The Xperia Z has a 13 MP camera (2.2 MP on front), 2330 mAh battery, quad core 1.5 GHz processor.
Best thing to do now is go and look at them in the shops. Try and arrange to visit shops where they have a live demo model, so you can see it working.
When it comes to buying, nearly all phones (unless you buy them SIM-free) are locked to a network.
It may be worth bearing in mind that if you buy it from CPW, at the end of the contract you can use it with another SIM, as chances are it will be unlocked. If you want to do this, ask before you buy, to make sure the phone you choose is unlocked.
My final piece of advice is to shop around when buying a contract phone.
THIS IS CRUCIAL, unless you enjoy throwing away literally hundreds of pounds.
I have, over the last year, researched many contracts, comparing like with like.
For example, I looked at a Note II with T Mobile. All contracts offered the same number of minutes, texts and amount of data. The most expensive contract was £200 dearer than the cheapest over the 24 month period!
Rather like buying a car, don't focus on the new car price, or the trade in price, but the "cost-to-change".
I have found that the retailers play to the public's liking for "something for nothing".
Contracts with a "free" phone are usually more expensive than those where you pay for the phone.
Look at the total cost over the 24 months (monthly fee plus phone cost), then divide it by 24, then you can compare like with like.
