IPHONE 4S VS GALAXY NEXUS
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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Finally the wait is over and Samsung Galaxy Nexus is now available in US market. Just after the release many are comparing the device with Apple iPhone 4S. It is also being said that Galaxy Nexus is one of the best Android mobiles till date. Actually Ice Cream sandwich is the best part of this device. So, in this article we present a comparison between the two gadgets: Samsung Galaxy Nexus And Apple iPhone 4S.
We may be an Apple-centric publication, but that doesn�t mean every once in a while, something comes along from a competitor which makes us stand up, take notice and even drool a little. We love our iPhone 4S -- seriously, you�d have to pry it from our cold, dead hand -- but the siren song of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus proves too much to ignore, so we had to venture out and procure one for ourselves. How do the two best smartphones on planet Earth fare against each other?
Google�s third attempt at the ultimate Android handset finally arrived in stores just before Christmas in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, packing a few lust-worthy features that Apple still has in the works for the iPhone (Verizon 4G LTE among them). Let�s take a look at the pros and cons of both after an iPhone �lifer� got to play with the Galaxy Nexus for a bit...
Google�s third attempt at the ultimate Android handset finally arrived in stores just before Christmas in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, packing a few lust-worthy features that Apple still has in the works for the iPhone (Verizon 4G LTE among them). Let�s take a look at the pros and cons of both after an iPhone �lifer� got to play with the Galaxy Nexus for a bit...
Hardware (Advantage: iPhone 4S)
The Galaxy Nexus feels lighter in the hand at 5.1 ounces, despite the fact that the iPhone 4S actually weighs in lighter at 4.9 ounces. This is likely due to Samsung�s use of metallic silver plastic and glass on a wider form factor, where Apple has made the iPhone 4S feel more solid in your hand with its glass front and back.
The Nexus features a curved glass design that feels more pleasing when held to the ear. There�s no Gorilla Glass to be found here, but early scratch tests across the internet prove that Corning isn�t the only company to make strong glass for smartphones. While Apple has never said exactly how fast the A5 processor inside is running, Samsung is happily touting a 1.2GHz dual-core processor on the Nexus.
Overall, we prefer the hardware build on the iPhone 4S just a little more, even if the Galaxy Nexus is most likely to survive a fall without cracked glass -- but only because it has glass on one side.
The Nexus features a curved glass design that feels more pleasing when held to the ear. There�s no Gorilla Glass to be found here, but early scratch tests across the internet prove that Corning isn�t the only company to make strong glass for smartphones. While Apple has never said exactly how fast the A5 processor inside is running, Samsung is happily touting a 1.2GHz dual-core processor on the Nexus.
Overall, we prefer the hardware build on the iPhone 4S just a little more, even if the Galaxy Nexus is most likely to survive a fall without cracked glass -- but only because it has glass on one side.
Display (Let�s Call It A Tie)
If you find the iPhone 4S screen a little small at 3.5 inches, the Galaxy Nexus is likely to bring you joy with its 4.65-inch Super AMOLED 720p HD display. The screen itself is bright, colorful and a valiant effort on Samsung�s part to match the iPhone 4S Retina Display (which is only 960 x 640). Even with its smaller display, we still prefer the iPhone 4S -- but it�s close enough that we�ll call this one a tie. There�s clearly a market for bigger smartphone displays, and the Galaxy Nexus is one of the finest we�ve seen to date.
Size (Advantage: iPhone 4S)
Many early reviews remarked how large the Galaxy Nexus is, but in general use we didn�t notice the larger size much, even when switching back to the iPhone 4S. It wasn�t until we tried used the Nexus in one hand that its 5.33-inch height and 2.67-inch width became a handicap -- even with our beefy digits, it was frequently a challenge to use the device this way, where the iPhone 4S is truly the perfect size at 4.5 inches tall and 2.31 inches wide. If you�re frequently on the go or often find yourself with only one free hand, the iPhone 4S will serve you better -- unless you have giant-sized Hulk hands, maybe.
Wireless (Advantage: Galaxy Nexus)
You�ve probably seen those TV commercials boasting bullet-like speeds for Verizon�s 4G LTE network, but until you�ve actually used it, you probably dismissed it as just marketing hype. It�s not! The Galaxy Nexus is fast, racking up a whopping 19.89Mbps down and 6.07Mbps up in our best SpeedTest.net benchmark (keeping in mind we�re not in a major metropolitan area, of course). Compare that with an otherwise respectable 5.57Mbps down and 1.51Mbps up from our AT&T iPhone 4S and there�s simply no contest. We signed into our Google account using 4G LTE while still in the store and by the time we hit the front door a few minutes later, all of our apps had already been downloaded and ready to use!
The iPhone 4S does have a slight advantage when it comes to Wi-Fi speed, however -- while both devices are capable of up to 802.11n data speeds, the Galaxy Nexus came in a tad slower with our AT&T U-verse broadband (15.65Mbps down/1.65Mbps up on the iPhone versus 15.06Mbps down/1.47Mbps up on the Nexus). But in day to day use, the 4G LTE of the Galaxy Nexus is the clear winner.
The iPhone 4S does have a slight advantage when it comes to Wi-Fi speed, however -- while both devices are capable of up to 802.11n data speeds, the Galaxy Nexus came in a tad slower with our AT&T U-verse broadband (15.65Mbps down/1.65Mbps up on the iPhone versus 15.06Mbps down/1.47Mbps up on the Nexus). But in day to day use, the 4G LTE of the Galaxy Nexus is the clear winner.
Battery Life (Advantage: iPhone 4S)
We haven�t gotten nearly the battery life out of our iPhone 4S that we did out of the iPhone 4, even with the iOS 5.0.1 patch that Apple quickly pushed out in an effort to fix that situation. But the 4S at least gets us through a full day with moderate to heavy use, which is more than we can say for the Galaxy Nexus, which seems to voraciously slurp up battery life even when sitting idle -- and after turning off apps that push a ton of notifications.
It seems pretty clear that the 4G LTE is the main battery vampire here, and the Galaxy Nexus won�t get through a full day using that type of signal -- you�d be lucky to get more than a couple hours using the Mobile Hotspot capability without jacking into AC. To be fair, the Galaxy Nexus features a removable battery, but the advantage still goes to the iPhone 4S, where we can make it through a busy day without having to recharge (or swap the battery, in the case of the Nexus).
It seems pretty clear that the 4G LTE is the main battery vampire here, and the Galaxy Nexus won�t get through a full day using that type of signal -- you�d be lucky to get more than a couple hours using the Mobile Hotspot capability without jacking into AC. To be fair, the Galaxy Nexus features a removable battery, but the advantage still goes to the iPhone 4S, where we can make it through a busy day without having to recharge (or swap the battery, in the case of the Nexus).
Operating System (It�s Another Tie)
Much has already been written about the latest Android 4.0 software, which makes its debut with the Galaxy Nexus (or rather 4.0.3, which we received shortly after turning the handset on the first time). Dubbed �Ice Cream Sandwich,� this major update finally bridges the gap between the smartphone-based Gingerbread 2.3 and the tablet-centric Honeycomb 3.x, presumably offering the best experience, regardless of device. (Of course, Apple hasn�t exactly been sitting still either, introducing iOS 5 back in October with the iPhone 4S.)
There�s no doubt that Ice Cream Sandwich is the best Android to date: It�s slick, easy to use and capable of many things iPhone users can only dream of (such as sideloading non-Market apps without jailbreaking). We�ve used Android on a number of different phones and tablets, but this is the experience Google fans have been waiting for -- software navigation buttons, home screen folders, better multitasking and instant photo upload to Google+. (And hey, users can finally do easy screenshots like those shown here, simply by holding down the power and volume down button at the same time!) Because it�s a flagship Nexus device, it�s unencumbered by ugly skins or other customizations for a pure Android experience.
But as the saying goes, �home is where the heart is,� and the iPhone 4S still feels like home to us, particularly with welcome changes in iOS 5 such as the notification center. For many users, it will be a draw -- each has its own advantages and disadvantages. While we like them both, iOS just feels more complete to us for now.
There�s no doubt that Ice Cream Sandwich is the best Android to date: It�s slick, easy to use and capable of many things iPhone users can only dream of (such as sideloading non-Market apps without jailbreaking). We�ve used Android on a number of different phones and tablets, but this is the experience Google fans have been waiting for -- software navigation buttons, home screen folders, better multitasking and instant photo upload to Google+. (And hey, users can finally do easy screenshots like those shown here, simply by holding down the power and volume down button at the same time!) Because it�s a flagship Nexus device, it�s unencumbered by ugly skins or other customizations for a pure Android experience.
But as the saying goes, �home is where the heart is,� and the iPhone 4S still feels like home to us, particularly with welcome changes in iOS 5 such as the notification center. For many users, it will be a draw -- each has its own advantages and disadvantages. While we like them both, iOS just feels more complete to us for now.
Apps (Advantage: iPhone 4S)
The Android Market has come a long way since launching in early 2009 with only 2,300 apps. Google�s answer to the App Store now has nearly 400,000 apps with more than 10 billion downloads -- but it also has the highest percentage of free apps (67 percent versus Apple�s 37 percent), the majority of which are worthless anyway.
However, there are many high-quality apps (both paid and free) in the Android Market and coming from the iPhone, you�ll find familiar names like Netflix, Plex, Twitter, Facebook and more. iOS-only staples such as Instapaper are sorely missed on the Nexus, but Instafetch Pro does a suitable job using the Instapaper service (Read It Later Pro is also available on Android). Android users also have a leg up on iOS thanks to the Amazon Appstore, which offers a new free app every day (the store app can be sideloaded onto the Galaxy Nexus using a link from the Amazon website). Market also now includes music and videos, making it a more compelling iTunes competitor for Android fans.
The built-in Gmail app makes the iOS version look downright shameful by comparison, and Android also includes a very capable free Navigation app built on top of Google Maps which also one-ups Apple�s built-in solution with turn-by-turn directions and a Street View that goes inside shopping malls and other storefronts. Like other Android devices, Google Voice is also integrated into the phone dialer on the Galaxy Nexus, a nice plus for those of us who use it which is otherwise impossible on the iPhone 4S.
While we�ve downloaded many apps on both platforms, the iOS App Store still feels like the more mature of the two, and Apple has the upper hand when it comes to developers writing apps for its platform first, a major advantage.
However, there are many high-quality apps (both paid and free) in the Android Market and coming from the iPhone, you�ll find familiar names like Netflix, Plex, Twitter, Facebook and more. iOS-only staples such as Instapaper are sorely missed on the Nexus, but Instafetch Pro does a suitable job using the Instapaper service (Read It Later Pro is also available on Android). Android users also have a leg up on iOS thanks to the Amazon Appstore, which offers a new free app every day (the store app can be sideloaded onto the Galaxy Nexus using a link from the Amazon website). Market also now includes music and videos, making it a more compelling iTunes competitor for Android fans.
The built-in Gmail app makes the iOS version look downright shameful by comparison, and Android also includes a very capable free Navigation app built on top of Google Maps which also one-ups Apple�s built-in solution with turn-by-turn directions and a Street View that goes inside shopping malls and other storefronts. Like other Android devices, Google Voice is also integrated into the phone dialer on the Galaxy Nexus, a nice plus for those of us who use it which is otherwise impossible on the iPhone 4S.
While we�ve downloaded many apps on both platforms, the iOS App Store still feels like the more mature of the two, and Apple has the upper hand when it comes to developers writing apps for its platform first, a major advantage.
Camera (Advantage: iPhone 4S)
Samsung dropped the ball a bit here, since the Galaxy Nexus features a mere five megapixel camera on the back. That pales in comparison to the iPhone 4S eight megapixel sensor, but as Steve Jobs once explained, it�s not really about the megapixels anyway. Images from the iPhone 4S are stunning, with generally proper contrast and saturation, while the Galaxy Nexus shots we�ve taken thus far leave a lot to be desired -- they�re over-saturated, lacking in fine detail and low in contrast. Simply put, they often look like cell phone images rather than those taken by a point and shoot camera.
It�s a shame to have produced such an otherwise fine smartphone with a poor camera in this day and age, but the advantage here clearly goes to the iPhone 4S. Otherwise, the front cameras are fairly equal (the Nexus is slightly better at 1.3 megapixels), both produce nice 1080p HD video and feature an LED flash on the back -- but neither device really takes great photos with that, anyway.
It�s a shame to have produced such an otherwise fine smartphone with a poor camera in this day and age, but the advantage here clearly goes to the iPhone 4S. Otherwise, the front cameras are fairly equal (the Nexus is slightly better at 1.3 megapixels), both produce nice 1080p HD video and feature an LED flash on the back -- but neither device really takes great photos with that, anyway.
Storage & Expandability (Advantage: Galaxy Nexus)
The Verizon model of the Galaxy Nexus comes with 32GB of onboard storage for $299.99 (with two-year contract), matching the price of the midrange iPhone 4S. Neither device is capable of using an SD card slot -- an odd omission for a new Android device, since many of them include this functionality by default.
The Nexus uses a micro USB port for both charging and connection to your computer, but be forewarned -- there�s no mass storage mode here, only MTP (media transport protocol). That means the Nexus won�t mount as a disk on your Mac for easy drag and drop; instead, you�ll need the free Android File Transfer application to move files back and forth. Google claims it�s because the Nexus doesn�t use an expandable memory slot, and future Android 4.0 devices with an SD card slot shouldn�t have this limitation.
While they may be on equal footing for the most part, what sets the Galaxy Nexus apart is the ability to customize your keyboard -- our favorite is SwiftKey X, an add-on keyboard that trumps even the awesomeness of the iPhone software keyboard. The Nexus can also install Adobe Flash from the Android Market, although with HTML5 now the clear winner for streaming video, that�s not much of a victory anymore.
The Nexus uses a micro USB port for both charging and connection to your computer, but be forewarned -- there�s no mass storage mode here, only MTP (media transport protocol). That means the Nexus won�t mount as a disk on your Mac for easy drag and drop; instead, you�ll need the free Android File Transfer application to move files back and forth. Google claims it�s because the Nexus doesn�t use an expandable memory slot, and future Android 4.0 devices with an SD card slot shouldn�t have this limitation.
While they may be on equal footing for the most part, what sets the Galaxy Nexus apart is the ability to customize your keyboard -- our favorite is SwiftKey X, an add-on keyboard that trumps even the awesomeness of the iPhone software keyboard. The Nexus can also install Adobe Flash from the Android Market, although with HTML5 now the clear winner for streaming video, that�s not much of a victory anymore.
Future Tech (Advantage: Galaxy Nexus, But Barely)
Apple may have us believing that iPhone technology like Siri and FaceTime are right out of science-fiction, but in reality, neither of them are exactly new. Android users have had voice-activated search for some time, and it�s only gotten better with the Galaxy Nexus -- and there are plenty of ways to video chat from Android, including Skype.
The Galaxy Nexus does introduce at least two very cool bits of future technology: Face Unlock and NFC. Rather than slide or gesture-based unlock, the Galaxy Nexus is capable of capturing an image of your face and using it to gain access to the handset instead. It�s one of those �gee whiz� features you�ll use to impress friends and it does work like magic -- provided you�re not wearing sunglasses or in a dark environment where your face can�t be recognized, in which case you�ll have to fall back to a gesture or PIN-based method anyway. Face Unlock is easy to cheat with a photograph as well, but Google never promised it was a maximum security feature to begin with.
Samsung�s handset also includes an NFC (near-field communication) chip, allowing users to quickly share web pages, apps and YouTube videos simply by tapping compatible phones together -- a concept lifted right from Palm�s last set of webOS devices. In theory, NFC also allows users to tap into the new Google Wallet app for cashless transactions at retail stores, but for whatever reason, Verizon has blocked Google from including Wallet. Thankfully, this is easy to get around by sideloading a modified APK, which we were able to do (activating the service gives you the same free $10 prepaid credit just like the official download).
We�ll give some bonus points to the Galaxy Nexus for pushing smartphone technology just a hair further here, even though we expect these advantages will be leveled come next year�s iPhone 5.
The Galaxy Nexus does introduce at least two very cool bits of future technology: Face Unlock and NFC. Rather than slide or gesture-based unlock, the Galaxy Nexus is capable of capturing an image of your face and using it to gain access to the handset instead. It�s one of those �gee whiz� features you�ll use to impress friends and it does work like magic -- provided you�re not wearing sunglasses or in a dark environment where your face can�t be recognized, in which case you�ll have to fall back to a gesture or PIN-based method anyway. Face Unlock is easy to cheat with a photograph as well, but Google never promised it was a maximum security feature to begin with.
Samsung�s handset also includes an NFC (near-field communication) chip, allowing users to quickly share web pages, apps and YouTube videos simply by tapping compatible phones together -- a concept lifted right from Palm�s last set of webOS devices. In theory, NFC also allows users to tap into the new Google Wallet app for cashless transactions at retail stores, but for whatever reason, Verizon has blocked Google from including Wallet. Thankfully, this is easy to get around by sideloading a modified APK, which we were able to do (activating the service gives you the same free $10 prepaid credit just like the official download).
We�ll give some bonus points to the Galaxy Nexus for pushing smartphone technology just a hair further here, even though we expect these advantages will be leveled come next year�s iPhone 5.
Final Thoughts
At a quick glance, it seems our love for the iPhone 4S is still stronger than for the Galaxy Nexus. We won�t deny it, but the fact remains that the Galaxy Nexus is still the finest Android device yet released -- and we�ve used many in search of something that could equal (or God forbid, exceed) our beloved iPhone.
While the Galaxy Nexus stumbles with inferior camera hardware, it hits most every other sweet spot on our checklist. You�ll still have to pry our iPhone out of our cold, dead hand, but if the Galaxy Nexus is the future of Android, that sentiment may get harder to stick to as time goes on.
Follow this article�s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter
While the Galaxy Nexus stumbles with inferior camera hardware, it hits most every other sweet spot on our checklist. You�ll still have to pry our iPhone out of our cold, dead hand, but if the Galaxy Nexus is the future of Android, that sentiment may get harder to stick to as time goes on.
Follow this article�s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter
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