Google Nexus 4 vs Apple iPhone 5

Introduction:

In the smartphone universe, Google’s Nexus device is widely argued as the premier handset for the entire platform – especially more when it’s running the vanilla Android experience. And normally, it’s usually quite often that it’s pitted against the very best from Apple’s camp, which as we all know, should be none other than the latest model of the iPhone. Soaking that all in, we’re seeking to find out exactly how the Google Nexus 4 and Apple iPhone 5 stack up against one another. Going into this crucial holiday period, there’s no arguing that the two are highly sought commodities at the moment, but as with all comparisons, we’ll put our two cents after we compare how they perform in all categories.

Design:

Even from a cursory glance, we still can’t help be attracted to the iPhone 5’s iconic design and its premium construction. Not only is it lighter and thinner than its rival, but it’s also easier to hold in the hand because of its more form fitting size. And with its premium choice of materials, like its brushed aluminum casing and chamfered beveled trim, it adds a solid sense of sturdiness to its overall construction. Well, there are still some attractive elements with the Nexus 4, like its glass surfaces and the neat optical illusion design of its rear, but as a whole, its appearance from the front seems all too conventional. In addition, it’s super slippery and prone to such unwanted distractions like smudges and fingerprints.


Although the physical buttons around the trim of both handsets are springy in response, our fingers are better able to distinguish the iPhone 5’s set – mainly because they’re raised more. As for some of the common items the two share around their edges, they include the 3.5mm headset jack, standard mic, and noise-cancellation microphone.

Obviously, it’s nice to find the Nexus 4 opting to employ a microUSB port for charging/data connectivity – whereas the iPhone 5 relies on Apple’s new proprietary Lightning docking port. Sure, it’s just a pain trying to get video-out functionality with Nexus 4, as its SlimPort socket requires an optional adapter, but it’s nice that a wired connection is available for it. Conversely, there’s no wired option available for the iPhone 5 yet, and instead, the only way is to go the wireless route via AirPlay.

Snapping self-portraits is an easy task with both smartphones, as the Nexus 4 sports a higher 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, versus the 1.2-megapixel one on the iPhone 5 – with both having the ability to shoot video in 720p. In the rear, however, they’re both featuring 8-megapixel auto-focus cameras with LED flashes – while being able to shoot video in good ol’ 1080p. However, it’s worth mentioning that Apple’s beauty is packing an f2.4 lens and backside illuminated sensor.


Display:

Considering these high-end smartphones we’re dealing with, it’s only natural to see them being accompanied with stunning displays. On the Nexus 4, it’s donning a larger 4.7-inch True HD IPS Plus display with WXGA 768 x 1280 resolution, which produces a high pixel density of 318 ppi. In contrast, the iPhone 5 packs a smaller 4-inch Retina Display, which is mighty large for an iPhone of course, but equally so, its 640 x 1136 resolution manages to inch out a higher pixel density of 326 ppi. Certainly, it’s the iPhone 5 getting the mark on paper for delivering the better numbers, but in practical usage, there isn’t a drastic difference between the sharpness of both – as our eyes take a liking to their detailed looks from a normal viewing distance.

Meanwhile, they share some other similar qualities, as their IPS LCD based displays deliver warmer color tones that light up our eyes with their vibrancy, strong brightness output, and superb outdoor visibility. However, we notice that viewing angles are better on the iPhone 5 at extreme angles – since there’s some noticeable distortion on the Nexus 4. Hardly a recognizable thing at the beginning, we notice that the Nexus 4 ‘s touch sensitivity isn’t as good as its rival, seeing that it requires firmer presses for it to register.

Interface and Functionality:

At this point, it’s a safe argument to say that the iOS 6 experience of the iPhone 5 is by far the more simplistic and straightforward experience – especially considering there isn’t as much complexity found with it. For a modern mobile platform, it gets the job done for most people, as it provides useful features like Siri, a unified notifications panel, and quickly being able to move between opened apps. However, it’s simply lacking the deeper level of personalization and the productivity aspect seen with Google’s Android 4.2 Jelly Bean experience on the Nexus 4. As a whole, we’ll vouch that the Android experience is attuned to the needs of power users, as it lays claim to a wide array of useful features that are more intricate.



Checking out the various core organizer apps of both devices, we can’t complain about their offerings – especially when their respective personal digital services (Siri and Google Now) are there to keep us connected at all times. Emailing is a task easily accomplished between the two, however, we’re again digging the extensiveness and desktop-like feel that the Gmail experience of the Nexus 4 has to offer.



Due to it having the larger display, it’s not that surprising we’re greeted with a more spacious on-screen keyboard layout on the Nexus 4. Regardless of that, the two are responsive and accurate with their actions to keep our fingers pressing away with few mistakes – though, we love the great auto-correct feature of the iPhone 5 and the alternative Swype-like gestures of the Nexus 4.




Processor and Memory:

More than expected, as these two are premier devices in the landscape and all, they exhibit wonderful responses with all of their operations. Indeed, the Nexus 4 might get the nods from people for its quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM, which proves effective enough to deliver a peppy overall performance. However, you still can’t count out the iPhone 5’s dual-core Apple A6 chip with 1GB of RAM, seeing that it too brings a smooth performance. Needless to say, it’s rather difficult to pinpoint which of the two is better – even more when they don’t exhibit a lot of lag or slowdown with their actions.

Although it isn’t a shocker in this day and age, there’s no expandable storage with either the device – as the iPhone 5 is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64 GB capacities, with the Nexus 4 offering 8GB and 16GB flavors.

Internet and Connectivity:

Removing the cellular speed connection element out of the mix, the web browsing performance of the two are merely the same. Specifically, they offer speedy page loads, proper page rendering, and that lovable amount of fluidity with navigational controls. Despite their similarities, the Chrome browser of the Nexus 4 equips useful gestures to switch between tabs, and a more modest sharing functionality.



With the iPhone 5, it’s available is a wide assortment of cellular connectivity options – both CDMA and GSM, with LTE and HSPA+ thrown into the mix. Oppositely though, the Nexus 4 sticks firmly as being a GSM-only smartphone at the moment, with HSPA+ connection in tow. As for the other similar connectivity features they share, the list includes the following: aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and mobile hotspot functionality. However, it’s the Nexus 4 that offers NFC for easy sharing of various content and its ready use for mobile payments.

Camera:

Appeasing shutterbugs all around, both premier smartphones take lovely photos with their respective 8-megapixel cameras. And to tell you the truth, it’s almost difficult to gather which of the two is better, as they deliver sharp looking details and natural color reproductions with shots taken outdoors under plentiful lighting. Though, we do notice a subtle amount of saturation with the iPhone 5’s photos that add some vibrancy to its shots. However, it’s a victory for Apple’s pride and joy in low lighting conditions, seeing its shots are brighter and able to draw out more of the visuals within the view.



Frankly, it’s a close race with their still shot performance, but it’s an outright unanimous win for the iPhone 5 when it comes to 1080p video recording quality. Above all, we’re distracted by the Nexus 4’s soft and dull looking details, plus, the noticeable artifacting elements that diminish its overall looks. Conversely, the iPhone 5 proves its worth with its visually stronger performance.



Google Nexus 4 Sample Video:



Apple iPhone 5 Sample Video:



Multimedia:

On one hand, we’re not that blown away by the conventional looks of their music players, but they do have their unique standout aspects. To be specific, we continue to be pleased by the iPhone 5’s coverflow mode, and the 3D carousel view of the Nexus 4. Listening to the tones put out by their internal speakers, we’re not able to gravitate towards one more, as the two produce pleasant tones with minimal distortion.



No doubt, they’re both more than capable of playing high definition videos, but considering that bigger is usually better for watching, we find the Nexus 4 to be more suitable for the occasion. Moreover, there’s barely any conversion required by us to transfer 1080p videos onto the Nexus 4.

Call Quality:

Generally speaking, there are very few issues with call quality with these beauties, especially when voices are robust, distinctive, and clear on both ends of the line. However, their speakerphones aren’t perfect, as voices have a distorted sound on the iPhone 5 – while the Nexus 4 emits some crackling at the loudest volume setting.

Battery:

Testing out their battery life, T-Mobile’s HSPA+ connection with the Nexus 4 and Sprint’s EV-DO 3G on the iPhone 5, we don’t find one to be particularly better than the other. In fact, we’re able to push out a solid day of normal usage with their fully charged batteries. However, you can expect dramatically higher battery drain when using the iPhone 5 via LTE.



Conclusion:

All things considered, we’ll hand it to the Nexus 4 for setting the bar for outright pricing. At $300 without a contract for the base 8GB version of the Nexus 4, it very well seems more attractive than the $650 tally of the base 16GB iPhone 5. Yet, when it comes to contract pricing, they’re nearly the same at the usual golden price of $200 with a 2-year agreement. Simply folks, there are many things that we like about both smartphones, as they’re filled with plenty of attractive features – so whichever you decide to go with, you can sleep knowing you’re getting some value in them.

For the Nexus 4, its biggest selling point is the supreme Android 4.2 Jelly Bean experience it’s offering. Not only does it manhandle the iPhone 5 when it comes to personalization and visual allure with its interface, but it has some deep features that adhere to the stiff needs of today’s power users. From its useful widgets in the lock screen to the inviting presence of Google Now, the all-encompassing experience is what makes the Nexus 4 so darn lovable.

Flipping it over to the iPhone 5, we have to say it’s still the more attractive looking between the two – design, that is. In addition to that, it’s the handset to side with if you’re all about photo and video quality. Sure, its iOS 6 experience isn’t as comprehensive as Jelly Bean, but nevertheless, some will undoubtedly appreciate its simplified approach.

Google Nexus 4 vs Apple iPhone 5: