The last months of this year was marked by the release of some top smartphones, the last on our list being Samsung Galaxy Nexus, developed by Google and manufactured by Samsung. Actually, Samsung hot itself noticed lately as a great Apple rival, and Apple’s position on this segment of the market is seriously threatened.
Even if they target a similar audience, iPhone 4S and Galaxy Nexus are two different smartphones, especially when it comes to the screen size, which reminds us of the fight between David and Goliath.
However, this is not the only difference and in this article we are going to present you with some information that can help you make the right choice if you are planning to buy a top smartphone.
iPhone 4S Versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Technical Specifications
iPhone 4S
Display: LED-backlit IPS, 3.5”, 640×960 pixels
Processor: Cortex A9 dual-core, 1 GHz
RAM Memory: 512 MB
Storage space: 16/32/64 GB
Connectivity: 3G (14.4 Mbps), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi hotspot, bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0
Video / Photo Camera: 8 MP, video Full-HD
OS: Apple iOS 5
Dimensions: 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm
Weight: 140 grams
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Display: SuperAMOLED, 4.65”, 720 x 1280 pixels
Processor: Cortex A9 dual-core 1.2 GHz
RAM Memory: 1 GB
Storage space: 16/32 GB
Connectivity: 3G (21 Mbps), Wi-Fi, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0
Video / Photo camera: 5 MP, video Full-HD
OS: Google Android IceCream Sandwich
Dimensions: 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 135 grams
iPhone 4S Versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Construction And Design
Apple won it’s reputation for the design and the iPhone models and iPhone 4S is no exception and keeps a clean design. Also, the back is made out of glass, an element that increases the elegance. In return, Samsung Galaxy Nexus is created out of plastic, but it has a premium look and the back cover has a better adherence.
Because of the giant 4,65 inch display, Galaxy Nexus is 2 cm longer than the iPhone 4S, so you need a more generous pocket. This however has no impact on the weight, as the Nexus has a smaller weight than the iPhone 4S.
iPhone 4S Versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Display
The biggest difference between the two phones is the screen. iPhone 4S benefits from a Retina Display, 3,5 inch size and a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels while the Galaxy Nexus comes with a giant 4,65 inch screen with two top features: it is a SuperAMOLED display and it is the first that offers HD resolution on a smartphone: 720 x 1280 pixels.
Without a doubt, the display of the Galaxy Nexus is superior, but iPhone 4S will remain a favorite for people who do not need such a big screen.
iPhone 4S Versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Tech Specs
Regarding technical specifications, Galaxy Nexus has a small advantage compared to the iPhone 4S. The processor is a dual core with a 1,2 GHZ speed, while the iPhone 4S processor doesn’t go faster than 1 GHZ. The RAM memory difference is even bigger as the Nexus has 1 GB while the iPhone 4S only 512 MB.
Both smartphones are available in 12 and 32 GB versions, however iPhone 4S also comes with a 64 GB. Both of them do not have slots for microSD cards.
The two smartphones are basically equal connectivity wise, with a small advantage for Galaxy Nexus because of the 21 Mbps download speed through 3G compared to the 14,4 Mbps offered by the iPhone 4S.
One of the few chapters where the iPhone 4S has a plus is the photo / video camera that has a 8 MP sensor compared to the 5 MP offered by the Galaxy Nexus. Still, both smartphones are capable of recording Full HD videos at 30 frames per second.
iPhone 4S Versus Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Operating System
Operating system wise we notice huge differences. Apple bets on the new iOS 5, a OS that offers ease of use and borrows some elements from Android , the notifications system being the best example. In the mean time, Galaxy Nexus is the first smartphone to come with the Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the first system for smartphones and tablets alike.
iOS has a slight advantage compared to the ICS because of the better developed apps store, but also when it comes to preinstalled apps, but the choice here is subjective.
Conclusions
It is not easy to pick out a winner here, but we have to admit that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has some major advantages compared to the iPhone 4S: a bigger and better display, faster processor, more RAM memory, bigger download speeds. However, the iPhone 4S is more compact, it comes in a 64 GB version, has a better photo / video camera and richer apps store.
Personal taste has a big say in this, especially since the size of the display will be a major factor in the process.