Review: The Galaxy Nexus from an iPhone owner’s perspective
While I most often use an iPhone as my primary mobile device, I’m not an Android-hater by any means. And resisting the lure of Google’s Android reference device is nearly impossible for an early adopter like me. This year, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is that device, and it’s the first phone to ship with Android 4, otherwise known as “Ice Cream Sandwich.” Here’s what I think of the Nexus, and the latest iteration of Android, and how both stack up to the iPhone 4S and iOS 5.
First impressions
The Galaxy Nexus feels like a very different device compared to the iPhone; almost enough that it seems like it could belong to a different device category. Of course, it’s to be expected that a smartphone with a plastic back and much larger 4.65-inch screen would feel different than one made of metal and glass, sporting a 3.5-inch display. And the screen plays a big part in the different feel, making the Nexus appear to have more in common with something like the 7-inch Kindle Fire than it does with the iPhone, in a lot of ways, including its suitability for consuming media like feature-length movies.
But not everything about the Nexus impressed me off the bat. I actually managed to nick the plastic back within about 15 minutes of opening the box, for instance. Maybe I should have a cleaner desk, but maybe Samsung should use stronger materials.
Also, the display, while stunning for blacks and whites on high brightness, shows some faint criss-crossing lines when brightness is turned down on whites, or when brightness is turned up on grays. This is something users of other Samsung Android devices have complained about before, and might be easily resolved by a software update. Plus, I’ve had iPhone screen issues on new devices as well, which were fixed in time, so it’s not something I’m counting against the Nexus too much. Likewise, the volume bug some customers are experiencing, which Samsung has said it will soon fix.
How big is too big? Hint: Surprisingly, not 4.65-inches.
The Galaxy Nexus has one immediately striking difference from the iPhone 4S in terms of hardware: A screen of epic proportions. It isn’t quite as large as that found on the Galaxy Note, but at 4.65-inches, it beats the 4S by more than an inch measured diagonally. Some of that extra screen comes from a lack of hardware buttons, but the Nexus is still much larger than the iPhone, as you can tell from this image of the two stacked atop one another.
Surprisingly, however, the larger footprint doesn’t actually add up to a much bigger-feeling device, overall. Thanks perhaps to the curved screen and back, or just to smart distribution of the extra surface area, the Nexus feels comfortable both in my hand and in my pocket. It actually feels better than the 4S when you’re using it to make a call, as the curved surface wraps your face in something like a light embrace. Sound silly, but it feels good.
The Galaxy Nexus might be too large for some smaller hands, however (mine are larger than average), so be sure to get to a store and try one out before you make a purchase if you’re concerned about that.
Sparring screens
Both the Galaxy Nexus and the iPhone 4S have beautiful displays. The 4S’s Retina Display, despite being a year old, still renders text more crisply than the Samsung phone, at least to my eyes. But the Nexus does blacks very, very well. So well, in fact, that I use a basic black background as my wallpaper; icons appear to float out of nowhere on an otherwise completely powered down display as a result. Both devices boast very high pixel densities, with the Nexus managing 316ppi and the 4S managing 330ppi, so any differences are down to the use of LED backlit IPS panels for the iPhone, vs. Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, and preference for either is going to be a matter of taste.
The Galaxy Nexus is a much better device for watching movies and video on, as I mentioned above, partly because of the deep blacks, and partly because of the huge screen size. If you use your device to watch a lot of video, go for the Nexus. If you spend more time reading than watching on your smartphone, the iPhone is the better choice.
Battle of the batteries
Switching between Android and iOS devices, I’m always reminded of just how weak most Android-powered handsets are when it comes to battery life. Even the Galaxy S II, which was strong in most respects, faltered in this one. But the Galaxy Nexus, maybe because of Android 4.0.1 power optimization, has managed to make this a much tighter race. In my use, I managed to get a whopping three days of usage out of a single charge on the Nexus, admittedly with very little movie watching, but using apps and the browser with fair frequency. Given normal use, about two days looks to be very possible, putting it on nearly even footing with the iPhone.
I’m still a little wary, since I often find that battery life on Android devices can be highly erratic depending on which apps you happen to be using at any given time, but the Galaxy Nexus definitely improves in this regard.
No contest for cameras
The iPhone 4S takes better pictures than the Galaxy Nexus. The 4S feels like an adequate replacement for most point-and-shoot cameras, while the Nexus feels like what the Nexus S was; a decent shooter for a smartphone. Discerning mobile photogs should stick with Apple, even though the Galaxy Nexus might have a very slight edge when it comes to shooting speed, but if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 4 you’ll probably appreciate the speed advantages of the Android device more, since photos are otherwise of similar quality.
Mobile OS match-up
Of course, the Android vs. iOS debate will rage endlessly, and Ice Cream Sandwich likely won’t do much to sway either side that much one way or another. But it is a solid update for Android, bringing a level of polish to Google’s platform that it hasn’t really seen thus far.
Android 4.0.1 on the Galaxy Nexus feels like it actually borrows more from Windows Phone 7.5 than iOS, at least in terms of aesthetics, and everything in general seems to work better and smoother. That also might be the result of the dual-core processor powering the Nexus than its software. The new software buttons work well, too, and though I miss the context-sensitive Settings button among them, and don’t quite use the new multitasking tray that replaces it enough to appreciate the change, I don’t find myself missing hardware controls.
I prefer iOS 5′s notification systems to Android’s, as the lock screen still tells me very little about what’s happened while I’ve been away. Update: if you pull down the notification bar from a screen set to slide unlock, you can see your notifications in detail. But the Galaxy Nexus does get one thing I love: A notification light. Practically, it’s really not all that useful; I’m going to check my notifications on either device with about the same amount of frequency, light or no light. But it’s good-looking and provides one more avenue of feedback for users who want one.
In the end, though, Android still has the same problems it always did: it’s harder for new and inexperienced users to get into and navigate, and apps either may or may not work with the device depending on what version of Android they’re coded for and/or what devices they support.
A much tighter race
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a great smartphone that gets a lot of things right, and is more forward-looking than the iPhone 4S in a number of ways. It’s better at consuming mobile video, for one, and it features a lot of on-board connectivity options the iPhone doesn’t, including NFC and Wi-Fi Direct.
But in terms of the average smartphone user’s priorities right now, I still believe the iPhone 4S is the superior device. The iOS web browsing experience is still better (text rendering is better, the interface is more usable, and double-tap zooming is a necessity for one-hand browsing. Update: ICS supports this on the Nexus, it turns out), text looks better all around, it has a much better camera for capturing mobile memories, and with iOS 5, notifications provide exactly the right kind of information exactly where you want it.
The Galaxy Nexus is the best Android device yet, and ICS is the best version of Android to date, and they do a lot to narrow the gap between Google and Apple’s mobile efforts, but they don’t close it, at least not completely.
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Stop the presses. Apple fan finds iPhone superior. Thanks for the “in depth” review.
If you spend awhile reviewing it, you’re not going to withhold your verdict just to assuage an Android fan who only wants articles that reaffirm his world view. I agree it should be more in-depth to really qualify those statements.
“In depth”? Are you quoting something? Where in the article was this phrase used?
Stop the presses the Fandroids have come, please by all means tote your poor man’s iPhone. It’s interesting that you insult this review even though the author notes some things the nexus has that the iPhone doesn’t although the android os interface is still garbage.
Poor man’s iphone?
You mean the iphone 3GS? = free
Or the iphone 4 = $99
or the iphone 4S = $199
gNexus is over those prices.. . .as is usual for a top of the line Android device.
so sad that “fans” like you have such a view of the world. . . as if an iphone does more. . . oh, no it doesn’t. . . . so any way you look at it you can pay more for an android that does more or less and it will still do more than an iphone. . . but as long as you feel that you somehow “pay more” and that makes you special. . . then by all means keep being an id. . .
I agree. Plus, how can you say reading is better on a devise that is more than an inch smaller? PLUS is has an HD display! Just doesn’t make sense. I didn’t find this review objective enough. I can feel a slight bias towards Apple products.
Smaller letters are easier to read. Due to the better screen of the iPhone. The higher PPI and better saturation levels(not oversaturated). Do provide better reading results. The Samsung screens use pentile OLED Displays. While normal OLED screens are much better and also more expensive, Samsung would not implement this technology due to the higher costs.
It’s not an HD screen. No phone has a 1920×1080 resolution.
Airhead,1920X1080 is FullHD resolution.
1280 X 720 is HD resolution.
I’m surprised at such an asinine statement.
So what did you want the article to say?
Wait, I’ll reword your comment
Stop the presses. Android fan calls the verdict false if Galaxy isn’t found superior.
You’re infantile not being content until they say the answer you want to hear.
Android review from Apple fanboy perspective. What a waste of space and time. Fanboy reviews are meant for fanboys only. Can you say FANBOY ALERT! Reviews like this should be rubber stamped with a big watermark so we won’t waste our time reading. Thanks for nothing.
Agreed
Is the title of the article not enough of a watermark for you?
Really? Just go away, your rant is so tiresome. Say something constructive or nothing at all. My constructive comment is for you to grow up.
So why exactly are you reading this?
Excellent article… First initial review of the Nexus that kept me reading until the very end.
I will be buying the Galaxy Nexus whenever Verizon decides to release it. I actually feel that this was a fair review of the two devices overall. I, however, do not agree that web browsing is better on the iPhone. The Galaxy Nexus is much faster in terms of loading pages by far, over the iPhone. I don’t even think there is a question there. Plus, the text rendering is virtually the same, and you can double tap on the GNex as well. Overall – nice review
Not to mention that the LTE version soon to be released on Verizon will blow the iPhone out of the water when it comes to browsing speed and doing other tasks online.
yea cause all the other lte phones have been able to do this att 3g kills verizon lte, plus iphone4s does have a light for notifications
Re: the double-tap zoom in web browsing – does ICS not have that? My OG Droid has had that all along – I can pinch to zoom on a web page but double tapping zooms in, and brings up a +/- icon in the corner to zoom in or out as well.
I’ve seen some other remarks about the plastic-y back and flimsy nature of it…I wonder if there will be after market battery covers that are made of better materials?
Let’s be honest, if your everyday mobile device is an iphone, you will always find some fault with android.
Not sure if that’s criticism of iPhone fans or Android phones.
Will u guys shut up -____-’
Just because a person found the iphone to be a “better fit” to their life style doesnt automatically make them a fan boy.
Jesus Christ people……
No end your sacrilege! Every knows anyone who mentions that the android interface is still mediocre at best, samsungs devices tend to brake quickly is a fan boy. Because I bought the iPod and iPhone I am an ifan (supposedly), although I think apple stole microsofts tech and own an Xbox 360, htc hero and Hp computer I am supposedly still an ifan. While in reality I simply believe android is and always will be junk.
But it does when he says its a better fit for people other than himself. How does he know what size I am? He definitely tried being objective, gotta give him that. I do have to say that this article goes against 9 out of 10 battles where these phones are pitted against each other. Especially the part when he says browsing is better for the apple. He obviously didn’t go into labs and turn the side thingy on in the browser– its a one touch icon the size of half a quarter that gives you great control in the browser– in the space the size of half a quarter.
while scrolling down, I read the battery part, and just didn’t read the rest lol c’mon u think iPhone users have right to criticize battery life on android ? This is definitely a review done by an iFan.
and I have to mention that this comment was written by an AndroidFan – I’ve moved to an Galaxy S II from an iPhone 3GS in the past two months and am certain now that the Android battery is worse.
I love Android for a lot of reasons – built-in searching, Google account integration is stunning, built-in sat-nav is better than any sat-nav I’ve ever used so long as you have a decent connection
I also find some of it’s shortcomings woeful considering the OS has been in the public domain for a few years – in a similar way to how I thought it was inexcusable that the iPhone notification system only got an update in late 2011) but the review above definitely nailed it about battery life.
You’re right about Android battery life. It is short. My next Android phone is going to be the Motorola Photon (Sprint) because the talk time is advertised at 10 hours. The Nexus is at 8 hours .
After reading this http://bit.ly/scD3jj I’m curious to hear what people think about this device’s readiness for introduction in the workplace
Thanks for the review, it’s appreciated! After reading the Steve Jobs biography, and learning his absolute fury over Android’s interface theft, it’s hard for me to like a phone like this. Though as revisions go, it seems like Android is beginning to find itself, and where it excels, I give it credit. Competition is a good thing, though the iPhone still gets the bulk of the credit for taking the smartphone into the 21st century. Also, the naming scheme for Android’s OS?: idiotic.
Yeah, Apple really invented the smartphone. And as far as interface theft, development of both operating systems began in 2005. Touch screens have been around since the ’70′s, multi-touch since the ’80′s. Steve Jobs did a good job of promoting his product, and got iPhone into production before Android.
I think Palm can take real credit for inventing the smart phone,the treo line of phones were out years before the iphone. Perhaps you can credit the iphone with bring smart phones to the masses.
interface theft? you mean like when steve jobs took the idea of a GUI from xerox?
Anyone who’s compared System 1 with either Alto or Star knows what a dumb comment this is.
Jobs PURCHASED the rights to Xerox. Not a major distinction between that and theft to some people, but we’ll let a patent judge sort it all out.
Your response to stolen technology is to equate it with more stolen technology? Where you born in prison? Basically your saying apple mugged xerox which makes it ok for google to mug apple. It seems both ifans and Fandroids are both stuck in the reality distortion field, here on Earth if you steal you go to jail.
You read Steve Jobs biography and now you know exactly how it went down with smartphones. You are an idiot and have no idea what you are talking about. Continue using your iPhone and all other products that start with “I” because that is so incredibly creative
Because naming everything iSomething or cat names, is less idiotic?
Really? You are complaining that Google uses alphabetic codenames with a dessert reference? Just don’t let Steve Jobs biography tell you what to love and hate.
I liked the article, provided a brief comparison of the G-Nex to iPhone 4 and 4S features. Like you said, it all comes down to what you prefer.
Android interface theft?
Uh, you mean the Graphical User Interface that was developed by Douglas Englebart and then worked on by others at Xerox PARC where Steve Jobs was given a demo and then his team set out to copy every aspect of it, so much so that they actually ended up creating new features that they thought they saw but weren’t actually working the way they thought they were?
You mean that theft?
fanboy forgot to mention that you can talk dirty to Siri…and she likes it.
I totally agree… Seriously a comparison with 4s without the mention of Siri. Thats absurd.
Or LTE which the iPhone is lacking
It’s a good review and even though I’m an android-user since years, I know, that the iPhone is still more “complete” than all android devices! It doesn’t sound like a fanboy-report and I guess, Android really needs one more version to come to “kill” the apple-phone!
Well in my opinion, iv used both devices and to me tho Samsung and the ics has helped android pull even further ahead of apple
The Galaxy Nexus screen resolution is much less than 300ppi — because it uses pentile technology, in which pixels are shared between adjoining dots….in layman terms. In-depth is here:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5000/galaxy-nexus-pentile-discussion-confirmed
Secondly, nobody seems to talk about the iPhone 4S hardware design, because the design is same as the previous phone — but I still believe that the white iPhone 4S is the BEST looking smartphone in the market by far (coming close are a couple of Nokia devices, but they have other bigger issues).
Thirdly, people didn’t notice much but iOS 5 has brought in a lot of improvements in iOS. The experience has become better tremendously with iCloud, Siri, OTA updates/backups, Cards app, etc (which were not mentioned in this article). But overall, the comparison of the OS’es would almost require a 15-page article. In fact, tt would be interesting and useful if somebody in the tech media takes the time to write an in-depth comparison of iOS 4 and ICS, I have never seen it anywhere.
I haven’t given my points here, but based on what I know, my conclusion is similar to what the author’s is — Android has gotten close, but iOS and iPhone still win in terms of fuller, consistent experience.
Also, practically speaking, the main problem with Android is about not getting updates soon, when newer versions are released.
DONT MISS this chart of pathetic android device support:
http://theunderstatement.com/post/11982112928/android-orphans-visualizing-a-sad-history-of-support
Ok you made sense to only yourself…c’mon try and at least learn all the specs and features before judgin i bet you have never even owned an android device before…you cant be serious if you say the bigger screen isn’t better than the iphone or that android has difficulty on updates since that depends on the manufacturers and would not even be an issue with the nexus since its pure google…another apple fanboy…cant be bias when criticizin
Android browser has double tap to zoom as well, and both iOS and Android have their share of apps that may fail to work with the latest iterations of OS and device. By and large though, the vast majority of the existing app catalog is compatible.
There is no more race to win. 50% of the smartphone out there are android. The other 50? A mixed bag of Ios, WP7 and blackberry
Hahaha! It’s not a race! You buy the phone you like and so do other consumers. Over time, each company comes out with new products, which may or may not satisfy individual users more than alternative phones on the market. The choice of a phone is an individual decision, not a race whose results must be accepted by others or sway their decisions.
Market share means what? I believe the iPhone has outsold other phones for several years — until 2011-Q3, when buyers were waiting on the 4S release. But who changed their buying decision based on whether the iPhone was the biggest seller or #2 or #3? Adding the number of Samsung phones to the number of HTC phones to the number of Motorola phones provides a total without any relevance.
If you want something to brag about, put away your phone and do something useful with your day.
if you think market share means nothing then you’ve been living under a rock recently and haven’t been following why apple is suing every android vendor they can.
It’s called “lock-in.” Take some time and look it up.
Smartphones are closer to computers these days and as you buy more apps and other stuff related to the ecosystem you have chosen the more likely you are to stay with that ecosystem–that’s apple’s whole selling point of ipods, iphones, and ipads. they hope people will buy more into the ecosystem (hardware & software), thus becoming more and more “locked-in” to that particular ecosystem.
I’ve known many Mac users over the years that won’t even look at other systems because they are so locked into the Mac that they can’t comprehend anything else.
yea, look at his history… All pro apple reviews.. Ive seen pictures side to side from the ip4s and the galaxy nexus and honestly the picture quality is almost identical. Pretty worthless review you got here.
apple fan reviews of non-apple devices are nothing more than an exercise to support apple fan’s beliefs that apple devices are somehow magical. . . though they are fun to read as well as the comments–it’s a good laugh. Kind of like watching religious zealots and how off the wall their beliefs can get but they will argue to the end as if they are right regardless of the insanity.
As an iPhone user looking forward to the Nexus release, thank you; great review.
So you reviewed the cameras and made no mention of ICS panoramic and editing capabilities that are built in? Did you actually use the phone?
Genuine question: Do I need to run security software on an Android device? Somebody told me that I don’t need it on an iPhone because Apple curates their store, but 10% of apps in Google’s marketplace are malware!
If Android has security issues, why would I even consider it?
Whoever told you that was woefully uninformed. The only security issues Android will be with the users. I you go to some dodgy website an download some dodgy .apk and install it on your phone you could be a redneck.
One of the applications I use quite often with my android phone is the voice activated turn by turn voice navigation by commanding my phone’s Google voice search to “navigate to ____”. Once Siri can activate one the navigation apps on the iPhone in a similar manner, I’ll start paying attention. Also, I agree on the advantage of the external notification light for the GN. Otherwise, a decent, if limited, review.
I think this is a good initial review. However, a lot of the power of Android isn’t obvious until you understand its true cloud power. iPhone users are just beginning to understand some of those advantages, but iOS has a good way to go before it matches the, “Cloud Mentality” that Android brings its users.
For example, iPhone users have been accustomed to connecting to a PC to get things on and off their phones. Android has a strong cloud network of apps and built-in functionality that makes this completely unnecessary. The ability to push something wirelessly from any PC to your phone faster than you could connect a cable is very liberating.
This article was a good example. I started reading it on my PC then decided I wanted to go get something to it, so I used ChrometoPhone to immediately push the page to my phone which I read as I prepared my food.
It is so commonplace for Android and so unheard of to iOS users that it is rarely mentioned in any reviews. I’d like to see your review after you have dived as deeply into the Android ecosystem as you have iOS, where its cloud power really stands out and improves your efficiency.
Awesome point you have made on an important yet often ignored part of the Android/Google experience. The benefits and push to the cloud will soon be taken to the next level now that 4G saturation is much more available. I have never liked itunes and the hassle that goes with it. Real syncing takes place wirelessly over the internet and across many types of devices using a browser or small app. Not a bloated program like itunes!
Android it’s a cheap IOS, it’s about Google trying to match Apple specs. iPhone is the original, Galaxy it’s just a copy.
really? iOS just now got notifications Android has had it since the G1 came out. OTA updates also copied from Android, Cloud storage also a copy from Android. A lot of the recent updates in iOS5 where “catch ups” to have similar functions of all Android phones.
I’m not sure the iPhone is easier to use. That’s an easy assumption if you’re coming from an iPhone. Every time I pick up an iPhone I’m lost in a sea of apps. There’s one single button for some odd reason.
Whatever your first smartphone choice is will always be an easier OS to deal with. Is syncing with iTunes easy? Count me out.
I believe it’s a matter of preference. I had the 4S for a day and I can’t say I liked it. Siri was cool, a few things were well put together, but with already having an ipad, i didn’t see the point. I returned to my G2X and will be getting the galaxy nexus as soon as it comes out for Tmobile.
But hey since you don’t like it as much as the 4S can I has Galaxy Nexus?
this is for author of this article. Notification tray can be dragged from the lock screen itself.
Notifications are much better in Android atleast they keep you informed at every step by showing small icons , whereas any unintended notification in iOS is lost until you remmebr to pull down the tray explicitly.
Reblogged this on Around the Hill and commented:
The good battery life on the galaxy nexus is surprising!
“double-tap zooming is a necessity for one-hand browsing”
one-hand browsing!??
Whoever said Apple stole Androids OS is a complete liar. They are completely different. Apple’s iOS is completely uncustomizable and Androids is completely customizable. There is no freedom with iOS, and I feel restricted to some weird linear interface where I can’t do anything accept click on stupid tiles on the home screen. The 4S is a rectangle as well. It feels terrible to hold. Also, Apple did not invent smartphones at all. Look at all of the previous windows phones way before Apple, like the old HP phones with styluses. Apple popped out of no where with there so-called smartphone. They also fail to incorporate universal USB ports and many other vital components, as they do with all hardware. Apple is a complete joke. I’m not a fanboy of Apple or Android or Microsoft mainly because I don’t possess any of those devices. My opinion completely resulted from experience with my friends devices and research.
These reviewers continue to pretend that third part web browsers don’t exist. That people that take pictures of themselves in a mirror care about camera quality, and that tiny text quality on tiny screen is better that plain bigger text on a big screen. The fact that he doesn’t mention widget support is perplexing. The only valid plus he mentioned on the side of the Iphone is battery life.
I think his review shows that with the Nexus there is no longer a superior smartphone, that we have reached parody, and the phone wars have come down to user preference.
You forgot to tell us about bluetooth capabilities in both phones. You can send programs, videos, images, music data with Android but not with IOS.
Firstly, the PPI on the 4S (&4) is 326, if you’re going to round it up to 330, then do so for the Nexus as well (316 -> 320).
with that said, I fail to see how browsing the web on a 3.5″ display is anywhere close to the experience on a 4.65″ display. Maybe if squinting your eyes is your kind of thing, then I would agree that 3.5″ does provide a better internet browsing experience.
However, considering this review is done by an iPhone user, I don’t see it as much of a surprise. I find it interesting to see an iPhone user’s take on the Galaxy Nexus.
It’s good enough for him to admit that Android has now improved a lot.
To Android users, ever since Gingerbread, Android is already a better OS than iOS in many ways, though admittedly it lacked the polish of iOS (and WP7). Now that ICS has improved by at least two fold compared to GB, it would mean that it is now leaps and bounds better than iOS. Thanks for the review.
Well said, you forgot to mention his fictitious battery claims. I have yet to see one iPhone 4/4S go through one full day without a single charge, its plain and simple BS. I myself and all (yes not one or two but ALL) of my friends who own the iPhone 4 or 4S claim that they MUST charge at least once their phone per day.
@Ron L I agree as my GF has the iPhone 4s and I have the Moto RAZR and her battery life is slightly better then mine but is still dead by the end of the day.
The ppi for the 4s is actually 323, so the nexus would be upped to 324 if the 4s was 330 ppi. To save time just look at the nexus as a bigger, flimsy, plastic 4s with a better resolution and a mediocre os (ICS).
The better Google Nexus gets the more frustrated are Apple iPhone fans! Have you heard that Apple is now making money on its own history? Apple’s founding documents go on sale in December!
http://goo.gl/jxalf
> “maybe Samsung should use stronger materials”
You mean harder? The ability to resist scratching or indentation.
This is hardly priorty, a scratch or two may ruin the asthetic to you but to me the shattered backplate of an Iphone 4 looks much worse to me.
I will take the flexibility and strength of the plastic backplate on a phone any day.
Iphone owners simply do not have discerning taste.
I generally like to read the comments on Android devices from iPhone users. I can basically read it knowing that it is likely to be biased, but I know it won’t be over-hyping the product. This guy is clearly biased though. The whole battery thing is a joke. You can’t test something and then dismiss your own test results in your review just because you don’t want to believe the results. This being especially true since all iPhones have had battery life issues as well, the current one included.
I thought this was actually a good review, he came out with the fact he is and didn’t say anything ignorant, more of a face value type of review. As an android fan, thanks!
LMAO! At least this iSheep told the world he was an iSheep right from the start of his SUPER biased review. Now go enjoy your Apple signed brick and stop whining, keep following the herd, heck its what you do best ;)
Not only the Nexus has far greater screen but surprisingly it is lighter then the Apple brick, and stop making me laugh with Apple going on 2 days without charge, did you even power it up when you made this test LOL!
I’ve used both Apple and Samsungs cell phones and I must admit Samsung at this point in time is the better of both.
I prefer to have customization. I like the camera of the iPhone, but I find the UI unbearably ugly and over simplified. Also, I could never go back to a screen under 4.3″, even if it does look very slightly nicer for text.
yep, the screen size is a MAJOR factor for many. I won’t even look at an iphone because the screen is too small to be anything other than frustrating. Tech is to make my life easier, not for me to figure out ways to work with it without smashing it against the wall because it’s so frustrating to use.
I think this was a fair review. It is an honest review from an Apple user. I’ve done tons of research on both and know I’ll be getting the GN whenever it comes out for VZW. Android is much more customizable than iOS. The fact that the source has already been released lends to the idea that most of these software complaints in the article could be a moot point soon enough with the Android community releasing solid custom roms. I would have like to hear why the author thinks the iphone takes better pictures. (not that I disagree) Also, as far as the plastic feel goes I’m tired of hearing this from iphone users. That solid metal feel of the iphone may be why the screen cracks like an egg so easily. I feel it may be the design flaw that makes their reinforced screen more susceptible to cracks.
Performance Analaysis:
Samsung Galaxy Nexus – 4G LTE (Fast, Amazing, The Best)
iPhone 4S – 3G (No comparison to Samsung Galaxy Nexus).
Review from iphone, iphone 3G, iphone 3GS, and Now Samsung Galaxy Nexus user….
how can you completely disregard the Nexus blows away the iphone at 4G LTE speeds??? Hmmm, bias opinion?
Let’s face it….An IPhone user will never admit that another phone is better. It’s never gonna happen! Even when you got to put some B.S. big ugly cover on it so that you can get better reception. I swear that the Iphone is brain washing it’s owners. I’m scared to purchase one because I might become one of these people. I am a Mac fan. I own a Mac Book Pro and I love it but, I have used the Iphone and just don’t think it’s that great. I appreciate the Iphone because it paved the way and set a high standard for other smartphones but, they have such a hard core group of followers. They could take a crap, put and Apple logo on it and announce the new ICrap and people would stand in line 2 days before it hits the shelves to buy it! At least one out of five people that I know that has the new Iphone has cracked the back. I’ve been asked on numerous occasions if I have an Iphone charger. No, but I have a USB Micro charger like 90% of other phones out there. People wanted a 4″ screen but, they got Siri. So they bought the phone anyway. Siri is not new technology. It is a company that Apple bought. 8 megapixel cameras on phones were out well over a year before Iphone put it in there phone. There is nothing better about the Iphone. You guys love your phones because you’ve bought an Ipod, every version of the Iphone, Ipad and probably a Mac. I get it….It’s simple, easy, comfortable. Wouldn’t want you guys to take a day and learn a new operating system. Oh yeah, I almost forgot that your brainwashed simple minds only know how to operate an Iphone!
Browsing on the 4S is in no way superior. The fact that text does not re-wrap (still) on the iPhone makes this a non-contest.
Essentially, Android is superior for power users, while iPhone remains the ‘my first smartphone’ choice.
Camera on the 4S is definitely best though.
..i guess it’s always the same. so while we’re sharing, here my 2cents: politically and ethically, apple is a virus on this planet, especially because it was steve jobs. i don’t care if he is dead now. technically they made and make good products, actually fantastic products for dumb/stupid people who have no brains or only little brains and prioritize looks and exclusive design which costs a fortune (not exactly clever). Android on the other side was and will be the hacked and advanced customized OS and appreciates people who actually try new things and play around. since i am biased, obviously apple is not an option and that little phoney with miniature screen and glass protection (hahahaha) is a joke. Samsung shows what power and technology is. period
Its pretty undeniable that the super amold screen on the Nexus is much more visually appealing than the iphone. Its really hard to even compare the galaxy line of super amold screens with the iphone. Super Amold is much brighter and way more crisp with colors. As annoying as iphone users are about there phones this is the first one I have came across that doesn’t agree. You cant honestly call apples dull screen better than super amold technology. In fact I’d be surprised if apple doesn’t beg samsung for the screen on the i5.
Total garbage from an Apple fanboy.. what a surprise… please let us know when your Apple fixes the battery drain bug of the iPhone 4S and iPOS 5…
I love how he says the browser experience is better, if he actually got out of his fanboy circle, he would see how EVERY tech site (including 9to5Mac)ranks the browsing experience better on the Nexus.
ssusursurprised you find the iPhone better at reading websites. Everything i have read from people including cnet, pocket now etc say its more enjoyable to read on the nexus cause the font is much bigger so you can see more of the site without having to zoom so much. Also the roboto txt is suppose to be more eye pleasing
* surprised
As an iPhone user the blinkers he’s wearing don’t enable him to see the whole screen of the Nexus. ;)
No mention of HDMI out? Weak sauce.
No mention of LTE is a pretty big flag here.
I disagree with Samsung not using stronger materials for their phones
The GNex might have a more plastic feel to it by assure you it is much more durable than the IPhone especially if you are prone to dropping phones a lot. I don’t own a GNex so I have to say that I don’t know the build of it but I do own a Galaxy SII(which is also made by Samsung) It has and always will beat the IPhone in drop tests
While I agree with you its a shame that Sammy doesnt use more unique materials like the Carbon/Kevlar found on the RAZR. If the GN has a Carbon Kevlar back it would be one sexy bitch
I would get an iphone if apple was out of the picture…everything apple is apple and therefore it must be apple because apple is apple and therefore apple is God….the only reason I like android is because it’s open to change, always something new. Apple is to stuck in there ways…P.S that “new” notification” bar apple has…wonder what OS they took that from??????
Aside from the hardware, the 4g connectivity closes the gap for me. Nexus here I come!
I can only conclude that the reviewer needs glasses. Just today I had these phones side by side comparing the image on the same websites and apps, the text on the nexus looks far superior and the colours, blacks and whites are miles ahead, not to mention the viewing angles.
I thought this was a fair, balanced and informative article for the most part. One of the few I have seen that isn’t just overly enthusiastic about the Nexus. They never mention the lack of flash support; the volume bug; the pentile matrix display that does have problems in some situations; and the lack of availability of some common and popular apps due to incompatibility with ICS. These will most likely eventually be fixed (except perhaps the pentile display) but they are also things that affect my buying decision now. The author also pointed out positive aspects of the new Nexus. His final recommendation of the iPhone is really at this point just a mater of personal opinion – isn’t it?
Don’t know what reviews you are reading but many “glowing” reviews of the gNexus are from well know apple supporters/fans. The reason they are giving glowing reviews is, it’s that good and they know they will be outed as a complete apple shill if they don’t review the product properly–Android now has a sizable fan base that is rather ravenous much like apple’s. And all these reviewers agree the pentile display is not an issue and it is at least as good as the iphone’s display.
Now you go on about ICS and app compatibility, etc. . . like iOS5 everything works perfectly–every single app works perfect? BS! And Siri works on older hardware? NO.
Reality check for you! ICS is an upgrade and apps, as with all OS upgrades (not updates which is what iOS upgrades usually are) they require that some if not all apps be altered to work properly = first adopter syndrome. I mean, seriously. . . come on!
If you aren’t buying a gNexus because of the new OS then you shouldn’t recommend or buy or use iOS5 at this point either.
I believe the review is very honest. Good work. And I am not a Apple fan.
OK. Battery improved… some options like NFC seems impressive but not essential. Still hesitating between an iPhone 4s and this one. It’s a huge question because here in Canada it will be release in less than a week: http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Galaxy_Nexus
This is a joke, Edgelit cannot touch a true LED display and Samsung has it, Apple does not!
As for font sharpness… The Retina Display was named because, in most situations your eyes cannot see beyond 300 ppi and the difference between 316 and 326 will be impossible to see! Going further, the better contrast ratio of the Super Amoled+ screens would make it appear sharper!
Another note, the Battery Life of the 4s is about a day under the conditions he described and this fact has many an Apple Fan up in arms! I can testify to this as I have been using the 4s for about a month now and battery life is decent but no better than my Droid X2 was.
Oh and going back to the display, who in their right mind justifies a smaller screen for reading? If you don’t turn the phone sideways, it is really hard to read anything on due to the limited magnification!
It’s funny you prefer iOS5 notifications, because Android have that pull down notifications bar since first release a few years ago.
Actually, my Moto Droid (1) has double-tap to zoom in on text.
Yes, the native browser in Android on all phones supports double-tap to zoom in on text. That works, but it’s not the problem. The problem is that even without zooming (i.e.: looking at the full web page) the text is already pre-formatted in the zoomed format. Meaning: in full view mode, it doesn’t take up the whole column. It’s a rendering issue, not a zooming issue. ;)
Other than this, Nexus also has a removable battery which is also replaceable if broken by accident. In this matter, iPhone 4S is a dumb!
http://www.techiecop.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus-vs-apple-iphone-4s.html
At the end of the day, is a personal device not down to personal preference? Everyone has their own needs, levels of user awareness and competence. Each device has it pro’s and con’s just let it be!
This is a good article, but I’m not sure you’ve got all the facts straight. It seems to me that the conclusion is much more subjective than objective. There is no mention about how Android has no external software requirements. Those of us running linux don’t have the capability of using iTunes, and many Windows users are forced to download and install it in order to manage their iOS devices. This is actually a very bad thing, and a black mark against iOS.
In other places, I’m not sure you’re presenting the proper facts. ICS has double-tap zooming, so I’m not sure where you got the idea that it doesn’t. Also, I much prefer android notifications to iOS one, but that is a purely subjective view on both our parts.
Reblogged this on lisparc.
I enjoyed this review, as I saw it as someone who likes their apple phone trying out the competition and giving their view on it. I thought the comparisons were done honestly by the reviewer, in their own opinion, and not stated as fact, just what they saw and how they felt about it (Excepting obvious facts like screen size and construction materials). I thought the reviewer went to pains NOT to be a fanboy and was cautious in any criticisms. Thank you for a great review.