Nexus 4 or Nexus 7 for Android Development Class?

[ravenvii]

I'm torn between the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 7. I need an Android handset for a class (I could borrow a tablet from the department, but I can't leave the building with it, so it'll be a pain).

They're so close in price. What do you guys think?

 

[Tarzanman]

The new Nexus 7 has nicer specs and will have better longevity as a standalone device.

It will also give you the option of coding tablet-specific applications.

 

[bearda]

My gut reaction would be to go with the Nexus 7. Unless you're doing something specifically that requires mobile data or you're planning on switching phones it's probably not going to be worth activating another line to throw a sim in the Nexus 4.

If it's a development class, though, use whatever is closest to whatever they'll be teaching with. Doing your layout for a tablet when everyone else is working with phones or vice versa might be a little cumbersome if you're just getting started.

 

[TacticalDesire]

I would start with the tablet. My guess is more Nexus 7's are sold than Nexus 4's. That being said, the phone wouldn't be bad either. I would eventually get both.

 

[blackhand1001]

I would go with the nexus 7. You can use the development tools to test the phone ui on the nexus 7 by using the terminal command

wm size 1280x720

You also can test the 10 inch tablet layouts by setting density to 240dpi.
wm density 240

You can do this through adb shell or on the device with terminal emulator.

wm size reset
wm density reset
will restore each back to normal.

Theres also tools like xposed framework that allow you to change the app layout and dpi on the fly and per app.


Keep in mind that if you use fragments and follow the proper guidelines from google for making apps, things like switching layouts for the different screen sizes should be handled automatically. Android studio and the adt plugin for eclipse both already handle this correctly for the templates.


The nexus 7 also has a snapdragon 600 vs the snapdragon s4 pro in the nexus 4. The nexus 4 specifically also has some thermal throttling issues that the nexus 7 does not suffer from.

 

[ravenvii]

Just bought a Nexus 7 off eBay. (no tax + PayPal = win)

Thanks guys!