So I have an iPhone 5 and a GS4, comparison time!

[sentinelsx]

Yea here in the states people don't buy phones like iPhone unlocked. Nexus 4 is one of the few phone sold unlocked out of the box. Your iPhone is the greatest phone ever made. You are always right and the nexus is crap. I guess that covers everything you want people to say. Sorry you have no clue what me and everyone else have been saying about the nexus line. They are not made to suit your taste, so why bother. They never will be so keep your iPhone and stop using android. It is really very simple.

People in states do not unlock their non-nexus android phones? It costs what, a mere $5? Sometimes it is even free. How is nexus "superior" in that regard?

And nice try moving the discussion from "nexus 4 sucks" to "iPhone versus the nexus". What if I was not even using an iPhone? What if I was using an htc one? What then ? Would you ask me to go use an iPhone then? Pathetic.

I used a gs3, then an iPhone 5, then a nexus alongside the ip5 and then stopped using the nexus. The nexus was worse than the s3 in many ways, mostly things I already mentioned, LTe, the 32 GB storage variant, good camera. The only plus is stock android which is not enough to overcome the rest, no matter how much I want it. It is again, a compromise. If I don't use a galaxy or one series, I lose my hardware utility to trade off for no skin. Compromise I tell you.

You failed to answer even one of my questions that I pointed out after your mindless drivels to defend your precious nexus. And in the end you play the fanboy card. Classic.

----------

OK maybe so. I have seen no proof that LTE does not use up more battery than 3g. You guys may be right, bit no one has shown me anything saying this. I know for a fact my iPhone 5 gets worse batter than my iPhone 4 did. Noe this could be because of bigger screen, and processor. But Apple added a bigger battery so I thought that would take care of that. Again I could be wrong.

Clearly the guys at anandtech stating LTe is better than 3G are idiots and a nexus fanboy is the authority.

 

[bmac4]

People in states do not unlock their non-nexus android phones? It costs what, a mere $5? Sometimes it is even free. How is nexus "superior" in that regard?

I used a gs3, then an iPhone 5, then a nexus alongside the ip5 and then stopped using the nexus. The nexus was worse than the s3 in many ways, mostly things I already mentioned, LTe, the 32 GB storage variant, good camera. The only plus is stock android which is not enough to overcome the rest, no matter how much I want it. It is again, a compromise. If I don't use a galaxy or one series, I lose my hardware utility to trade off for no skin. Compromise I tell you.

You failed to answer even one of my questions that I pointed out after your mindless drivels to defend your precious nexus. And in the end you play the fanboy card. Classic.

----------



Clearly the guys at anandtech stating LTe is better than 3G are idiots and a nexus fanboy is the authority.

Yes people in the states unlock phones, but guess what it is a very small percentage. Mostly tech type of people do this. In Europe you only have the choice of unlocked, so everyone has one. I would say close to 90% of people in the states have carrier phones that are never unlocked. And yes you can unlock for $5, but here in the states it is now illegal to do it. So now the nexus 4 is the cheapest and easiest way to get a unlocked phone. If you wanted to get unlocked S4 right now it would be about $700 or $800 depending on where you buy it from. Most people are not going to spend that kind of money for an unlocked phone when they can get it on contract $200.

And nice try moving the discussion from "nexus 4 sucks" to "iPhone versus the nexus". What if I was not even using an iPhone? What if I was using an htc one? What then ? Would you ask me to go use an iPhone then? Pathetic.

I did not make this decision about nexus versus iPhone. I was having a discussion with SpinDoc77 about not comparing the S4 and iPhone 5 in smoothness. I said we could compare everything else, but nothing would be as smooth on android as the nexus 4. I believe you where the one who started talking about wishing Google would stop kissing OEM butt.

I am not sure what question you want me to answer, but for you LTE, an amazing camera, and big storage are more important than software. That is fine, but I feel differently and think the nexus is just fine for my needs. I am pretty sure I never bashed Apple once about how they make the iPhone. You seem to do just the opposite. Sorry yes I will defend my choice in phones if someone wants to make statements like you did. I think everyone likes different things which is why I tell no one which phone is best for them. I also will tell them why I like a phone better, but I choice to stay away from bashing there phone choice. The only thing I said to you was that Apple kisses carrier butt just like you say google kisses OEM butt.

The LTE thing we figured that out. I just ask for proof and he gave it to me. As for me saying 3G was better. I never once said that. I said LTE used more battery. I was wrong case closed.

 

[cynics]

Assembly is not the expensive part of the process. It's the design, engineering and machining of the aluminum shell. It's also the design and engineering of the custom parts that need to be made specifically to fit perfectly within the confines of said shell.

I'll use an analogy with laptops. Here are examples of Apple laptops here and here compared to the innards of typical PC laptops. Notice a difference? I sure do.

For a design and engineering freak like me, there clearly is a difference in the design precision and engineering it takes to manufacture parts to fit so tightly and perfectly like that. There is also a cost difference as you can't just use standard parts to achieve this. They must be custom made and that is not a cheap endeavour. It's a lot cheaper to just put together a bunch of standard parts and slap a case around the final product, instead of doing it the other way around.

That's great with a laptop but the iPhone isn't as impressive on the inside compared to the competition.

Serviceability can be pretty difficult too. I replaced a home button on my buddies iPhone 4. Everything is held in place by glue.

 

[sentinelsx]

Yes people in the states unlock phones, but guess what it is a very small percentage. Mostly tech type of people do this. In Europe you only have the choice of unlocked, so everyone has one. I would say close to 90% of people in the states have carrier phones that are never unlocked. And yes you can unlock for $5, but here in the states it is now illegal to do it. So now the nexus 4 is the cheapest and easiest way to get a unlocked phone. If you wanted to get unlocked S4 right now it would be about $700 or $800 depending on where you buy it from. Most people are not going to spend that kind of money for an unlocked phone when they can get it on contract $200.




I did not make this decision about nexus versus iPhone. I was having a discussion with SpinDoc77 about not comparing the S4 and iPhone 5 in smoothness. I said we could compare everything else, but nothing would be as smooth on android as the nexus 4. I believe you where the one who started talking about wishing Google would stop kissing OEM butt.

I am not sure what question you want me to answer, but for you LTE, an amazing camera, and big storage are more important than software. That is fine, but I feel differently and think the nexus is just fine for my needs. I am pretty sure I never bashed Apple once about how they make the iPhone. You seem to do just the opposite. Sorry yes I will defend my choice in phones if someone wants to make statements like you did. I think everyone likes different things which is why I tell no one which phone is best for them. I also will tell them why I like a phone better, but I choice to stay away from bashing there phone choice. The only thing I said to you was that Apple kisses carrier butt just like you say google kisses OEM butt.

The LTE thing we figured that out. I just ask for proof and he gave it to me. As for me saying 3G was better. I never once said that. I said LTE used more battery. I was wrong case closed.

If it is good for you then more power to you. I didn't say anything about you or people who are content with it in my original post (about google being the lapdop), i talked about google because of my discontent with them.

I am flabbergasted that you found the need to defend that corporation. I didn't attack you, but i guess some people develop an emotional attachment with their company.

 

[bmac4]

If it is good for you then more power to you. I didn't say anything about you or people who are content with it in my original post (about google being the lapdop), i talked about google because of my discontent with them.

I am flabbergasted that you found the need to defend that corporation. I didn't attack you, but i guess some people develop an emotional attachment with their company.

I love how that is the best you could come up with. I am emotional attached to Google. I sorry am I the only o e in this forum that defends their phone choice? I also never once bashed your phone choice. I don't like the iPhone as much, but that does not mean it is a bad phone or company. I think I can defend Google and their choices without being call a fanboy. I also think you don't understand the nexus line, and what googles intent is. I have tried over and over again to explain that to you. If you want to keep attacking me that is fine. I just like all iPhone user defend their phone of choice. Just take a look at these forums. I guess all the points that I made it my last post were good ones cause it does not seem you have an argument for them.

 

[MacLappy]

I don't get this. I am contract free nowadays and have used a GS3, Nexus 4, IPhone 5 so far (not including the old smartphones i had before). I don't see a carrier clause stating i need to use a nexus 4 only to be contract free.

Thanks for high-lighting, I should have been more clear in that comment. Basically, I meant to say that the Nexus 4 is sold at a really good off contract price. Have updated the earlier post to reflect this.

 

[sentinelsx]

I love how that is the best you could come up with. I am emotional attached to Google. I sorry am I the only o e in this forum that defends their phone choice? I also never once bashed your phone choice. I don't like the iPhone as much, but that does not mean it is a bad phone or company. I think I can defend Google and their choices without being call a fanboy. I also think you don't understand the nexus line, and what googles intent is. I have tried over and over again to explain that to you. If you want to keep attacking me that is fine. I just like all iPhone user defend their phone of choice. Just take a look at these forums. I guess all the points that I made it my last post were good ones cause it does not seem you have an argument for them.

The difference here being I am not defending the iPhone, I am defending my choice and wants and needs.

The iPhone is also a compromise for me, it is not like I love it. It is jailbroken is the only reason I put up with it. A non-jailbroken iPhone absolutely sucks for me. It is useless. And jailbroken is okay-ish because of other hardware goodies, still not so great.

But if it makes you feel better, I am thinking about a nexus again because I had a good hard look at htc one and the design and button choice turn me off, and the gs4 screen had something that just didnt look right, even in movie mode. Nothing amazing. The nexus on the side was nice because a) the screen size with those buttons on screen is so much more manageable and b) stock android is just so much nicer for me.

But if there was a 32gb nexus 4 with LTe and better camera? It would be my dream phone come true. My expectations aren't even that much. I am not asking for great build or 1080p screens or removable stuff either.

----------

Thanks for high-lighting, I should have been more clear in that comment. Basically, I meant to say that the Nexus 4 is sold at a really good off contract price. Have updated the earlier post to reflect this.

I will retract my LTe and additional 16 GB storage needs if they add a decent enough camera module in the next one and raise the price by $50-$70 if it is really a big deal.

It will still be much cheaper compared to the rest and I would never care for skinned flagships.

 

[bmac4]

The difference here being I am not defending the iPhone, I am defending my choice and wants and needs.

The iPhone is also a compromise for me, it is not like I love it. It is jailbroken is the only reason I put up with it. A non-jailbroken iPhone absolutely sucks for me. It is useless. And jailbroken is okay-ish because of other hardware goodies, still not so great.

But if it makes you feel better, I am thinking about a nexus again because I had a good hard look at htc one and the design and button choice turn me off, and the gs4 screen had something that just didnt look right, even in movie mode. Nothing amazing. The nexus on the side was nice because a) the screen size with those buttons on screen is so much more manageable and b) stock android is just so much nicer for me.

But if there was a 32gb nexus 4 with LTe and better camera? It would be my dream phone come true. My expectations aren't even that much. I am not asking for great build or 1080p screens or removable stuff either.

----------



I will retract my LTe and additional 16 GB storage needs if they add a decent enough camera module in the next one and raise the price by $50-$70 if it is really a big deal.

It will still be much cheaper compared to the rest and I would never care for skinned flagships.

I understand that those are your needs. I think that is a large group of people that want LTE and 32gb. If only you had said the nexus does not meet my needs because it has no LTE, 32gb or higher of storage, and a better camera then I would have understood. I get people want more from a phone then what the nexus 4 can offer. I for one do not need it, but I understand. It just bothers me when people call out Google saying they are holding back because the OEMs want them to. They own Google they can do whatever they feel like doing. Don't let these OEMs fool you into thinking they are doing Google a favor by making the nexus phone. They have to bid for that contract. Who would have cared about the Optimus G had LG not made the nexus 4? I know it may seem like Google is holding back to keep OEMs happy, but these nexus phones are their plans not the OEMs.

I know I seem a bit passionate about this, bit I just don't like people to jump on companies when they don't understand. If you had made a simpler statement about Apple I would have done the same. I don't show loyalty to any company.

I know people like to think the nexus phones are no longer developer phones any more, but they still are. Now of course developers can buy any one of the other android phones and make apps for it, and test, but the nexus phone has the most up to date software. That software is also in its purest form. The nexus line is all about the software not the hardware. I just hope that it continues in that direction, and Google does not bend and start focusing on hardware too much.

 

[sentinelsx]

I understand that those are your needs. I think that is a large group of people that want LTE and 32gb. If only you had said the nexus does not meet my needs because it has no LTE, 32gb or higher of storage, and a better camera then I would have understood. I get people want more from a phone then what the nexus 4 can offer. I for one do not need it, but I understand. It just bothers me when people call out Google saying they are holding back because the OEMs want them to. They own Google they can do whatever they feel like doing. Don't let these OEMs fool you into thinking they are doing Google a favor by making the nexus phone. They have to bid for that contract. Who would have cared about the Optimus G had LG not made the nexus 4? I know it may seem like Google is holding back to keep OEMs happy, but these nexus phones are their plans not the OEMs.

I know I seem a bit passionate about this, bit I just don't like people to jump on companies when they don't understand. If you had made a simpler statement about Apple I would have done the same. I don't show loyalty to any company.

I know people like to think the nexus phones are no longer developer phones any more, but they still are. Now of course developers can buy any one of the other android phones and make apps for it, and test, but the nexus phone has the most up to date software. That software is also in its purest form. The nexus line is all about the software not the hardware. I just hope that it continues in that direction, and Google does not bend and start focusing on hardware too much.

This is where we are slightly off. I want google to focus on hardware AND software so I am not forced to buy a skinned device to enjoy my consumer needs.

This attitude can also prove costly in the future if companies like Samsung can successfully lock everyone into thinking that galaxies are better than everything including nexus and then pull the rug underneath google by saying goodbye. Right now this is ridiculous but not in the next five years.

Standing at the tech shop in the yonge/Dundas square, which qualifies as THE busiest place in the whole of Canada, I saw lines of customers, from iPhone toting guys to office workers to bankers to teenager girls all included, just to test drive the only two live S4 models on show. On the side was a nexus 4 and htc one. And guess what? Both are empty. Not one person coming over despite me standing and playing with the one.

 

[bmac4]

This is where we are slightly off. I want google to focus on hardware AND software so I am not forced to buy a skinned device to enjoy my consumer needs.

This attitude can also prove costly in the future if companies like Samsung can successfully lock everyone into thinking that galaxies are better than everything including nexus and then pull the rug underneath google by saying goodbye. Right now this is ridiculous but not in the next five years.

Standing at the tech shop in the yonge/Dundas square, which qualifies as THE busiest place in the whole of Canada, I saw lines of customers, from iPhone toting guys to office workers to bankers to teenager girls all included, just to test drive the only two live S4 models on show. On the side was a nexus 4 and htc one. And guess what? Both are empty. Not one person coming over despite me standing and playing with the one.

Well I guess maybe they can do both hardware and software, but I prefer software more than hardware. That is why Google made the nexus line in the beginning.

 

[adnbek]

That's great with a laptop but the iPhone isn't as impressive on the inside compared to the competition.

Serviceability can be pretty difficult too. I replaced a home button on my buddies iPhone 4. Everything is held in place by glue.

There are many similarities actually. Unlike most of the competition, almost every part in the iPhone is a custom part. The CPU, the GPU and most of the components are non-standard and designed and engineered by Apple themselves. Probably the only standard part in that thing would be the cameras, but the rest is all custom silicon, custom battery, custom everything.

Now, not saying it necessarily makes it better. But it is an expensive process. It's a lot cheaper to just buy off any component being mass-produced instead, instead of devoting lots of design and engineering hours doing it all yourself.

The advantage here is dictating what the form factor should be and also in terms of optimizing the hardware to go with the software.

 

[sentinelsx]

Well I guess maybe they can do both hardware and software, but I prefer software more than hardware. That is why Google made the nexus line in the beginning.

Sure. But doing both in house can only give us an even better device. And I sure hope that comes out one day.

Think of it this way: they can keep making nexus as a cheaper stock offering and let everyone bid on that. And on the side get Motorola to make stock android phones with all the consumer goodies and higher price. That would be the ultimate choice triumph.

 

[bmac4]

Sure. But doing both in house can only give us an even better device. And I sure hope that comes out one day.

Think of it this way: they can keep making nexus as a cheaper stock offering and let everyone bid on that. And on the side get Motorola to make stock android phones with all the consumer goodies and higher price. That would be the ultimate choice triumph.

Maybe I guess. I just don't ever see them making their own hardware. Apple can make their hardware cause they have been doing it forever. Google has never made hardware before. I guess it could be done. Just don't know that it will.

 

[sentinelsx]

Maybe I guess. I just don't ever see them making their own hardware. Apple can make their hardware cause they have been doing it forever. Google has never made hardware before. I guess it could be done. Just don't know that it will.

Wrong. Google has made hardware. It is called the chrome book pixel.

Apple also didnt make cellphones pre 2007 and no one thought they could. Never say never.

 

[tjl3]

Sure. But doing both in house can only give us an even better device. And I sure hope that comes out one day.

Think of it this way: they can keep making nexus as a cheaper stock offering and let everyone bid on that. And on the side get Motorola to make stock android phones with all the consumer goodies and higher price. That would be the ultimate choice triumph.

I too want Google to do an in house design. I think Google would shed some interesting light on hardware design. And if they sourced or designed their own components, they wouldn't be held back by rehashing another company's phone (i.e. the Optimus G). I don't think Google is fully to blame for the camera, display, or battery, I'd definitely point the finger at LG.

Maybe I guess. I just don't ever see them making their own hardware. Apple can make their hardware cause they have been doing it forever. Google has never made hardware before. I guess it could be done. Just don't know that it will.

While I agree they aren't likely to ever make their own Nexus and sell it at cost, Google is clearly looking to break into the hardware market (Pixel, Glass, Nexus Q maybe). In the end Google is a business, and the bottom line is $. But to develop and then sell the Nexus at cost would be a head scratching business move. I definitely had high hopes for the X Phone, but who knows.

 

[bmac4]

Wrong. Google has made hardware. It is called the chrome book pixel.

Apple also didnt make cellphones pre 2007 and no one thought they could. Never say never.

Apple did not make a phone before 2007 yes, but everything they had ever mad before they built.

I think it would be really pricy to make a nexus phone. That would then lead to a more expensive nexus.

 

[nephron8]

Wrong. Google has made hardware. It is called the chrome book pixel.

Apple also didnt make cellphones pre 2007 and no one thought they could. Never say never.

Wrong,
Google made nexus q in house.
Chromebook pixel was made by samsung.

 

[bmac4]

Wrong,
Google made nexus q in house.
Chromebook pixel was made by samsung.

That is what I thought.

 

[tjl3]

Wrong,
Google made nexus q in house.
Chromebook pixel was made by samsung.

Pixel was made in house.

 

[sentinelsx]

Wrong,
Google made nexus q in house.
Chromebook pixel was made by samsung.

That's because google doesn't have a chrome OS manufacturing division. However, it is fully dictated by google, is the most high end chrome book, and marketed as google's chrome book.

The nexus in comparison is a cheap device bested by many high end devices.

I understand bmac4 and others like the $300 nexus, what I don't understand is the hostility to a higher priced variant that satisfies others' needs too. It is something iPhone lovers tend to be ridiculed for always, shutting down choice.

 

[tjl3]

That's because google doesn't have a chrome OS manufacturing division. However, it is fully dictated by google, is the most high end chrome book, and marketed as google's chrome book.

The nexus in comparison is a cheap device bested by many high end devices.

I understand bmac4 and others like the $300 nexus, what I don't understand is the hostility to a higher priced variant that satisfies others' needs too. It is something iPhone lovers tend to be ridiculed for always, shutting down choice.

Did I miss something, since when did Samsung claim the Pixel. I'm only seeing the display as possibly a Samsung display...

 

[jeffe]

I have never switched carriers. Been with AT&T for over 15 years. Well started out Bellsouth.

That's amazing! and you still don't want to sign a 2 year contract to save money on hardware or maybe this will be the year that you'll switch?

 

[bmac4]

That's amazing! and you still don't want to sign a 2 year contract to save money on hardware or maybe this will be the year that you'll switch?

Why switch? Sure I don't love AT&T, but no carrier is any better. I do use my upgrades when I get an iPhone. I used one on the iPhone 5. I like having the unlocked nexus 4 because I can tether and travel, and neither is under AT&T control. Now if I tether too much AT&T will stop me, but if I keep it minimal then I am fine.

----------

That's because google doesn't have a chrome OS manufacturing division. However, it is fully dictated by google, is the most high end chrome book, and marketed as google's chrome book.

The nexus in comparison is a cheap device bested by many high end devices.

I understand bmac4 and others like the $300 nexus, what I don't understand is the hostility to a higher priced variant that satisfies others' needs too. It is something iPhone lovers tend to be ridiculed for always, shutting down choice.

Ok let me ask you this. Why would google make the nexus in house? What advantages will it give them? Now this nexus was the first "cheap" we have gotten, but is that not the direction the nexus line is going? If you start to add a lot of high end premium hardware the cost is going to skyrocket. Don't kid yourself though Apple has a huge markup, so the iPhone is made with great materials it still has a large markup. If the nexus was created like you want it. We are talking about $500 or $550 compared to $300 to $350. Does that not now cause customers to say hey no way I am paying that? Like I said here in the States people buy in contract to save money. The nexus 4 became popular here because it was only $100 more than iPhone on contract. People that were still under contract could buy the nexus 4. I feel like you gain less customers than what would be lost.

 

[cynics]

There are many similarities actually. Unlike most of the competition, almost every part in the iPhone is a custom part. The CPU, the GPU and most of the components are non-standard and designed and engineered by Apple themselves. Probably the only standard part in that thing would be the cameras, but the rest is all custom silicon, custom battery, custom everything.

Now, not saying it necessarily makes it better. But it is an expensive process. It's a lot cheaper to just buy off any component being mass-produced instead, instead of devoting lots of design and engineering hours doing it all yourself.

The advantage here is dictating what the form factor should be and also in terms of optimizing the hardware to go with the software.

While I agree some parts are proprietary but that doesn't make them more expensive.

How many devices use and will use Apples A6 SoC? While only Apple it will likely be more then other manufactures use other SoC just based on the volume Apple sells of a single device vs the competition making it much more common.

GPU/RAM aren't Apples and many manufactures will use them. They both use PowerVR Series 5. And the iPhone 5 uses 1gb of DDR2 RAM while the S4 uses 2gb DDR3 RAM.

Parts in both phones are equally generic aside from the processor really. Skyworks, Qualcomm, Hynix, etc etc. Then you have the case setup and speaker layout which is obviously device dependent.

I still think Apple pays about the same give or take then the competition does for a flagship phone. It would be silly for a company like Apple to be bullied into paying more

 

[Simplicated]

I do think Apple needs to seriously consider making the screen larger, but one of the biggest impediments they have is where the Back button is placed.

As for the GS4's screen, I cannot stand it. It's VERY bluish, and thanks to the AMOLED "technology", it will start leaving marks after prolonged use.