So, Nexus 4 versus a google edition Galaxy S 4

[sampath]

Yes, it was doubled but if you look at benchmarks, the doubling was from like a 350 geekbench score to 750.

Whereas the difference between the N4 and GS4 is 2000 to almost 3000.

True but benchmarks, especially synthetic ones such as Geekbench, can only tell you so much. Sure the GS4 is "faster" but in what respects, and by how much? I can't see the N4 becoming obsolete (in terms of performance and ability to run the latest software) much quicker than the GS4, put it that way.

Full disclosure: I own a Nexus 4 so there might be an element of sour grapes involved

 

[torana355]

Ya, that's been the plan all along......just haven't found the time lately, and after hearing about the GS4 GE, I figured I'd wait to get it and then start mucking around with roms and rooting and such

I like having an iPhone, a skinned Android and a stock Android on hand.....figure the GS4 GE will last me a long time AND let me check out Samsung's hardware (something I've always wanted to try, but TouchWiz always drove me away).

Yeah i always own a few phone at one time, i don't lock myself down to one OS or brand. I have my iPhone 4, Nexus 4 and HTC One atm. I will be selling the HTC One in the hope they release a Google edition.

 

[jrswizzle]

True but benchmarks, especially synthetic ones such as Geekbench, can only tell you so much. Sure the GS4 is "faster" but in what respects, and by how much? I can't see the N4 becoming obsolete (in terms of performance and ability to run the latest software) much quicker than the GS4, put it that way.

Full disclosure: I own a Nexus 4 so there might be an element of sour grapes involved

Ya, I edited that post to say that obviously benchmarks don't necessarily translate into real world use.....but that I'll be happy to buy one and try it out for all of you

I own a Nexus 4 as well.....my first android actually. Its seriously a good phone - great if you include the price to get one.

My only point in this thread was the GS4 GE will run the same software with better specs. For me, the specs will be worth the upgrade (extra $300). I understand for some, it's not.

There are other reasons why I want to upgrade as well......try out Samsung's hardware, not a fan of the on-screen buttons, want to see the AMOLED for myself in use etc....

Its more of a "the GS4 GE will be more different from the phones I have now than the N4 is" kinda thing.....all about trying things out.....I'm a device junkie....

 

[ppeyton1143]

i'd buy the S4, because it has a better camera, faster processor, better screen, bigger screen,etc.

 

[sentinelsx]

I was wondering about another point here. Sure the GS4 GE will get updates from google, but will it be like Motorola Zoom or Nexus 7/10? All nexus devices get updates ASAP, but the Zoom despite being an AOSP tablet used to get those months later in some cases. I would be pissed to see a bug in a certain build persist for months while it was squashed on a nexus fast.

I think that is something to be seen come this fall i guess?

 

[jrswizzle]

I was wondering about another point here. Sure the GS4 GE will get updates from google, but will it be like Motorola Zoom or Nexus 7/10? All nexus devices get updates ASAP, but the Zoom despite being an AOSP tablet used to get those months later in some cases. I would be pissed to see a bug in a certain build persist for months while it was squashed on a nexus fast.

I think that is something to be seen come this fall i guess?

The GS4 GE won't be AOSP.....it'll be pure "nexus" vanilla Android.

I'd bet it'll get updates as soon as Nexus devices do.

 

[sentinelsx]

The GS4 GE won't be AOSP.....it'll be pure "nexus" vanilla Android.

I'd bet it'll get updates as soon as Nexus devices do.

Well the nexus devices run what is called "AOSP".

Which is what the GS4 will run too.

However, it is not branded as a nexus officially which is the same as motorola Zoom tablet. It was also running official google honeycomb but not branded a nexus, even though by all means you could consider it as one.

I have a feeling the GS4 WILL get updates, but will lag behind days or weeks the nexus devices just like the Zoom. The parallels are quite easy to draw.

 

[jrswizzle]

Well the nexus devices run what is called "AOSP".

Which is what the GS4 will run too.

However, it is not branded as a nexus officially which is the same as motorola Zoom tablet. It was also running official google honeycomb but not branded a nexus, even though by all means you could consider it as one.

I have a feeling the GS4 WILL get updates, but will lag behind days or weeks the nexus devices just like the Zoom. The parallels are quite easy to draw.

Hmmm, shows what I know haha

Google did make a point to say they would update the GS4 quickly.....though I suppose its all relative.

 

[sentinelsx]

Hmmm, shows what I know haha

Google did make a point to say they would update the GS4 quickly.....though I suppose its all relative.

Yeah.

I would also like google to take advantage of that camera and 2600 mah battery. I was reading anandtech today and Brian Klug mentioned in a post that he thinks AOSP lacks battery life optimizations which OEMs generally build into their ROMs. Just slapping the AOSP on GS4 won't do it for me, i would like google to install a much better camera software and battery optimizations on it.

All this research seems to show this: google focuses mostly on making core android as amazing as they can including their own apps, but things like camera, bluetooth audio profiles, battery life optimization etc, which are more of a consumer benefit, are left for the OEMs to add in their ROMs.

And perhaps that is why sense and touchwiz ROMs are more functional in terms of real world usage, the OEMs are given the task to add those.

However with the GS4 GE i would like google to address some of those shortcomings in AOSP.

 

[maxosx]

Very well put. That's actually another reason why I would not spring for the GS4, with release schedules being roughly as they have been in the past, the next Nexus will be released a few months after the stock GS4. Combine that with I don't see anything compelling that the GS4 has over the Nexus, and I have very little reason to get the GS4.

As a point of reference, I currently have a iPhone 5, GS3, NEXUS 4, HTC One & GS4.

If I've learned but one priceless fact, it's that there's absolutely no substitute for buying a phone, using it for at least four to six weeks as ones primary smartphone, and then evaluating it. Anything less is to cheat oneself out of what might be the very best phone for you. Only you can decide after fairly evaluating one firsthand.

Here's an example. I happen to think that other than its tiny size, the iPhone display is excellent. The GS3's display is better than I expected, and actually quite good. Yet second for my preferences to the iPhone 5, but still ahead due to its larger more usable size.

When I first booted the GS4, quite honestly I was blown away at how much better its display is.

Backed up by some of the long detailed reviews, they explained why. I regret not capturing the link. Anyway, in this case the last thing I expected was such a huge improvement, something you've got to see to believe.

Then there's Touchwiz. A much maligned feature. Don't get me wrong I'm not advocating for any brand or model of phone, I'm simply sharing my experiences. I have no problem with Touchwiz, and certainly don't hate it.

Yet I prefer Nexus phones because they're unlocked & I have the freedom to install the very latest version of Android the very moment it's released.

Frankly Android 4.2 that's installed on my GS4, does everything I need and more. I can easily enjoy it without rooting or modding it. Just like I found I preferred OS X 10.6.8 better than Lion, so I skipped it. Once the second rev of Mountain Lion was released I migrated to that.

At this juncture I'm so happy with the GS4, I may not bother with the upcoming GS4-Google Edition.

 

[otismotive77]

if the price and build quality are not the issue then i'd definitely go for the GS4 as it offers all the latest and the best specs.