Galaxy Nexus vs. Nexus S 4G

Attribute	Galaxy Nexus	Nexus S 4G
Operating System	Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Display	4.65" Super AMOLED HD	4.0" Super AMOLED
Resolution	1280x720 pixels	800x480 pixels
Processor	Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9	Single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8
RAM	1 GB	512 MB
Internal Storage	16 GB or 32 GB	16 GB
Camera	5 MP (rear), 1.3 MP (front)	5 MP (rear), VGA (front)
Battery	1750 mAh	1500 mAh
Connectivity	3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a smartphone, there are numerous options available in the market. Two popular choices among Android enthusiasts are the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G. Both devices were developed by Google in collaboration with Samsung, but they have distinct features and specifications that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Display

The Galaxy Nexus boasts a sleek and modern design with a curved glass display, giving it a premium look and feel. It features a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, providing vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G has a more traditional design with a 4-inch Super AMOLED display and a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. While the Nexus S 4G may not offer the same level of visual appeal as the Galaxy Nexus, it still delivers a decent viewing experience.

Both devices have Gorilla Glass protection to safeguard against scratches and accidental drops. However, the Galaxy Nexus takes it a step further by incorporating an oleophobic coating, which helps to reduce fingerprint smudges on the screen. This feature can be particularly useful for those who prefer a clean and smudge-free display.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy Nexus is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, coupled with 1 GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance, allowing users to run demanding applications and games without any noticeable lag. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G features a single-core 1 GHz Cortex-A8 processor and 512 MB of RAM. While it may not match the processing power of the Galaxy Nexus, it still offers a decent performance for everyday tasks.

Both devices run on the Android operating system, but the Galaxy Nexus has the advantage of being the first device to introduce Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This version of Android brought significant improvements in terms of user interface, multitasking, and overall performance. The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, initially launched with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but received an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. While Jelly Bean improved the performance of the Nexus S 4G, it still lacks some of the features and optimizations found in Ice Cream Sandwich.

Camera and Multimedia

When it comes to capturing memories, the Galaxy Nexus offers a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash. It also supports 1080p video recording, allowing users to capture high-quality videos. On the front, it has a 1.3-megapixel camera for video calls and selfies. The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, features a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, but it only supports 720p video recording. It also has a VGA front-facing camera, which is lower in resolution compared to the Galaxy Nexus.

In terms of multimedia capabilities, both devices offer a similar experience. They support various audio and video formats, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music and videos on the go. The Galaxy Nexus, however, has the advantage of a larger and higher-resolution display, which enhances the overall multimedia experience.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Both the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G offer 4G connectivity, allowing users to browse the internet and download files at high speeds. They also support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, providing a wide range of connectivity options. However, the Galaxy Nexus has the advantage of supporting NFC (Near Field Communication), which enables contactless payments and easy sharing of files between compatible devices.

When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy Nexus packs a 1750 mAh battery, while the Nexus S 4G comes with a slightly smaller 1500 mAh battery. The larger battery capacity of the Galaxy Nexus translates to a longer usage time, especially when using power-hungry applications or browsing the internet. However, it's worth noting that battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy Nexus offers a more modern design, a larger and higher-resolution display, better performance, and the advantage of running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G provides a more affordable option, decent performance for everyday tasks, and the advantage of receiving an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

If you prioritize a premium design, superior display, and the latest software updates, the Galaxy Nexus would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are on a budget and don't require the latest features, the Nexus S 4G can still provide a satisfactory user experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two devices depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements.