Motorola Photon 4G vs. Nexus S 4G

Attribute	Motorola Photon 4G	Nexus S 4G
Operating System	Android	Android
Processor	Dual-core 1GHz	Single-core 1GHz
Display	4.3-inch	4.0-inch
Resolution	540 x 960 pixels	480 x 800 pixels
Camera	8 MP	5 MP
Front Camera	Yes	Yes
RAM	1 GB	512 MB
Internal Storage	16 GB	16 GB
Expandable Storage	MicroSD up to 32 GB	No
Battery Capacity	1700 mAh	1500 mAh

Design and Display

The Motorola Photon 4G and Nexus S 4G both offer sleek and stylish designs, but they differ in certain aspects. The Photon 4G features a more robust build with a combination of metal and plastic, giving it a premium feel. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G opts for a more minimalistic design with a curved glass display and a plastic back cover.

In terms of display, the Photon 4G boasts a 4.3-inch qHD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. This results in sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. In comparison, the Nexus S 4G sports a slightly smaller 4.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. While it may not offer the same level of detail as the Photon 4G, it still delivers rich colors and deep blacks.

Both devices feature capacitive touchscreens that are responsive and accurate, ensuring a smooth user experience. However, the Photon 4G has an advantage with its Corning Gorilla Glass protection, which provides added durability and scratch resistance.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Motorola Photon 4G and Nexus S 4G differ in terms of processing power. The Photon 4G is equipped with a dual-core 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, which delivers snappy performance and handles multitasking with ease. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G features a single-core 1GHz Hummingbird processor, which may not be as powerful as the Photon 4G but still offers smooth performance for everyday tasks.

When it comes to software, the Photon 4G runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, which provides a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. Additionally, Motorola has included their own custom user interface, MotoBlur, which offers additional features and customization options.

The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, was one of the first devices to receive the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, which introduced a more refined and visually appealing interface. It offers a pure Android experience without any manufacturer overlays, providing a clean and streamlined user interface.

Both devices offer 4G connectivity, allowing for fast internet speeds and smooth browsing. However, the Photon 4G supports WiMAX, while the Nexus S 4G supports Sprint's 4G WiMAX network.

Camera and Multimedia

When it comes to capturing memories, the Motorola Photon 4G and Nexus S 4G offer different camera capabilities. The Photon 4G features an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and dual-LED flash, allowing for high-quality photos even in low-light conditions. It also supports 720p HD video recording, ensuring crisp and detailed videos.

On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash. While it may not have the same level of detail as the Photon 4G, it still captures decent photos and supports 720p HD video recording.

Both devices also have front-facing cameras, with the Photon 4G offering a 0.3-megapixel VGA camera and the Nexus S 4G featuring a 0.3-megapixel camera. These front-facing cameras are ideal for video calls and taking selfies.

In terms of multimedia capabilities, both devices excel. The Photon 4G features a built-in HDMI port, allowing for easy connection to a TV or monitor for a larger viewing experience. It also has a dedicated kickstand, making it convenient for hands-free media consumption. The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, offers a rich multimedia experience with its Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is an important aspect to consider when comparing smartphones. The Motorola Photon 4G comes with a 1700mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of usage time. However, due to its powerful processor and larger display, it may drain the battery faster during heavy usage.

The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 1500mAh battery. While it may not have the same capacity as the Photon 4G, it still offers a satisfactory battery life for everyday use.

In terms of storage, the Photon 4G offers 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card. This provides ample space for apps, media, and files. The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, comes with 16GB of internal storage but lacks a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This may be a limitation for users who require additional storage space.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both the Motorola Photon 4G and Nexus S 4G offer a range of connectivity options. They both support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, allowing for seamless wireless connectivity and navigation.

One notable feature of the Photon 4G is its ability to act as a mobile hotspot, allowing other devices to connect to the internet through its 4G connection. This can be useful when sharing internet access with other devices on the go.

The Nexus S 4G, on the other hand, offers NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, which allows for contactless payments and easy sharing of files between compatible devices.

Both devices also come with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor, enhancing the overall user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Motorola Photon 4G and Nexus S 4G are both solid smartphones with their own unique attributes. The Photon 4G offers a larger and higher-resolution display, a more powerful processor, and expandable storage. On the other hand, the Nexus S 4G provides a pure Android experience, a sleek design, and NFC capabilities.

Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a larger display, powerful performance, and expandable storage, the Motorola Photon 4G may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a pure Android experience, a sleek design, and NFC capabilities, the Nexus S 4G could be the right choice.

Regardless of your choice, both devices offer a range of features and capabilities that make them suitable for everyday use and provide a satisfying smartphone experience.