The latest version of the smartphone from Google, Nexus 5, features several improvements compared to the previous version.
One of the devices that it was perfectly pitted against was the Samsung Galaxy S4. The replacement for the highly successful Galaxy S3, this device had a lot to live up to. However, it more than exceeded expectations by introducing a number of features.
Display
The Galaxy S3 came with a 720p resolution for its 4.8 inch display. The Galaxy S4 improved on this aspect by offering a 5 inch display coupled with full HD resolution. The marginal increase in the screen size followed by an appreciable difference in resolution meant that the Galaxy S4 received a lot of plaudits. The Nexus 5 has also improved the resolution figures from the previous version. It sports a full HD resolution on its 4.95 inch display that is only slightly smaller than the Galaxy S4. The difference is so marginal that it cannot be identified through casual inspection.
Technology
Even though they roughly use the same screen size and resolution, the output of the screen is vastly different because of the technology behind the display. While the Galaxy S4 continues to persist with the Super AMOLED technology that offers industry-best levels of contrast ratio, the Nexus 5 comes with the latest generation IPS panels. These panels offer much better viewing angles than the Super AMOLED technology, while colors are also more naturally represented than the supersaturated ones found on the Galaxy S4. Of course, it is possible to tune the Galaxy S4 settings to suit different needs.
Camera
The 8 megapixel camera in the Nexus 5 is overshadowed by the 13 megapixel camera on the Galaxy S4. The megapixel count found on the Nexus 5 is similar to that of the Galaxy S3’s camera. The disadvantage in the megapixel count is compensated by excellent color reproduction on the Nexus 5. Both cameras will not be able to capture 4K videos, but they provide more than enough features to take excellent photos and videos. Video quality is also likely to be better on the Galaxy S4 due to the extra megapixels.
Taking self-portraits or making video calls also tend to look better on the Galaxy S4 due to the 2 megapixel front camera compared to the 1.3 megapixel front camera on the Nexus 5.
Samsung has decided to do away with extra features like the FM radio in the Galaxy S4, and it does not find a place in the Nexus 5 as well.
Battery
Battery life is extremely good on both these devices. While the Nexus 5 uses a 2300 mAh battery, the Galaxy S4 features a slightly more powerful 2600 mAh battery. Further, Samsung offers the ability to remove the battery and replace it with a new one should you run out of charge. The Nexus 5 has a non-removable battery similar to that of the iPhone and top end HTC devices.
Recent price drops see the Galaxy S4 priced at $425 while the Nexus 5 is priced at $390.
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