Samsung Galaxy S5 vs. Nexus 5 – Price, Features and Specifications Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5 are two of the most popular among many smartphones, from Samsung and Google respectively.

Launched within a time interval of about six months, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was introduced in the market a few months after the Nexus 5. It is also far more expensive on the pocket, when compared to the Nexus 5. Interestingly, both the smartphones incorporate many features that can make it really worthwhile having a comparative study to decide on which smartphone you should buy. The following article attempts to analyze a few key aspects that can aid you in your buying decision.

Dimensions and Weight

The Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone is slightly bigger and wider, but thinner than the Nexus 5 smartphone. However, the difference in these parameters is very negligible and both the smartphones can be considered to be almost at par. With respect to the weight factor, the Samsung smartphone is considerably more bulky than its Nexus counterpart.

Both smartphones feature a plastic construction on their rear, but the difference lies in their finish. While the Samsung Galaxy S5 encompasses a dimpled soft-touch rear that gives it a sturdy feel, the Nexus 5 is definitely more elegant looking, with its smooth plastic rear. The IP67 certification makes the Samsung smartphone dust and water resistant.

Verdict: Although not as compact as the Nexus 5 to hold in hand, the thinness and the IP67 certification factors are two key aspects why the Samsung Galaxy S5 scores better.

Screen Display

The screen of the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone is marginally larger than that of the Nexus 5 smartphone. While the Samsung smartphone features a Super AMOLED display, the Nexus 5 smartphone portrays an IPS LCD display like an iPhone. Although both smartphones share the same 1920×1080 pixel resolution, the Nexus 5 has a slightly higher pixel density of 445ppi as against the 432ppi of Samsung Galaxy S5. With a brighter and more power-efficient screen than its predecessors, as well as reduced screen reflectivity; the Samsung Galaxy S5 overcomes the drawback of usual AMOLED panels.

However, with respect to the colors rendered, greenish tones in particular tend to be represented inaccurately with predisposition in the standard viewing mode. Nexus 5 does not have any such problem. But, the Samsung smartphone supports three modes, which are not available in the Nexus 5 smartphone. These are the ultra power saver, super bright and super dim modes.

Verdict: The inaccurate color rendition is of very little significance and both the smartphones can be considered to be at par in this regard. Yet, the Samsung Galaxy S5 takes the lead with its three additional modes.

Colors Available

Although this feature may seem insignificant, it might seem interesting to know that Samsung offers four colors for its smartphone – black, white, blue and copper. On the other hand, you can choose from black, white and red colors for your Nexus smartphone.

Verdict: Even though Nexus has lesser colors, if you want a snazzy look for your smartphone, then Nexus 5 is definitely a better choice.

Fingerprint Scanner

This is a useful feature in Samsung Galaxy S5 that you can use to password protect the smartphone with your fingerprint. You can also use this feature to link it with your PayPal account for authorizing transactions by swiping your finger. There is no such scanning facility in the Nexus smartphone.

Verdict: Without doubt, the Samsung Galaxy S5 makes a clean sweep with respect to finger-touch protection.

CPU Processor and RAM

The Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone utilizes a quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU, with a clocking frequency of 2.5GHz, while the Nexus 5 smartphone features a quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU with a slightly lesser clocking frequency of 2.25GHz. As for the built-in RAM, each smartphone encompasses 2GB RAM that is the standard for most high-end smartphones.

Verdict: Although the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone tends to take the leading edge over Nexus 5, with a slightly higher clocking frequency, both of them are very good performers.

Storage and Memory

Both the smartphones come preloaded with 16GB of internal memory. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone is also available as a 32GB version and features a memory slot that can accommodate a memory card of up to 128GB. However, there is no scope for expanding memory on the Nexus 5 smartphone, very much like its previous versions.

Verdict: If you plan to store a lot of media files on your smartphone, it is ideal to have some extra memory on your phone. In such cases, the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone undoubtedly scores ahead of the Nexus 5 smartphone.

Software and Operating System

Both the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Nexus 5 smartphones run on Android 4.4 KitKat, the latest operating system developed by Android. However, in addition, the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone incorporates the TouchWiz UI skin. This gives the Samsung smartphone screen, a better look and also makes it more user-friendly. The icons are less cluttered while they appear larger and easier to tap on. Also, the TouchWiz UI brings with it a horde of additional apps.

Verdict: The TouchWiz feature gives the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone an extra scoring point over Nexus 5.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone comprises a 16MP rear facing camera with LED flash, as against the 8MP rear facing camera of the Nexus 5 smartphone. Similarly, the front facing camera, image sensor and aperture lens are better in Samsung Galaxy S5. Shots also get captured faster in the Samsung smartphone that supports software stabilization and render more natural looking colors. Both phones support digital image stabilization.

Verdict: What gives the Samsung Galaxy S5 a better score are its selective focus and live HDR feature. But, if you wish to achieve high stability levels, the Nexus 5 smartphone that features optical image stabilization is probably your best bet. With this stabilization, you can minimize jittery movements and hand shake when you record your favorite video.

Connectivity

Both Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5 support Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, NFC and dual channel Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Samsung smartphone is equipped with an infrared beamer that allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control for electronic devices such as a television.

Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S5 wins an extra point, only if you actually need to connect your smartphone with an electronic device. If not, both the smartphones rank equally.

Battery Life

Along with a larger display and a faster processor, the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone has a more powerful battery of 2,800 mAh, as against the 2,300 mAh battery of the Nexus 5. The Samsung battery also features 90 hours more of standby and four hours more of 3G talk time. Also, once fully charged, with regular use, the Samsung battery lasted half a day more.

Verdict: With more power, as well as better battery life and talk time, the Samsung smartphone once again emerges the winner.

Related ItemsGoogle Nexus 5Nexus 5Samsung Galaxy S5

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