Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Google LG Nexus 4

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. Google LG Nexus 4: Smartphone Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and Google LG Nexus 4, both released in 2013, represented two different approaches to the smartphone experience. The Galaxy S4 was Samsung’s flagship model, packed with features and advanced hardware, while the Nexus 4 was Google’s reference device for pure Android, offering a stock experience with timely updates. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two devices:

Design & Build

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 featured a plastic build with a glossy finish. It measured 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and weighed 130 grams. The design was similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S III, with rounded edges and a removable back cover. While lightweight and easy to handle, the plastic construction gave it a less premium feel compared to devices with metal or glass finishes.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 had a glass front and back with a plastic frame. It measured 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm and weighed 139 grams. The design was sleek and modern, featuring a unique “sparkle” effect under the glass surface. The Nexus 4’s build quality was considered good, but the glass back made it more prone to cracks and fingerprints.

Winner: The Nexus 4 wins for its more premium design and aesthetic appeal, though the Galaxy S4 is more practical due to its removable back.

Display

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 boasted a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (441 ppi). The AMOLED technology provided vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. The display was also bright and had good visibility in sunlight.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 featured a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280×768 pixels (318 ppi). While the display was sharp and provided good color reproduction and viewing angles, it couldn’t match the vibrancy and contrast of the Galaxy S4’s AMOLED display.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its larger, more vibrant display.

Performance

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor (1.9 GHz quad-core in some regions) with 2GB of RAM. This combination delivered excellent performance for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding apps. The device felt fast and responsive, making it suitable for power users.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 used the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (1.5 GHz quad-core) with 2GB of RAM. While it offered solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming, it lagged slightly behind the Galaxy S4 in raw power. However, the stock Android experience optimized performance, providing a smooth and fluid interface.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its more powerful processor, delivering superior performance.

Camera

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 featured a 13MP rear camera with advanced features such as dual-shot, drama shot, and HDR. The camera performed well in various lighting conditions, producing sharp and vibrant photos. The front-facing camera was 2MP, suitable for video calls and selfies.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 also had an 8MP rear camera with features like HDR and panorama mode. While it produced decent photos, especially in good lighting, the camera struggled compared to the Galaxy S4 in low-light conditions. The front camera was 1.3MP, which was less capable than the S4’s front camera.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its superior camera capabilities and features.

Battery Life

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 came with a 2600mAh removable battery, which offered good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The removable battery was a bonus for users who preferred the option to carry a spare.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 had a 2100mAh non-removable battery. While it offered decent battery life, it generally lasted a day of light to moderate use. Users might find themselves needing to charge it more frequently compared to the Galaxy S4.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its larger battery and better overall battery life.

Software

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 shipped with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and featured Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. While TouchWiz added many useful features, it was often criticized for being cluttered and sometimes slowing down the device.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 provided a pure Android experience with no manufacturer modifications. Running Android 4.2.2, it received timely updates directly from Google. The clean interface offered smooth performance and easy access to Google services.

Winner: The Nexus 4 wins for its stock Android experience and timely updates.

Storage Options

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 came with options of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal storage, and it included a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 was available in 8GB and 16GB storage options, but it lacked expandable storage via microSD.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its expandable storage options.

Connectivity

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: The Galaxy S4 supported 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and IR Blaster.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: The Nexus 4 also supported 4G LTE (only on certain models), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC, but lacked an IR Blaster.

Winner: The Samsung Galaxy S4 wins for its broader connectivity options, including the IR Blaster.

Conclusion

  • Samsung Galaxy S4: Best for users who want a feature-rich smartphone with a larger, vibrant display, superior camera capabilities, and expandable storage. It also offered solid performance and a variety of connectivity options.
  • Google LG Nexus 4: Best for users looking for a pure Android experience, regular software updates, and a solid device at a competitive price. While it lacked some features of the Galaxy S4, it still provided a good performance for everyday tasks.

Both smartphones were strong contenders in 2013, with the Samsung Galaxy S4 excelling in hardware features and performance, while the Nexus 4 appealed to those seeking a clean Android experience and timely updates. Your choice would depend on whether you value additional features and performance or prefer a streamlined software experience.

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