After getting my Nexus 4 a few days ago, I've decided to post my experience to inform any people out there wavering between Android and iOS, the iPhone and Nexus 4, etc.
Design
Nexus 4: 8.5/10
The Nexus 4's design is stunning-- the back of the phone's pattern is very nice in my opinion, and not as flashy as many think in the renders. The silver buttons complement the black design quite nicely, and the port layouts are practical. It has a little heft to it, but is by no means bulky. It sits in the hand very well, especially with the glass curved back at the left and right ends of the phone. The only fault is the glass back-- it's fragile, and cracks, from what I've read, quite easily. No issues yet, but an issue that some will have faults with.
iPhone 5: 9/10
While the Nexus 4 has a fantastic design, the iPhone has a slight edge, especially with the lack of a totally glass back. The design is very elegant and feels a bit more premium. That said, I find the iPhone 5 less nice to hold in the hand, simply because of the more rectangular design (again, a personal preference). In addition, there have been many scuffing issues reported with the phone; however, I've yet to experience this problem.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 barely etches out the Nexus 4 in design, due to its very nice appearance, as well as back which is less problematic with falls/ drops.
Performance
Nexus 4: 10/10
The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor powering the Nexus 4 is quite the powerhouse. It easily allowed me to switch between apps efficiently, and without lag. The general OS is without lag, thanks to the efficient 2GB of RAM, as well as the four cores which keep Android 4.2 snappy. Project Butter, introduced in Android 4.1, makes Jelly Bean quite the smooth experience, and lag is hard to come by, even with homescreens loaded up with widgets.
iPhone 5: 10/10
Although the new iPhone only has 2 cores, it is arguably the most efficient dual core processor available in a smartphone. The A6 processor has never lagged, and iOS is smoother than ever. There really isn't anything else to say here: the phone is speedy.
Verdict
This one is clearly a tie. Both the Nexus 4 and iPhone 5 keep up with all tasks I can throw at them: be it gaming, web browsing, etc.
Cellular
Nexus 4: 7/10
The Achilles' Heel of the Nexus 4 is obvious: an alarming lack of 4G LTE has marginalized many users from adopting the phone. Even with the lack of LTE, however, the Nexus 4 is pretty fast on HSPA+, although not at the speed of LTE on the iPhone 5. Consumers in countries other than the US, however, will have no problems with this, given a lack of LTE in many countries. Even in the US, the Nexus 4 isn't too much of a slouch. In addition, the phone is a phone that can connect to many, many global networks, so long as the network is GSM.
iPhone 5: 10/10
Ever since the 4S, the iPhone has been a world phone. It can connect to both CDMA, as well as GSM networks, and is quite fast. LTE is super fast, and is especially evident in web browsing. There are no downsides to the iPhone 5's networking capabilities, and it is quite impressive how fast Apple managed to make LTE.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 is a clear winner in this category. The Nexus 4 does have issues with LTE, but still manages to keep up, to an extent. The iPhone is the clear victor.
Display
Nexus 4: 9/10
The Nexus 4's display is great. It's a HUGE step up from the Galaxy Nexus, and is quite the sight to behold. The phone features a 1280x768 pixel screen, and it's also significantly larger than the iPhone 5's-- 4.7" vs. 4.0". The only reason it gets a 9 is simply due to the incoming 1080p phones, whose screens are nothing short of amazing. However, for all intents and purposes, the Nexus 4's screen is fantastic.
iPhone 5: 7/10
The iPhone 5 marks Apple's departure from a 3.5" screen, up to 4. While many find this to be a great screen size, I (again, personally) find it too small to be used for web browsing, as well as other tasks such as watching videos. The iPhone 5's screen is clear and crisp, and I found color saturation to be a tad more realistic on the 5, again a personal preference.
Verdict
I found the Nexus 4's screen to be better than the 5's, due to more screen real estate. The Nexus 4's screen also puts that extra room to better use: widgets, shortcuts, etc, while the iPhone 5 adds another row of icons to the homescreen. Again, a personal preference.
Operating System and Software
Nexus 4: 10/10
Jelly Bean 4.2 is a relatively minor step forward for Android, but polishes an already top-of-the-line mobile OS. The Nexus 4 features a keyboard in which one can swipe a finger to type, Photo Sphere, 360 degree Streetview-esque panoramas, Google Now improvements, etc. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich brought many improvements to Android prior, such as a fantastic new user interface, as well as a number of other great features. Widgets, and customizability as a whole, are evident throughout the OS. In addition, apps are also more abundant in the Google Play Store, and a rivaling that of Apple's App Store. Altogether I could write a paper on how great Android is, and it is even more apparent on the Nexus 4, given its stock experience-- the way Google intended. Efficiency is abundant on the OS. In addition, Google Maps are, at this point, better than Apple's, something that many might find to be essential in their next phone. Although this isn't technically a software feature, NFC is also part of the Nexus 4, which allows for quick and easy file transfer, something absent on the iPhone 5. Android also offers a native file system, which means storing and altering files is significantly easier for certain tasks.
iPhone 5: 7/10
Many users have become increasingly "bored" with iOS. I too felt this way, but at the end of the day, iOS is incredibly fast, fluid, and gets things done quickly. However, in my daily tests, simply things such as turning off bluetooth or wifi are done more quickly and easily on Android, especially with Quick Settings in 4.2. Furthermore, more frequent goals are accomplished, such as checking email, calendar, etc, through widgets, something Apple has yet to adopt, with the exception of a couple in Notification Center. Speaking of notifications, overall, Android has a more intuitive way of doing things with expandable widgets and modifications that can be made to it. iOS 6 brought do not disturb, Apple Maps, and Siri improvements, among other things. Overall, however, this was a rather small upgrade, especially given Apple's yearly cycle. Those who do not wish to "mess" with a phone to get it to be very efficient will prefer iOS, and those who want to put in greater input to hopefully receive better output will prefer Android.
Verdict
For me, the Nexus 4 was a clear victor in software; however, many will disagree with me. It all depends on the user, and this is just my experience.
Camera
Nexus 4: 8/10
The camera on the Nexus 4 is pretty good. The overall photo quality is high, although they aren't as good as the iPhone. I won't get into the details too much, other than that. That said, the Nexus 4 offers Photo Sphere, as well as very intuitive Camera interface, which some users may find desirable. I personally like Photo Sphere, and love the UI, although some won't.
iPhone 5: 10/10
The iPhone 5's pictures are fantastic. Again, I won't go into the nitty-gritty of cameras, as it is something that I truthfully don't know a lot about. While the iPhone has fantastic photos, it still lacks customizable features, which is remedied by third party camera applications. There really isn't a low point in the iPhone 5's camera, other than a UI which isn't as good as 4.2's.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 wins this one, somewhat handily. The 5's camera is unmatched by most phones on the market.
Overall
Nexus 4: 8.75/10
iPhone 5: 8.83/10
Based on those results, it's pretty clear that these two devices are neck and neck. However, for the tests that matter the absolute most to me, the Nexus wins. The screen size and OS break it for me, but either way you can't go wrong. They're both top of the line phones. Another consideration that can be taken into account is the price. The unlocked Nexus 4 goes for $299 for an 8gb model, and $349 for a 16gb model. iPhone 5 counterparts are significantly more expensive. (thanks, flopticalcube!)
Again, these were my personal opinions on the device, and I know many of you will feel differently.
Design
Nexus 4: 8.5/10
The Nexus 4's design is stunning-- the back of the phone's pattern is very nice in my opinion, and not as flashy as many think in the renders. The silver buttons complement the black design quite nicely, and the port layouts are practical. It has a little heft to it, but is by no means bulky. It sits in the hand very well, especially with the glass curved back at the left and right ends of the phone. The only fault is the glass back-- it's fragile, and cracks, from what I've read, quite easily. No issues yet, but an issue that some will have faults with.
iPhone 5: 9/10
While the Nexus 4 has a fantastic design, the iPhone has a slight edge, especially with the lack of a totally glass back. The design is very elegant and feels a bit more premium. That said, I find the iPhone 5 less nice to hold in the hand, simply because of the more rectangular design (again, a personal preference). In addition, there have been many scuffing issues reported with the phone; however, I've yet to experience this problem.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 barely etches out the Nexus 4 in design, due to its very nice appearance, as well as back which is less problematic with falls/ drops.
Performance
Nexus 4: 10/10
The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor powering the Nexus 4 is quite the powerhouse. It easily allowed me to switch between apps efficiently, and without lag. The general OS is without lag, thanks to the efficient 2GB of RAM, as well as the four cores which keep Android 4.2 snappy. Project Butter, introduced in Android 4.1, makes Jelly Bean quite the smooth experience, and lag is hard to come by, even with homescreens loaded up with widgets.
iPhone 5: 10/10
Although the new iPhone only has 2 cores, it is arguably the most efficient dual core processor available in a smartphone. The A6 processor has never lagged, and iOS is smoother than ever. There really isn't anything else to say here: the phone is speedy.
Verdict
This one is clearly a tie. Both the Nexus 4 and iPhone 5 keep up with all tasks I can throw at them: be it gaming, web browsing, etc.
Cellular
Nexus 4: 7/10
The Achilles' Heel of the Nexus 4 is obvious: an alarming lack of 4G LTE has marginalized many users from adopting the phone. Even with the lack of LTE, however, the Nexus 4 is pretty fast on HSPA+, although not at the speed of LTE on the iPhone 5. Consumers in countries other than the US, however, will have no problems with this, given a lack of LTE in many countries. Even in the US, the Nexus 4 isn't too much of a slouch. In addition, the phone is a phone that can connect to many, many global networks, so long as the network is GSM.
iPhone 5: 10/10
Ever since the 4S, the iPhone has been a world phone. It can connect to both CDMA, as well as GSM networks, and is quite fast. LTE is super fast, and is especially evident in web browsing. There are no downsides to the iPhone 5's networking capabilities, and it is quite impressive how fast Apple managed to make LTE.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 is a clear winner in this category. The Nexus 4 does have issues with LTE, but still manages to keep up, to an extent. The iPhone is the clear victor.
Display
Nexus 4: 9/10
The Nexus 4's display is great. It's a HUGE step up from the Galaxy Nexus, and is quite the sight to behold. The phone features a 1280x768 pixel screen, and it's also significantly larger than the iPhone 5's-- 4.7" vs. 4.0". The only reason it gets a 9 is simply due to the incoming 1080p phones, whose screens are nothing short of amazing. However, for all intents and purposes, the Nexus 4's screen is fantastic.
iPhone 5: 7/10
The iPhone 5 marks Apple's departure from a 3.5" screen, up to 4. While many find this to be a great screen size, I (again, personally) find it too small to be used for web browsing, as well as other tasks such as watching videos. The iPhone 5's screen is clear and crisp, and I found color saturation to be a tad more realistic on the 5, again a personal preference.
Verdict
I found the Nexus 4's screen to be better than the 5's, due to more screen real estate. The Nexus 4's screen also puts that extra room to better use: widgets, shortcuts, etc, while the iPhone 5 adds another row of icons to the homescreen. Again, a personal preference.
Operating System and Software
Nexus 4: 10/10
Jelly Bean 4.2 is a relatively minor step forward for Android, but polishes an already top-of-the-line mobile OS. The Nexus 4 features a keyboard in which one can swipe a finger to type, Photo Sphere, 360 degree Streetview-esque panoramas, Google Now improvements, etc. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich brought many improvements to Android prior, such as a fantastic new user interface, as well as a number of other great features. Widgets, and customizability as a whole, are evident throughout the OS. In addition, apps are also more abundant in the Google Play Store, and a rivaling that of Apple's App Store. Altogether I could write a paper on how great Android is, and it is even more apparent on the Nexus 4, given its stock experience-- the way Google intended. Efficiency is abundant on the OS. In addition, Google Maps are, at this point, better than Apple's, something that many might find to be essential in their next phone. Although this isn't technically a software feature, NFC is also part of the Nexus 4, which allows for quick and easy file transfer, something absent on the iPhone 5. Android also offers a native file system, which means storing and altering files is significantly easier for certain tasks.
iPhone 5: 7/10
Many users have become increasingly "bored" with iOS. I too felt this way, but at the end of the day, iOS is incredibly fast, fluid, and gets things done quickly. However, in my daily tests, simply things such as turning off bluetooth or wifi are done more quickly and easily on Android, especially with Quick Settings in 4.2. Furthermore, more frequent goals are accomplished, such as checking email, calendar, etc, through widgets, something Apple has yet to adopt, with the exception of a couple in Notification Center. Speaking of notifications, overall, Android has a more intuitive way of doing things with expandable widgets and modifications that can be made to it. iOS 6 brought do not disturb, Apple Maps, and Siri improvements, among other things. Overall, however, this was a rather small upgrade, especially given Apple's yearly cycle. Those who do not wish to "mess" with a phone to get it to be very efficient will prefer iOS, and those who want to put in greater input to hopefully receive better output will prefer Android.
Verdict
For me, the Nexus 4 was a clear victor in software; however, many will disagree with me. It all depends on the user, and this is just my experience.
Camera
Nexus 4: 8/10
The camera on the Nexus 4 is pretty good. The overall photo quality is high, although they aren't as good as the iPhone. I won't get into the details too much, other than that. That said, the Nexus 4 offers Photo Sphere, as well as very intuitive Camera interface, which some users may find desirable. I personally like Photo Sphere, and love the UI, although some won't.
iPhone 5: 10/10
The iPhone 5's pictures are fantastic. Again, I won't go into the nitty-gritty of cameras, as it is something that I truthfully don't know a lot about. While the iPhone has fantastic photos, it still lacks customizable features, which is remedied by third party camera applications. There really isn't a low point in the iPhone 5's camera, other than a UI which isn't as good as 4.2's.
Verdict
The iPhone 5 wins this one, somewhat handily. The 5's camera is unmatched by most phones on the market.
Overall
Nexus 4: 8.75/10
iPhone 5: 8.83/10
Based on those results, it's pretty clear that these two devices are neck and neck. However, for the tests that matter the absolute most to me, the Nexus wins. The screen size and OS break it for me, but either way you can't go wrong. They're both top of the line phones. Another consideration that can be taken into account is the price. The unlocked Nexus 4 goes for $299 for an 8gb model, and $349 for a 16gb model. iPhone 5 counterparts are significantly more expensive. (thanks, flopticalcube!)
Again, these were my personal opinions on the device, and I know many of you will feel differently.
Last edited:
