S4 Google Play Edition vs Nexus 4 (both shipped)

I am having a hard time deciding here. These are first world pains I know. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. So firstly I know the smartest decision would be to just wait 4-5 months for the Nexus 5. Unfortunately, patience is not one of my strong points.

Both of these devices have already shipped from Google and are on their way.

I threw together a little list of the S4 GPE advantages over the Nexus 4 and visa versa.



S4:
1080p screen
Faster processor
Bigger battery and battery life
Removable battery (would I use this?)
Accessories (backs, cases, batteries,etc)
SD card (would I use this?)
IR blaster
Bigger screen
Physical home button for waking
Better speaker
LTE
Higher resale value (could sell for more than the Nexus 5 cost most likely. That's if I want the Nexus 5. Okay who am I kidding of course I'll want the Nexus 5)
Lighter

N4:
Better build quality is much better
On screen buttons (can be added to the S4)
$300 cheaper (I could buy a Nexus 4 AND and Nexus 5 for almost the same price as the S4 GPE)
I like the screen brightness and whiteness better
Better one handed use
Black

What could the Nexus 5 have over the S4 GPE? Better screen (IMO), build quality, price, maybe better processor? I am trying to think what else.

As I said before your help is much appreciated!!

onthecouchagain said:

From my own experience with the Nexus 4, I wouldn't purchase nor recommend the Nexus 4 unless money was an issue.

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You would think I would know this by now. I sent two Nexus 4's back because of touch issues and ear piece issues. I would hope those would be gone by now but who knows.

ucfgrad93 said:

If you can afford it, I would also recommend the S4 Google Edition.

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Thanks!

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mattopotamus said:

Apparently 4.3 fixes the touch issues. If money is no issue the s4 will obviously be better. The question is.....is it $350 better

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Yes I did hear that it helps with touch responsiveness. Is it $350 better? Sigh lol I kind of hate spending $700 when I know I don't prefer this screen type or hardware. But I think I could get used to it. I already tried the HTC One GPE so the S4 is my last chance.

AutoUnion39 said:

GS4 GE. Especially if you are OK with spending that much.

The Nexus 4 is an overrated POS device.

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Haha never heard it quite put that way.

0dev said:

S4 GE is the better option. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Google really needs to sell that thing outside the US. I hope that, if nothing else, they announce international availability for GE devices at their upcoming event. I'd love to have that powerhouse hardware with the TouchWiz crap removed. If not I'll just get the normal one and flash CM when it becomes stable I guess, or at least stable enough for phone calls to work properly

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I'm with you! Make it international!

MacRumorUser said:

I'd keep the S4 if I was sure I was going to keep it, but I definitely would have waited until the Moto X announcement - but seeing as you are within a returns period for both devices, I'd just keep whichever you prefer yourself, and then if the Moto X rocks your boat, I'd get one of them too

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Haha thanks. The Moto X isn't exciting me for some reason. All signs point to mid range. Not that it won't be a great phone though.

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3bs said:

Definitely the S4! The only thing I like more about my Nexus 4 is the size but everything else the S4 beats it IMO.

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Seems to be the consensus! I'll give it a shot!

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TacticalDesire said:

Comparing a Nexus 4 to a GE S4 is like comparing a Buick to a 7 series BMW. Of course the BMW is going to be better. It's over twice the price. That doesn't mean the Buick is bad.

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Lol I love the car analogy. You are right though buicks are really nice now. Speaking of is there a car section on this forum?? I know it's an apple tech site but still.

AutoUnion39 said:

poor battery, questionable build quality, poor RF performance, poor screen, and so on.

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Battery life is poor. Screen is great I think. Build quality is great except for the ear piece problem that I had.

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King Shady said:

I think the general consensus is right on for suggesting the S4, but I would point out to you - don't forget about a stock S4 (if you can buy on contract). There are literally dozens of AOSP/AOKP roms, and even Google Play 4.3 roms out there for stock S4's. And who knows, you may even like some of the features of Touchwiz

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I'm on contract until December 2014. :-( I don't ever want to sign a contract again. Otherwise I would definitely consider that option.

bearda said:

I've been using a Nexus 4 for a month or so now, and I'd say go for the S4. Build quality on the S4 is superiors to the Nexus, I hate to say. Even with the plastic back the the S4 has a solid (although lighter) I envy with my creaking Nexus 4. The nagging software issues Google has acknowledge but failed to fix haven't helped the situation either.

If you're on a budget the Nexus 4 isn't a bad choice, but the S4 is an overall better piece of hardware.

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Thanks for the advice!

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Thanks everyone for the advice. The S4 GPE delivers Monday. I'm going to give it a try. This will be my third Samsung try. (2 S3's) I know the screen is great but just different than what I'm used to. The plastic isn't my favorite but ill just throw a case on. The internals are beastly as we all know and stock android is great. I'm getting excited. I am fortunate to be able to afford it so there is no need to get last years tech. If I must have the Nexus 5 I'll sell the S4 GPE.

My first order of business will be a case and my second order will be disabling the capacitive keys and adding on screen buttons if this can still be done. This will leave the physical home button for waking up the device, which I love.

onthecouchagain said:

OP, if you can wait a couple of weeks, you might want the Moto X. It's supposed to be a mid-ranger so the unlocked price might fall between the Nexus 4 and S4 GE price.

Happy medium, perhaps?

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Perhaps. I'll take a look at the announcement and early reviews. That will still be within my return policy. But like you said. Mid range. It kind of throws me off. But I'm not saying it won't be great. And a big question for me is if it will be sold in the play store and updated immediately. Probably a yes but we don't know just yet.