Phones GS3 or Nexus 4?

[jrswizzle]

GS3

Access to LTE, Touchwiz adds some cool features, expandable storage and battery access. You can replace the touchwiz launcher with Holo HD if you want a stock android look or you can flash an AOSP rom if capable.

The Nexus 4 competes on price but when it is hard to get a hold of (Till mid Feb) and when you can get a GS3 similarly priced why lean towards the Nexus 4.

My 4S doesn't have LTE and it isn't all that big a deal to me for this phone.

I currently sit at about 2 GB used on my work iPhone - absolutely no need for expandable storage.

If the battery works, I would have no need to replace it - I won't be buying backup batteries as I won't be using the phone heavily.

The main draw to vanilla Android for me isn't so much the look as it is the timely updates and longevity of said updates.

Plus, I'm not in a place to buy now so availability isn't a huge concern (yet).

The reasons the GS3 has entered the conversation are mainly due to TouchWiz's features and the ergonomics of the phone itself.

I have to say though, I'm leaning more towards the Nexus 4.

 

[Gaugerer]

The S3 has probably seen it's last official Android update with JB after a frustrating wait whilst the N4 will be getting timely updates for the next two years or so.

If the updating of Android was always directly from Google and you had the option of using manufacturers overlays then that would make the S3 more attractive.

 

[onthecouchagain]

At this point and time, I cannot recommend the Nexus 4.

It has battery issues, a severely lacking camera (and slow camera software), earpiece buzzing issues, is too fragile (I have no cracks, but I have to baby it because it's made of glass -- there are things from Apple that shouldn't be copied. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous a back panel glass is. The device is always set down on its back), signal and data issues (though this could be Tmobile's fault as Tmobile really sucks. I feel really sorry for those iPhone users who are going unlocked and going with Tmobile. Unless your interest is to save money, Tmobile is a big no-no), lacks LTE (which I wouldn't mind as much if the battery life was as good/better than what the GN got me without LTE)...

I'm also incredibly bothered by how un-ergonomic this device is. I didn't realize it at first, but after owning it now for over a month, the device is really quite uncomfortable to use. Big devices should just not be so square-ish. I long for the curves of my Galaxy Nexus (among other things).

And lastly, I just don't care as much about stock Android anymore.

To answer the OP, I'd wait for the S4 and Xperia Z to come out before jumping to Android. But if you had to pick between these two, I'd go with the S3, unless you're a developer and/or you must have the latest Android version (this is something that's becoming less and less important to me, personally).

 

[rillrill]

quicker updates with the nexus line...google is always adding cool, new stuff.

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also, i have to disagree with the previous post. i haven't had any battery issues with my nexus 4. i'm also on tmo, and their service isn't the best in my area, but i'm paying $30 and i'm contract free; so, it's a trade-off. lastly, the glass is annoyingly slippery. it has slipped off of seemingly level tables (about 3-4 feet), but it has not damaged the phone at all. my iphone 4, on the other hand, has two chips and a scuffed metal frame from similar drops.

 

[onthecouchagain]

The battery is decent at best with the nexus 4. But the main point is that for a phone that doesn't run on lte it should be a lot better. I got amazing battery life out of my galaxy nexus.

The nexus 4 can't even match it with a larger battery and "better" software. 4.2 needs to be updated/fixed.

 

[Fynd]

The battery is decent at best with the nexus 4. But the main point is that for a phone that doesn't run on lte it should be a lot better. I got amazing battery life out of my galaxy nexus.

The nexus 4 can't even match it with a larger battery and "better" software. 4.2 needs to be updated/fixed.

LTE isn't the power hog it once was anymore. If this phone had LTE it would arguably have noticeably better battery life. Check out iPhone 5 battery tests with LTE on vs off. It's quite a bit higher with LTE on, as everything completes and can return to idle quicker.

 

[onthecouchagain]

LTE isn't the power hog it once was anymore. If this phone had LTE it would arguably have noticeably better battery life. Check out iPhone 5 battery tests with LTE on vs off. It's quite a bit higher with LTE on, as everything completes and can return to idle quicker.

If that's accurate that's very good news. All the more reason to wish for lte then. :/

 

[jrswizzle]

At this point and time, I cannot recommend the Nexus 4.

It has battery issues, a severely lacking camera (and slow camera software), earpiece buzzing issues, is too fragile (I have no cracks, but I have to baby it because it's made of glass -- there are things from Apple that shouldn't be copied. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous a back panel glass is. The device is always set down on its back), signal and data issues (though this could be Tmobile's fault as Tmobile really sucks. I feel really sorry for those iPhone users who are going unlocked and going with Tmobile. Unless your interest is to save money, Tmobile is a big no-no), lacks LTE (which I wouldn't mind as much if the battery life was as good/better than what the GN got me without LTE)...

I'm also incredibly bothered by how un-ergonomic this device is. I didn't realize it at first, but after owning it now for over a month, the device is really quite uncomfortable to use. Big devices should just not be so square-ish. I long for the curves of my Galaxy Nexus (among other things).

And lastly, I just don't care as much about stock Android anymore.

To answer the OP, I'd wait for the S4 and Xperia Z to come out before jumping to Android. But if you had to pick between these two, I'd go with the S3, unless you're a developer and/or you must have the latest Android version (this is something that's becoming less and less important to me, personally).

The reason I don't want to wait is price. The only way I'm doing this is off-contract and I'd rather not pay more than $400 for what will be my second phone (most likely relegated to my work phone).

That said I had been wobbling back and forth and thought I finally had chosen the N4, but posts like this (and that stupid unicorn apocolypse commercial - UGH, I've never liked Samsung's commercials but that one is funny!) keep bringing me back to the decision......

In your opinion how does the quad core CPU in the N4 compare with the GS3's dual core (normally, I wouldn't care because I'd be comparing Apple to Android - separate OSes = no comparison)?

 

[outz]

i own both devices... i definitely prefer my nexus 4 due to the quality feel, vanilla android w/ constant updates.

 

[Explicitic]

The GS3 uses a quad-core A9 processor (specifically, the Exynos 4412) with a Mali-400 GPU while the N4 uses a quad-core S4 Pro Krait processor with an Adreno 320 GPU. In benchmarks, the S4 Pro will almost always outperform the Exynos CPU/GPU. However, benchmarks don't tell a whole lot about real-world performance.

Realistically, you won't notice much of a difference between the 2 when performing normal day-to-day tasks. In gaming, FPS may be higher with the S4 Pro but again, that really doesn't matter as long as your game works. What I'm trying to say is that the CPU shouldn't affect your decision here. The Exynos 4412 and S4 Pro are both fantastic CPUs and will handle whatever you need to get done. What should really be your deciding factor here is the design and software of both phones.

Buying a Nexus for stock Android and updates is not much different from buying a device with some sort of overlay and flashing a stock ROM or CM10. If you're worried about receiving the newest version of Android, I guarantee you that the Android developer community (specifically XDA) will get the update out faster than the manufacturer will (albeit, there will likely be a few bugs). As long as your device is well-supported by developers, that is, which is no problem with the GS3.

Many people worry about rooting and flashing ROMs for the first time when it really isn't too big of a deal. I hear people saying that flashing ROMs will "brick your device" or "your warranty will become void." At least something along those lines. Again, neither are true. Rooting or flashing a ROM rarely ever bricks a device as long as you know what you're doing and/or follow the installation guide. By flashing a ROM or rooting, your warranty is not void either. Just flash a stock ROM (and reset the flash counter if it's a Samsung device) and you're good to go.

The main reason I talked about rooting/flashing ROMs is because you seem to be deciding between stock Android and TouchWiz as well. With the Galaxy S3, if you wanted a stock ROM, there are many available over at XDA-Developers. The most popular being CyanogenMod.

Personally, I prefer the design of the Galaxy S3 because I don't want a phone that will shatter from something like a five feet drop. The S3 also feels better in my hand, just an opinion.

Your two main deciding factors should be design and software, and that is why I recommend the Galaxy S3. You have the freedom to use either TW or stock Android, and many of the other great features that come along with it. If you do decide to go with the GS3, I recommend you purchase the international version which is around $550 on Negri or $500 if you're willing to purchase an open-box version.

 

[Spectrum Abuser]

The GS3 uses a quad-core A9 processor (specifically, the Exynos 4412) with a Mali-400 GPU while the N4 uses a quad-core S4 Pro Krait processor with an Adreno 320 GPU. In benchmarks, the S4 Pro will almost always outperform the Exynos CPU/GPU. However, benchmarks don't tell a whole lot about real-world performance.

The international version of the Galaxy S3 uses the quad core chipset. The United States model sports an LTE compatible dual core processor; the OP currently resides in the United States.

 

[Explicitic]

The international version of the Galaxy S3 uses the quad core chipset. The United States version sports an LTE compatible dual core processor; the OP currently resides in the United States.

My mistake, sorry about that. I really only ever purchase international Android devices. I did, however, recommend the OP purchase the international GS3 at end... ._.

 

[whoknows87]

I made the switch a few months back from i5 to Nexus 4 love the phone until I took some camera shots using the front camera using HDR , but they never come out perfect , all smudged up, blurry, just ruined, without HDR they come out fine.. that is the only complaint that I have

 

[0dev]

I used a GS3 recently and while I've said a lot of bad things about TouchWiz in the past, I actually think the latest version used on the GS3 is quite good. It also has a lot of little useful things added.

However, for me at least, officially supported stock Android trumps everything, and if you can actually get some stock of the Nexus 4 that's the phone I'd recommend to you. Unless you really really love TouchWiz or something.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I made the switch a few months back from i5 to Nexus 4 love the phone until I took some camera shots using the front camera using HDR , but they never come out perfect , all smudged up, blurry, just ruined, without HDR they come out fine.. that is the only complaint that I have

Me too. Hdr on the nexus 4 sucks.

 

[3bs]

Me too. Hdr on the nexus 4 sucks.

The camera on the Nexus 4 sucks in general. I didn't think it would be that big of an issue but I see myself going to my HTC 8X whenever I want to take a photo.

 

[outz]

The camera on the Nexus 4 sucks in general. I didn't think it would be that big of an issue but I see myself going to my HTC 8X whenever I want to take a photo.

yeah, my n4 camera isnt great. my s3 running stock touchwiz has a fantastic camera... but if you root/flash the s3 to cm10 etc the camera sucks due to driver support.

 

[TacticalDesire]

The camera on the Nexus 4 sucks in general. I didn't think it would be that big of an issue but I see myself going to my HTC 8X whenever I want to take a photo.

I'm fairly certain the 5mp shooter on my 5th gen touch (iPhone 4 camera with iPhone 5 optics from what I've head) can take better shots than the camera on my Nexus 4. I haven't taken that many shots with it but from what I've seen it leaves a lot to be desired. If I'm going out knowing I'm going to be taking lots of pictures I'm bringing my SLR.

 

[ChrisTX]

I have both, and sadly for a while there I was using them both(would swap the sim card from phone to phone daily). I finally realized that LTE wasn't something I could live without. And second, I realized that the experience wasn't necessarily any better on the Nexus 4. If you live in an area with excellent LTE coverage like I do, then skip the N4, and get the GS3. However if LTE is nowhere to be found, then get the Nexus 4. The fluidity on this device is truly second to none!

BTW, I voted for the GS3 for a few reasons. I currently own both, and have extensively used both(unlike a lot of people that have only used one or the other). Better camera, Expandable memory(especially when 16gb is your only option), and LTE. You can always root your device and flash CM10, but TouchWiz actually adds some nice functionality.

 

[blackhand1001]

I have a galaxy nexus, however I really wish google had stuck with samsung this time around for the new nexus. The nexus 4 has some pretty major drawbacks that just aren't present on the s3 or galaxy nexus.

 

[BuryMeInSmoke]

S3 all the way. I used to prefer stock Android and absolutely hated touchwiz. Samsung has come a long way and now I prefer the added features touchwiz has. Camera is also important to me so the nexus 4 just couldn't deliver in that aspect. Both are great phones, no doubt about that. I moved onto the note 2 which is basically the same experience as the s3 and could not be happier! Best of luck with your choice, so many great phones out there that make it such a tough decision.

 

[ChrisTX]

I have a galaxy nexus, however I really wish google had stuck with samsung this time around for the new nexus. The nexus 4 has some pretty major drawbacks that just aren't present on the s3 or galaxy nexus.

Google switched partners so it doesn't look like they're playing favorites.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Every day I use the Nexus 4, my desire for the S4 unveiling grows little by little.

It's a good phone, but this may be the worst Nexus yet. And the fact that Google seems to not be in any rush to fix 4.2 or support the device with accessories (wireless charging orb is no where to be found. Not even a little bit of information on it), makes the S3 an easy choice, in my opinion.

Can't wait for the S4. Hope they maintain an ergonomic design.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Every day I use the Nexus 4, my desire for the S4 unveiling grows little by little.

It's a good phone, but this may be the worst Nexus yet. And the fact that Google seems to not be in any rush to fix 4.2 or support the device with accessories (wireless charging orb is no where to be found. Not even a little bit of information on it), makes the S3 an easy choice, in my opinion.

Can't wait for the S4. Hope they maintain an ergonomic design.

I called Google Play support last week and asked about Nexus 4 stock and the wireless charging orb. The support rep had no clue what the wireless charging orb was. That doesn't sound promising. He told me that they should have phone stock available by the end of the month.

 

[blackhand1001]

Google switched partners so it doesn't look like they're playing favorites.

Well they should have picked someone other than LG. LG doesn't have that great of a track record at all. The phone is also uncomfortable to hold compared to the s3 and galaxy nexus.