Samsung's Galaxy S3 was one of the most popular smartphones of 2012, but how does it compare to Google's Nexus 4? We’ll look at the differences in our Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 comparison review.
The Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3 are two of the best Android smartphones around at the moment so fully deserve a PC Advisor comparison review. We'll compare the two handsets in-depth in price and specifications to see how they differ. See also: Group test: what's the best Android phone?
Google Nexus 4 price in UK and specs
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Price
Price is one of the biggest differences between the Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3, even though they have a similar set of specifications. The Nexus 4 is by far the cheaper of the two, starting at just £239 for the 8GB model and £279 for the 16GB. Samsung's Galaxy S3 costs around £450 for the 16GB model.
See also Google announces LG Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and new Nexus 7 models.
Video: Galaxy SIII vs Nexus 4 smartphone comparison review
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Dimensions
The Galaxy S3 and LG Nexus 4 are smartphones with similar dimensions. The Nexus 4 is slightly smaller 69 x 134mm while the S3 is 71 x 137mm. However, the Galaxy S3 is thinner at 8.6mm against 9.1mm.
The Galaxy S3 is also a lighter device at 133g. Only a few grams heavier, the Nexus 4 weighs 139g.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Screen
These two phones have almost the same screen size. Google's Nexus 4 has a large 4.7in display while the Galaxy S3 has a minutely larger 4.8in screen. This difference is barely noticeable.
The Galaxy S3 uses Super AMOLED technology while the Nexus 4 uses an IPS display. It's Google's smartphone which has a higher resolution - 768 x 1280 giving a pixel density of 320ppi. Samsung uses a resolution of 720 x 1280 which over a slightly larger screen means the pixel density is lower at 306ppi. Both are high quality displays.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Processor and memory
Key internal components are also close in their specifications. The Nexus 4 has an impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. Samsung's Galaxy S3 uses its own Exynos 4 Quad 1.4GHz quad-core chip with 1GB of RAM.
In our GeekBench 2 tests it was the Nexus 4 which came out on top. It scored 2009 which is the highest we've seen from a smartphone to date. The Galaxy S3 managed a score of 1659.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Storage
It is the Galaxy S3 which offers better storage options with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB models. The Nexus 4 only comes in 8GB or 16GB models. Furthermore, the Galaxy S3 has a microSD card slot for up to an extra 64GB of storage.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Cameras
Both the Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3 have 8Mp rear facing cameras with the ability to record video in full HD 1080p. The Galaxy S3 does have a slightly better front facing camera though; it has a 1.9Mp lens while the Nexus 4's is 1.3Mp. Both shoot video at 720p.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Connectivity
The pair is close on connectivity with each offering Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, near-field communications (NFC), and wireless charging. The Nexus 4 doesn't come with 4G connectivity but Samsung has made a 4G LTE version of the Galaxy S3.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Software
Although both these smartphones run Google's Android operating system, the Nexus 4 is more up to date with Android, 4.2 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy S3 has been updated to 4.1 Jelly Bean. Until Samsung updates its handset again, the Nexus 4 will have some additional core features such as lock screen widgets, gesture typing and Photo Sphere.
However, Samsung provides some of its own features to Android which the Nexus 4 doesn't have via its TouchWiz overlay such as Direct Call, S Voice, Pop up play and Smart Alert. Google's phone uses the standard Android interface.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Google Nexus 4: Battery
Samsung and Google have fitted their smartphones with a 7.8Wh (2100mAh) battery. The difference is that the battery inside Galaxy S3 is removable but the Nexus 4's isn't accessible.
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