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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Comments
sciaobelo said: Thumbs up
Matt Egan said: Fair comment Did you read the article
M.A. said: Poor video Nobody is watching the video to listen to a blunt spec comparison what I do care finding out is how they differ from a users point of view
Devin said: For the price you could but 2 Nexus versus one Samsung S3 and keep one as a back up Battery failure screen destroyed internal hardware malfunction no need to pay extra fees for repairreplacement But agreed while internal storage is a lot faster it will always be limited
abhi_murali said: Read your blog You talked a lot about 4G Did you ever made better use of 3G When was the last time you connected to 3G for continuous 30 minsPoints well noted about the depreciation of the productBy the way the handset will depreciate more than that but are you planning to use it or sell it after you buy it Most people will use it for at least an year or two before they upgrade so depreciation is not an issue for most people After two years you can get max 50 to 60 quid for any handsetCarphone can sell it for 500 or 1000 and thats their decisionthis might explain why they still have this product in stockThere are a lot of people who go and buy them as they have more money or simply love the gadget Now whether to buy it from Carphone Warehouse Talk Talkor wait for google that it absolutely your choice
Matt Egan said: 1 Why would we LIE2 The Nexus 4 is not able to support 4G Its a HSDPA handsetIf youre going to use emotive words such as LIE you should check your facts
Livestrong07 said: What are you talking about the Nexus 4G doesnt come with 4G connectivity That is a complete LIE in this article It absolutely does
Alejandro said: Dude it was just a typoHe gave me more useful info than the whole thing had given me
KingNizam said: it is mid Feb
A man said: And shipping in err Mid February
Matt Egan said: Never noticed any fragility at all Its plasticky but perfectly robust
G-Who 지후게 Own said: you realize the technical specs is listed for only one phone while this is a comparison reviewYou dont even label the set of specs to indicate it is for a certain phoneneglectful lazy confusing unprofessionaland no mention of fragility of the Nexus 4
Guest said: He is correct it isnt available from the Play Store if you want it now you can get it from other places just not the Play Store
Scorp888 said: One of the key issues missedSamsung Galaxy 24 month WarrantyNexus 4 12 month warrantyWhy dont LG think their phone will last more than 12 months
soo said: I nak beli 1 laboleh takhuhu tapi den tak ado duit lagihuwwarrrgggghhhh
420 said: Anyone notice the time on the lasts picture of the three Nexus 4s
Matt Egan said: Youre not alone Buy the Nexus 4 outright and its a great deal Only down side is mediocre storage
Jedrick Remonde said: ITS OUT NOW HAHA
susr said: I am thinking nexus instead of Samsung S4
Shahidsaroya said: Hello everyoneI bought S3 when it launched and it has not any So Called Gorila Glass coz it just droped from my hand on the floor and it got crashed and also got scraches Samsung is making fool all people if anybody wana see the proof just contact meShahid SaroyaCell 92-321-7732-177skype shahidsaroya