Google latest smartphone is the Nexus 4 by LG but how does it compare to Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini? We’ll look at the differences in our Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini comparison review.
The Galaxy S3 Mini and Nexus 4 both come with a mid-range price tag so are definitely worth a PC Advisor comparison review. We'll compare these two smartphones in-depth to answer this question. Group test: what's the best Android phone?
We'll go through the price and specifications of each handset, comparing them section by section. See also: Group test: What's the best smartphone?
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Price
These two smartphones sit in the mid-range price bracket. The Nexus 4 is the cheaper of the two at £239 for the 8GB model and £279 for 16GB. Samsung's Galaxy S3 Mini costs £310 for the 8GB model from Clove.
The price difference is an important thing to keep in mind when comparing the features and specifications of the two rival smartphones. See also: Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Galaxy S3 Mini comparison review.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Dimensions
The Galaxy S3 Mini and LG Nexus 4 are similar sized smartphones. The S3 Mini is the smaller of the two at 63 x 122mm compared to 69 x 134mm. However, the Nexus 4 is thinner at 9.1mm against 9.6mm.
If weight is important to you, then the Galaxy S3 Mini is lighter handset at 112g. The Nexus 4 only weighs a little bit more, though – 139g.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Screen
Google's Nexus 4 has a large 4.7in display while the Galaxy S3 Mini sports an iPhone 5 matching 4in screen. At this size, the Galaxy S3 Mini's name doesn't describe it very accurately but it's mini in comparison to the Galaxy S3.
Samsung uses a Super AMOLED display for the GS3 Mini and Google an IPS display. The key factor for us is the resolution, though.
The Nexus 4 uses a high resolution of 768 x 1280 giving a pixel density of 320ppi. In comparison the Galaxy S3 Mini is lagging behind with pixel density of just 223ppi from its 480 x 800 resolution. It doesn't look good for Samsung considering the S3 Mini is more expensive.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Processor and memory
The Nexus 4 continues to make the Galaxy S3 Mini look quite silly when you look at the processor and memory on offer.
Samsung has opted for a 1GHz dual-core chip and 1GB of RAM which the Nexus 4 easily trumps with its impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Storage
The two handsets are tied when it comes to internal storage with either 8GB or 16GB models on offer. However, the Galaxy S3 Mini's microSD card slot means a win over the Nexus 4. It means you can add up to an extra 32GB of storage.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Cameras
The Nexus 4 is back to winning when it comes to cameras. It has an 8Mp rear facing camera rear facing camera with the ability to record video in full HD 1080p while the Galaxy S3 Mini has an inferior 5Mp which can shoot video at 720p.
The Galaxy S3 Mini also has a front facing camera worse than Nexus 4's. Its VGA quality (0.3Mp) camera can't compete with the Nexus 4's 1.3Mp lens.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Connectivity
The pair are close on connectivity with each offering 3G, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and near-field communications (NFC). However, the Nexus 4 adds in wireless charging.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: 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 Mini ships with 4.1 Jelly Bean. Until Samsung updates its handset, the Nexus 4 will have some additional features such as lock screen widgets, gesture typing and Photo Sphere.
However, Google's phone uses the stock, aka vanilla, Android while Samsung adds its own TouchWiz overlay. Samsung adds some its own features to Android which the Nexus 4 doesn't have. These include Direct Call, S Voice, Pop up play and Smart Alert.
Google LG Nexus 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini: Battery
Samsung has fitted the Galaxy S3 Mini with a 5.6Wh (1500mAh) battery, while the Nexus 4 has an proportionally larger 7.8Wh (2100mAh) battery. The other difference is that the battery inside Galaxy S3 Mini is removable but not with the Nexus 4.
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Comments
Sudhi916 said: definitely 50 of the people choose phone by putting a budget first and the best available configuration in that budgetso definitely a good reviewthanks
Alexis San Diego said: The basis in this review is the price
hawaiiinsomniac said: Thanks for this article Ive been debating between the two and Im going to wait for the Nexus 4 well as soon as its available grumble grumble
Frank said: Many will say what an idiots comparing high end phone with middle range phone PRICE that answers all Why would you pay more and get lessUnless you have an allergy do 30g weight and couple mm in phones lengthEnd ofdiscussion Its like you would be given chance to choose between stock car without any adds on withmanually opening windows or fully loaded model at lower price Kinda easy choice It will beadequate to makecomparisonwith iphone 5 and s3 when they will cost under 300The only problem I see is Googlessubconscious or conscious stock management
Chris Hamilton said: The most stupid comparison review Ive seen Yes the Nexus cost less but Google are selling this at a loss and you cant even buy it via their website You try and buy that phone from a regular retailer and the price jumps by at least 100 The Nexus isnt even mid range It is suppose to compete with the Galaxy S3 not mini If you had compared the Mini to say the Desire X then I would of had more respect for the article
Idoit said: Actually just the comparison I was looking for given the comparable form factor and priceWhat an idoit I am
Bobbybiscuit10 said: Yeah isnt expected till mid February by someone whos clearly just guessing He pulled mid February from nowhere and had no evidence to back up his claimAs for the review the Nexus 4 is clearly mid range based on price alone All other factors considered its a high-end piece of kit Shame then that google have completely bungled the launch of this phone as no-one can currently by the the blasted thing at the RRP Hopefully google will sort this long before February
Chapel Tandel said: Nexus 4 isnt expected in stock till mid Feb -nexus4hypeblogspotcom
Matt Egan said: I tend to agree - unless you are wedded to Samsungs software or expandable storage is critical to you But not everyone would understand that and if you go to a high-street phone store there is no telling which handset they will try to push you toward
Derp said: Moron alert Why are we comparing these phones Price Thats whyThat said who would seriously buy an S3 Mini with a Nexus 4 floating around Unless youre blindfolded the choice is 100 percent obvious
Chris Martin said: The price is the reason we are comparing these phones Simple
Matt Egan said: Or two Android phones with relatively similar prices Which would you choose
Matt Egan said: Without wishing to speak for the author heres one good reason the flagship Nexus 4 costs about 60 less than the S3 mini
Rocabyerah said: This is by far the most useless review I have ever seen of any two phones wtf are you comparing a flagship phone to a mini
Idoitseverywhere said: Full vs Miniwhat an idiot