The iPhone 4 was announced in the summer of 2010, so it's only a couple of months younger than the iPad. So why compare it to a new smartphone such as the Nexus 4? One word: price.
If you are in the market for a new iOS smartphone, and you don't need to have the newest product, the iPhone 4 is the cheapest handset you can buy as new. You can pick up an unlocked iPhone from Apple for just £319 inc VAT. If you fancy moving over to an Android phone, however, slide over to Google Play and you can pick up the 8GB Nexus 4 for just £239 inc VAT. A 16GB model sets you back £279 inc VAT.
Two high-end smartphones, bought new for around £300. That's close enough to make for an interesting comparison - especially given that the newer phone is cheaper. Of course that is because Google is paying you to try Android, in effect, but that is an option for even the most dyed-in-the-wool iPhone user who is looking for a new handset. (See also: Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4S smartphone comparison review.)
Here then is our Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4 smartphone comparison review. Read on to find out which is the best smartphone.
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Design and build
The Nexus 4 is as really well-built Android smartphone. The screen sits neatly flush to the bezel, the microSIM card tray slots in perfectly with no gaps and the buttons have a smooth action.
But it is easy to forget just how stunning the iPhone 4's build and design seemed when it first launched. Following the relatively lacklustre and curvy iPhone 3GS the iPhone 4 is a dense slab with square edges. Perfectly weighted it feels solid in the hand and led the way in design terms for many of the high-end phones that have followed. As ever with Apple phones, supreme build quality is a given.
The Nexus 4 is thin and light at 9.1mm and 139g. It feels great in the hand, like a smartphone that costs twice the price. There's a silver bezel around the 4.7in screen and on the back a glossy finish flat back with a matrix of tiny silver dots, each reflecting the light at different angles. The glossy finish can be quite slippery, but between the front and back of the phone is a frame with a grippy rubbery finish. There's no removable cover, and the microSIM card tray is located on the side.
The iPhone 4 weighs in at 137g, and measures 115x59x9mm, so it is thinner and lighter than the Nexus 4 - meanwhile aesthetic design touches make the iPhone 4 stand out. The overall design screams elegance - from the rounded, individual volume up and down buttons, to the ring/silent switch and the power/sleep button up top. The face and back are made of glass and the side edging is aluminum.
The buttons are nice, requiring firm pressure to activate and they give a pleasant response under your fingers. They also have subtle + and - symbols engraved in them, letting you identify them by feel.
Two beautiful, well-designed phones, and the iPhone 4 feels in no way dated.
Google Nexus 4 video review
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Hardware and performance
Inside the Nexus 4 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, a quad-core chip clocked at a healthy 1.5GHz. Like a lot of the latest high-end smartphones, there's 2GB of RAM. This is impressive both on paper and in our benchmarks.
The Nexus 4 set a new record in the GeekBench 2 real-world performance test. It is the first smartphone to score over 2,000 points with an average of 2009. In the SunSpider JavaScript benchmark the Nexus 4 set only a solid score of 1.9. However, we didn't find web browsing felt slow at all. On the graphics side of things the Nexus 4 managed an iPhone 5-matching frame rate of 39fps in GLBenchmark – effectively the peak of this test.
Here the iPhone 4 can't compete. How could it ? Technology moves on and this is a three-year-old phone.
As befits a smartphone that first launched in late 2010 the iPhone 4 uses a single core Apple A4 chip and just 512MB RAM. At the time it launched it was a noticeably fast operater, but its GeekBench score is in the high 300s: much slower than the Nexus 4. The iPhone 4's SunSpider score is also much slower, at 3.5. We haven't got a graphics framerate, but you can expect a similar drop off.
The bottom line is that the Nexus 4 trounces the iPhone 4 on performance. It matches the iPhone 5 on the benchmarks, and the iPhone 4 is two iterations older. But if it is total performance you are after you wouldn't be looking at an older iPhone, and in general use the iPhone 4 is a perfectly capable performer.
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Display
The Nexus 4's 4.7in display has a resolution of 768 x 1280, giving it a pixel density of 318ppi. The iPhone 4 trumps that pixel density with the original 326ppi Retina display. Its 3.5in 640x960 resolution display is so fine, you simply cannot see the LCD dots.
The Nexus 4's larger screen is no slouch, however, and looks stunning with excellent contrast, rich colours and detail. We found it performed particularly well and better than most when outdoors in sunlight. Viewing angles are incredible too, thanks to the in-plane switching (IPS) panel.
Apple iPhone 4 review
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Storage and connectivity
Storage is the biggest downfall of the Nexus 4, but it is also another area in which the now elderly iPhone 4 fails in comparison to newer rivals. Google only offers 8GB and 16GB models with no microSD card slot.
You also need to bear in mind that not all of this capacity will be available since the operating system and pre-loaded apps inevitably require a chunk of it. Our 16GB sample had around 13GB free. The iPhone 4 also allows no storage expansion, and now comes with only 8GB onboard storage as standard. In both cases you are encourage to host your media in the cloud.
Both the Nexus 4 and iPhone 4 are jammed with connectivity including dual-band Wi-Fi, 3G cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth 4.0. The Nexus 4 also offers an NFC (near-field communications) chip and wireless charging, and you can connect that handset to an external display a SlimPort HDMI adapter. There's no support for 4G with either phone.
Both have 3.5mm headphone jacks, but while the Nexus 4 charges from standard micro-USB, the iPhone 4 connects via a now outdated proprietary Apple connector (for which you can at least buy plenty of sound bars and speaker docks).
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Camera
The Nexus 4 and iPhone 4 sport similar, dual camera setups. The Nexus 4's rear-facing snapper has an 8Mp sensor, shooting up to 3264x2448-pixel shots. It offers autofocus and an LED flash, as well as high-end camera features such as touch focus and geo-tagging. You can capture video at up to 1080p at 30fps, too.
The iPhone 4's rear-facing camera gives admirable results when used for snapping hi-res stills, or taking HD video. Still images are bright and finely detailed at their new-found 5Mp (2592x1936-pixel) resolution. Zoom in to actual size and you'll see a little JPEG noise – but this kind of microscopic nit-picking is normally reserved for a review of a dedicated camera. A white LED flash helps indoor shots, with simple on/off/auto switching overlayed on the full-screen viewfinder. You can even switch to the video VGA camera here for easy group self-portraits.
But video recording is even better. We tried the video camera on the Thames boat-trip with some moving-water shoots, tortuous scenery to capture accurately, and the MPEG-4 compression engine took the challenge by recording sharp high-definition film with no motion artefacts whatsoever.
The iPhone 4 and Nexus 4 also both offer lesser, front-facing cameras for video calling.
Neither phone will replace your SLR, but both have excellent smartphone cameras, and remove the requirement for you to carry a seperate compact camera. The Nexus 4 just about edges it here, but it's not a deal breaker.
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: Price
We don't normally give price its own section within a review but the Nexus 4 deserves it. At £239 for 8GB and £279 for 16GB, it's no wonder the Nexus 4 is so often sold out on the Google Play Store.
Getting a phone free on a contract is nice and normally necessary to get your hands on a top-flight smartphone without your bank balance taking a serious hit. The Nexus 4 is a game changer in the sense that it allows consumers to get a high-end smartphone for an affordable price minus the contrast of a lengthy contract. Therefore, you can select a SIM-only deal to suit your needs which can be changed almost whenever you like.
The iPhone 4 is a bit of a bargain, too, although it pales into insignificance alongside the Nexus 4. The iPhone 4 costs £319 direct from Apple. This may seem expensive, but it's actually perfectly fair for a high-end smartphone. Indeed, the test scores and features of the iPhone 4 make it a good buy today (where it was a great buy in mid 2010). The problem for the iPhone is that Google is subsidising its Nexus devices in order to gain market share for Android, which makes all other smartphones look expensive by comparison. It's the Nexus that is out of step with the market (in a good way), not the iPhone.
Nexus 4 vs iPhone 4: verdict
On the face of it there is simply no choice: the Nexus 4 is the best deal on the smartphone market right now, and the iPhone 4 has been superceded by the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. That is all true, and we heartily recommend the Nexus 4. It is a staggering deal. But there is still some merit in choosing the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 holds its own against almost any phone on the market other than the iPhone 5, Nexus 4, the more recent Samsung Galaxy phones, the Xperia Z, HTC One X+ and the high-end Windows Phone 8 handsets.
And if you have an older iPhone, and have purchased lots of apps, changing to the Nexus 4 will hold the hidden cost of replacing your apps - as well as potentially buying new cases, speaker docks and accessories. The Nexus 4 is in short supply, too. You may have to wait a while to take advantage of its low price. Finally, the Nexus 4 is only a great deal if you buy the handset outright and source a SIM separately. We've yet to see a good contract deal for the Google phone. But if you want to be on a contract, or simply cannot afford to buy your handset up front, there are plenty of good contract deals for the iPhone 4.
Comments
Matt Egan said: Ha Ill try to use short words
Brian Smith said: I appreciate you taking the time to respond to all my comments and I apologize if I sounded a little snarky at first I get frustrated with reviewers who make blanket statements without any proof to back them up You are correct it is unlikely that Google is making any money on the hardware however I continue to wonder if they are selling it at cost rather than taking a loss and that other companies are making a large not 100 profit shrug Either way I appreciate the time youve spent responding Also it makes me laugh how narrow these comment text blocks have become D
Matt Egan said: Actually youre quite right I stand corrected Its the Nexus 7 for which there are multiple teardowncost analysis pieces They show the components for that device cost virtually the same as the retail price But LG wanted to sell the Nexus 4 for around 480 - or twice the price for which Google sells it When you compare it spec for spec with similar devices only two explanations are possible either all other handset makers are scalping the public and making 100 margin or Google is subsidising the Nexus devices The problem for Android is that it has lots of users but they spend relatively little money on apps or media Its why publishers still choose iOS first even despite the painful submission process Its changing principally because the best Android devices are now at least as good as the iPhone and iPad and often cheaper But Google would love to accelerate the process - its why they are the launch products for the new media apps The Nexus devices also showcase Android - pushing hardware makers to up their game like Microsoft getting into the hardware game with the Surface Pro Its great for the consumer inexpensive products an improving Android platform
Brian Smith said: Can I get a link to any of the tear downs that contain component cost estimates I have been unable to find any and since you have read multiple Id really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction One other thing I would like to point out is your statement that Google is subsidizing the phone in order to gain market share for Android The last reports I read stated that Android holds over 50 of the US smart phone market and over 60 of the world market The trends also show the Android market share is increasing at a steady pace Seems like Google and Android are doing fine without subsidizing anything Also I am in no way saying that you arecriticizing Google What I am saying is that there is little evidence to support some of your statements unless you can point out what I missed
Matt Egan said: I have no negative view of Yahoo Blogs and havent said that I do Multiple tear downs of all the Nexus products have shown that the cost to consumers is roughly the same as the cost of the components So once construction logistics and marketing are taken into account Google is losing money in each device Its why it sells them only direct or charges telcos a fortune to sell them on contract Thats in no way a criticism of Google they are giving the customer a great deal in the hope of converting users from other platforms generating revenue via apps and media sales
Brian Smith said: True Theyre also doing it for the good publicity Saying you cant make a phone that cheap and my experience of being an adult in a human world tells me is not proof I love how your statement makes it clear how you feel about Yahoo blogs and yet they manage to cite credible sources I fail to see any sources cited in your article related to the production costs of a Nexus 4 While this is an opinion piece items relayed as fact should be researched Just assuming you cant make a phone that cheap because of your experience of being an adult in a human world makes you appear lazy at best and a writer to be ignored You may wish to start taking notes from Yahoo blogs
Matt Egan said: Wow Insightful
Matt Egan said: Yahoo blogs notwithstanding my experience of being an adult in a human world tells me that LG is making the Nexus 4 for reasons other than its love of Google
Ray said: The author is using an elaborate scheme to keep the iPhone relevant by including it in the same sentence with the Nexus 4 so that when people search Nexus 4 they end up reading about the iPhone as well If Matt Egan knew anything about smartphones other than what he had pulled from Google search he would not compare those two devices You will never see Motor Trend comparing a Lamborghini Murcielago to a Honda Accord and it does not take a rocket scientist to see whyPathetic
Ray said: The iDevice does not deserve to be included in the same sentence as theAlmighty Nexus 4The iDevice is a joke Its a portable vending machine for adults Apples iPhone Insert coin to use
NickFerro said: An iPhone costs 167 to make httpnewsyahoocomblogste I still dont see how you can claim that google subsidizes its phones Sure they wont make a whole lot of money as Apple does but they are not at loss
happyfunball said: Why not mention performance How fast do web pages load on these phones which one is faster How about games which one is fasterI dont care about hardware or benchmarks I care about real-world usage
Matt Egan said: Should now be fixed I think I was having a brainstorm Time for a weekend I think Thanks again for pointing out my msitakes
Matt Egan said: Whos criticising The Nexus 4 is the best deal in the market Thanks Google
Toe-B said: It dosent bother me that your website is subsidized by Amazon selling Samsung phones or the Samsung ads themselves as you criticize Google for subsidizing their phoneThe only time I care if a phone is subsidized is when the carriersubsidizes my free or low upfront cost state of the art smartphone by forcing me into a contract for 24months
Matt Egan said: Point one you cant make a phone that cheap with those components Points two and three sloppy editing which Ill sort out Thanks for the heads up
NickFerro said: i am completely confused by the imprecision in this review To start 1 Its all to be demonstrated that Google subsidizes the Nexus 4 so it would be good to substantiate the comment 2 The iPhone 4 doesnt come with a dual core A5 but with an older generation single core A4 which also uses an older arm design It is the iPhone 4S to come with the A5 3 Are you reviewing the iPhone 4 or 4S You casually use on or the other when in fact they are very different phones coming at very different prices