Android newbie asks: S3 or Nexus 4

[Telespielstube]

Hi folks,

I'm about to get a new handset soon. My problem is, I cannot decide which one. I toyed with the idea of getting a BB10 device, therefore I particpated at Crackberry for a few months, but I dismissed my plan after watching the launch event. iOS would be an option but I'm somehow tired of their eco-system. The make the long story short I want an Android phone. I had the chance to play with an Samsung Galaxy S3 for the last two days. Actually, there is another one I prefer namely the Nexus 4 just because the S3 is almost a year old and I heard a lot of praise on the Nexus 4. Still there are some points I need to know before I decide.
1. Headphones
does the Nexus 4 come with headphones?
2. Battery life
Despite of heavy use during the last 2 days the S3 lasts around 10 - 12 hours, ok this is very subjective but I read a few post on androidcentral about bad battery life of the Nexus 4.
3. Age
The Samsung is almost a year old, therefore cheaper than the Nexus, but the S4 is scheduled for March as I have read(disregarding the rumors of a postponed S4). According to this, and the frequency of updates for Android I think it is better to buy the latest phones on market, instead "old" ones. To make sure the phone is supported for the longest time possible. Let me know what you think, if it comes to Android you probably more versed than I.

 

[Lanhoj]

I've got both & personally I'd recommend the N4 - mainly because it's quad-core & is a Nexus.

As for your questions though,

Headphones - Nope
Battery Life - I get about 10hours from either
Age - If you want an "S", wait for the S4...but then in Fall 2013 there's a Nexus 5, so really it's always a "waiting game" but you can't ever go wrong when selecting a "flagship" from any OEM.

 

[xlDeMoNiClx]

1) For some reason they don't though it's not like the kind they would come with are expensive.

2) The battery life for both phones is pretty much the same, only difference is the N4 battery is non-removable so you can't carry around a spare. That might be something to think about

3) The N4 is still new of course and since it's a Nexus device you're guaranteed to get all the latest updates for a few years.

Overall, they're both very similar to each other except:

S3 screen is slightly bigger (not by much though), and has way more features, and a removable battery/expandable memory.

The N4 runs pure vanilla android, gets all the latest updates for a few years, and has an arguably better screen. Though the glass back has been known to crack for several reasons if you're the type that doesn't use a case.

 

[Telespielstube]

Thanks for the lightning fast replies. Tending more and more to the Nexus.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[xlDeMoNiClx]

Thanks for the lightning fast replies. Tending more and more to the Nexus.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Either one you choose will be a good choice. Both are high-end phones with excellent specs, performance, etc.

 

[Telespielstube]

Either one you choose will be a good choice. Both are high-end phones with excellent specs, performance, etc.

exactly, that's what it makes so difficult <--- 1st world problem

 

[xlDeMoNiClx]

exactly, that's what it makes so difficult <--- 1st world problem

haha Well i pointed out the differences between them so hopefully that will help.

Although in the S3's favor if you want its features but you also want the vanilla android it's apparently very easy to flash it onto the S3 so you get both. But I know nothing about all that so you'd have to check out the S3 Modding section.

 

[Telespielstube]

What features are these, the S4 has and the Nexus 4 has not? Except all the Samsung apps I immediately disabled after the first boot. Ok, granted SVoice is fun, but not mandatory for my daily use.

 

[Good OL MC]

Being able to split the screen for two app usage is really nifty. I love the idea that I could be browsing a web page while typing a message about the content of the page.

 

[Lanhoj]

Being able to split the screen for two app usage is really nifty.
...

There's Apps to do that also for non-S3/Note Users.

 

[qICEM4Np]

If I were you I would wait it out for the s4 but if you cant wait I would get the s3. Ive owned 2 lg smart phones and lets just say the experience was ...lackluster. The s3 will get better battery life than the n4. Plus I know many people who are having hardware issues with the front and back being made of glass on the n4. Basically get the s3 for decent battery and a smooth experience, get the n4 for the processor and a vanilla android experience that you can root and modify.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Android Central Forums

 

[Telespielstube]

I managed to borrow a Nexus 4 from a friend of mine. I'll get it tomorrow, this won't make the decision it easier, but more objectivefor my needs;-)

 

[return_0]

1. No.
2. I don't own an S3, but I'm pretty sure it has better battery life, but only slightly. Owning a Nexus 4, I would say the battery life isn't the best in the world, but it's still good and definitely easy to live with.
3. The N4 is more future-proof because of its updates (it's probably more future-proof than the upcoming S4), so age is definitely in the N4's favor. And if you're buying the phone unlocked, the N4 actually is significantly cheaper despite it being a newer phone. You can buy an N4 for $299-$349, and an unlocked S3 will set you back approximately $549 (I might be wrong, but I know it's somewhere in that region and definitely more expensive than the N4).

Long story short, both are great phones and, as always, it comes down to personal preference. I would definitely go with the N4 (and this isn't just because I own one), but it's your decision.

 

[Imnutsnj]

Why not try out the HTC DROID DNA IMHO it's the best phone on the market right now.

Sent from my Jelly Bean flavored HTC DROID DNA

 

[paul-c]

I feel like if the Nexus 4 was a little more expensive, it would have come with headphones. You usually see them in the box when you're buying an unlocked phone. I'm still kinda blown away by the price point, so I understand why they left them out.

Sent from my Motorola RAZR i

 

[GadgetgirL76]

Have you considered the Galaxy Note 2? It has a quad core processor and a very long battery life.

sent from my AT&T GN2

 

[PhilSterBoy]

There's Apps to do that also for non-S3/Note Users.

I have been looking for an app life that forever. Care to share the name of one?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[eve6er69]

I would pick the n4 because its different than everyones s3 you see.

But that's just me. Lol

Sent from my game boy color

 

[MNorby]

At this point would it be worth waiting at least a few weeks and see the s4 announcement? I am in same boat, in the market for a new phone and looking into same things.