Nexus 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini...

[xchange]

That seems awfully subjective though. My BF has the Samsung camera and has never used any features that are not also on the nexus. By contrast, I have used things like Photosphere though.

When people ask me "which is the best camera" I generally assume they mean either photo quality or ease of use. Not filters or stuff like that.


If you just want to defer to their opinions though, thats fine. But the actual photos I have seen from the nexus 5 match or exceed anything else I have seen on other high end cameras.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/at...s-5-camera-photos-videos-thoughts-compare.png

(Nexus 5 top, HTC One bottom)
http://forums.androidcentral.com/at...us-5-camera-photos-videos-thoughts-one-vs.jpg

These are both from images on actual AC articles.


I am still waiting to hear why. So far I have not seen specific reasons for this.

1080p display. Snapdragon 800 CPU. An obviously great camera. Vanilla Android and the fast updates that go with it.




Source? My own experience says otherwise.

I have used all the current high end phones. None of them are as smooth as the nexus IMO.

Love to debate this with you, but that horse is so dead it's glue. Suffice to say, you've already quantified your response by saying it's your own experience and your own opinion (thank you for clarifying that btw), so I'll respond with the same, in that my source is as good as your source: it's me. But just as far as the camera goes, I never engage in camera shootouts using comparison images on a forum because nobody ever uses an expensive professional grade high end dedicated camera to take baseline photos. If I want camera opinions I go to professional photographers. If you hunt around you'll eventually figure out which are the most reputable and some of them have sections for smartphone cameras.

For your reading pleasure: Introduction: Camera review: Google turns its attention to imaging on new Nexus 5: Connect

 

[EnigmaticPsychotic]

I'd recommend the moto x, lg g2, Xperia z1, HTC One, and Note 3. All are of a higher quality than your s4 mini or the Nexus 5. The nexus 5 is priced lower but it shows

See, now I've had hands on with nearly all of those and I just simply don't that being true. All fantastic devices, but the Nexus 5 stands above those to me.

 

[xchange]

See, now I've had hands on with nearly all of those and I just simply don't that being true. All fantastic devices, but the Nexus 5 stands above those to me.

Same here and I feel differently. I already made it clear that's my opinion, I wasn't presenting it as fact even though the AC reviews do tend to mirror my own thoughts on the subject.

 

[srkmagnus]

My suggestion is always the same: Get the device that fits your needs and wants. Both are great phones and I personally don't think you can go wrong with one over the other. Yes, both will have their own advantages as well as disadvantages. The thing to consider is if the device fits you.

 

[mattjopete]

Don't count out the Moto X just because it has "Last year's specs" Its a phenominal phone. My wife got one as part of the black friday deal ( which made it the same price as my N5). The phone is smaller than the N5 (closer to the S4 Mini that you have now)
The display is much more saturated (a bit over saturated to me) compared to the N5.
I love the Active Display... its truly amazing. Battery life on the phone is great My wife got 4 hours of screen usage and had 40% battery remaining one day last week.
The camera isn't great, but its probably better than the S4 Mini and the camera launch action (double twist your wrist) is really smooth and works well.

The stuff that phone has over stock android is great and it works every time. Using the phone constantly brings smiles to her face because it just works, and it works really well.

BTW she came from a Evo 4g LTE which was only a little more than a year old.

 

[LegalAmerican]

Same here and I feel differently. I already made it clear that's my opinion, I wasn't presenting it as fact even though the AC reviews do tend to mirror my own thoughts on the subject.

I agree with a lot of what you said. And honestly, if Nexus owners can't admit that corners ARE cut in order to keep costs down, they're kidding themselves.

I must make a few additional points however. I found myself wanting the Photosphere capability on the Nexus 4, so when I got the Nexus 5 that was a huge reason I went for it. So I wouldn't necessarily say that Nexus phones have no additional software features. I also have to point out that when Samsung puts features into a phone, everyone laughs and says they're all "gimmicks". But then Google releases a Nexus with very few additional features, and people knock them for it. It's interesting to see how that works I think.

For my own personal reasons, I would say the Nexus 5 is better than the Moto X. However the Moto X would be my second choice. I do believe the Note 3, G2, and HTC One are better (no experience with the Experia) but the cost didn't justify the differences to me. To get what you do in the Nexus 5 for that price was just too good to pass up. I would think the Moto X was better but i've fallen in love with the Nexus 5 screen.

 

[JeffDenver]

Yeah for the camera side I'm a spur of the moment snapper and it's good to know that focus has improved which stalled my purchase a month back. My camera I wouldn't say was anything special on the mini despite the extra features.

Even with the update, the Nexus camera is not "fast". Just acceptable. The GS3 takes faster pictures. But the Nexus very good quality for the speed it works at.

 

[JeffDenver]

If I want camera opinions I go to professional photographers.

A professional photographer will never be able to tell you what you prefer. Thats why I like photo samples on sites like this. You can see the pictures other people are taking with the actual hardware and decide for yourself if it is good or bad. I especially liked the AC articles because they posted direct comparisons using the same image.

 

[JeffDenver]

For your reading pleasure: Introduction: Camera review: Google turns its attention to imaging on new Nexus 5: Connect

It's worth noting that that review dates before the 4.4.2 update that fixed a lot of Nexus camera issues. This includes fixes for shutter lag, dropped frames in video, Focusing issues, and color imbalances.

 

[xchange]

A professional photographer will never be able to tell you what you prefer. Thats why I like photo samples on sites like this. You can see the pictures other people are taking with the actual hardware and decide for yourself if it is good or bad. I especially liked the AC articles because they posted direct comparisons using the same image.

But with no high quality baseline to reference from you can't objectively judge which phone is oversaturating, showing truest color representation and a bunch of other points. I'm sorry but I don't understand your logic in claiming amateur photos are a better sampling than what a more experienced photographer can show me either. That makes no sense at all. It doesn't matter what you "prefer", it's about which camera takes better photos.

It's worth noting that that review dates before the 4.4.2 update that fixed a lot of Nexus camera issues. This includes fixes for shutter lag, dropped frames in video, Focusing issues, and color imbalances.

I believe I pointed out in that post that the review was in fact updated to reflect the software update changes.

Just for clarity, the 4.4.2 update is inclusive of the camera software update plus some other software/bug fixes. The change to the way the camera now performs is the same as 4.4.1 so the article is still valid.

 

[JeffDenver]

But with no high quality baseline to reference from you can't objectively judge which phone is oversaturating, showing truest color representation and a bunch of other points. I'm sorry but I don't understand your logic in claiming amateur photos are a better sampling than what a more experienced photographer can show me either.

Because the most experienced photographer in the world cannot tell you what you like. No one is expert enough to do that.

That makes no sense at all. It doesn't matter what you "prefer", it's about which camera takes better photos.

"Better" is subjective. You can go by specs (shutter speed, color accuracy, ect...) but no phone is the best at everything. For me it is quality, and for quality, sample shots tell me a lot, even when taken by ametures.

Besides, it is not like anyone is buying a camera phone to take professional photos anyway.

Just for clarity, the 4.4.2 update is inclusive of the camera software update plus some other software/bug fixes. The change to the way the camera now performs is the same as 4.4.1 so the article is still valid.

The article is specifically complaining about speed, which has obviously been addressed in 4.4.2. So either the article was not updated or the author is incompetent IMO.

Examples:

"Slow camera start time and long shutter lag"
"Focus pumping a serious problem in video recording"

and also

"[Note: See our report on the Android 4.4.1 update for details about how it improves operational speed.]" - Conclusion & Gallery: Camera review: Google turns its attention to imaging on new Nexus 5: Connect

So no, it does not include the 4.4.2 update, so it is not really up to date. Much of the stuff he is complaining about is clearly no longer an issue. There is no startup lag or focus problems now for me.

 

[LegalAmerican]

But with no high quality baseline to reference from you can't objectively judge which phone is oversaturating, showing truest color representation and a bunch of other points. I'm sorry but I don't understand your logic in claiming amateur photos are a better sampling than what a more experienced photographer can show me either. That makes no sense at all. It doesn't matter what you "prefer", it's about which camera takes better photos.

.

What if a camera that is so high tech takes terrible photos when the settings aren't just right, but a pro photographer can pick it up, make adjustments with it, and blow your mind with the results. Then there's another camera, that takes better looking photos with little to no adjustments can only be optimized so much even by a pro?

Personally, I would prefer the camera that requires less optimization and still takes great looking photos. Even though if a pro did comparison shots, the more advanced camera would obviously look much better. I am not a pro photographer nor do I expect professional photography out of a cell phone camera. I want to see what the camera can do in the hands of an amateur like myself, as that will always be more similar to the results that I will see.

 

[xchange]

Because the most experienced photographer in the world cannot tell you what you like. No one is expert enough to do that.

If I'm holding one of the top rated DSLR's in one hand and a plastic disposable in the other, but I like crappy disposables better, that means crappy disposables are better according to your logic.

"Better" is subjective. You can go by specs (shutter speed, color accuracy, ect...) but no phone is the best at everything. For me it is quality, and for quality, sample shots tell me a lot, even when taken by ametures.

Besides, it is not like anyone is buying a camera phone to take professional photos anyway.

Never said anyone was, so I'm not sure where that's coming from. And better isn't really subjective if we're talking overall, which clearly we are, (or at least should be). I never mentioned anyone one specific feature, nor did I say the N5 quality was "bad". Just average.

The article is specifically complaining about speed, which has obviously been addressed in 4.4.2. So either the article was not updated or the author is incompetent IMO.

A lot more qualified than you are so you'll forgive me if I think you're being a a pot calling a kettle black here.

So no, it does not include the 4.4.2 update, so it is not really up to date. Much of the stuff he is complaining about is clearly no longer an issue. There is no startup lag or focus problems now for me.

You're not listening. Those changes were all included in 4.4.1

 

[xchange]

What if a camera that is so high tech takes terrible photos when the settings aren't just right, but a pro photographer can pick it up, make adjustments with it, and blow your mind with the results. Then there's another camera, that takes better looking photos with little to no adjustments can only be optimized so much even by a pro?

Personally, I would prefer the camera that requires less optimization and still takes great looking photos. Even though if a pro did comparison shots, the more advanced camera would obviously look much better. I am not a pro photographer nor do I expect professional photography out of a cell phone camera. I want to see what the camera can do in the hands of an amateur like myself, as that will always be more similar to the results that I will see.

I'm not disagreeing, but then again I never made an argument about that in the first place

 

[gidgiddonihah]

In my opinion if you have the money go for it! The camera is improved enough it trumps everything other than the current flagships. Even then it comes very close. For the price... After 2 weeks conditioning the battery I am getting pretty darn good battery life and it charges extremely fast.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[LegalAmerican]

I'm not disagreeing, but then again I never made an argument about that in the first place

That's what it seems you're saying to Jeff. Who cares what a pro photographer says if he's basing his opinion solely on the results that we amateur photographers will never achieve? My uncle is a photographer and if I based my decisions on his opinions, I'd end up buying a $1500.00 camera that I couldn't learn how to use.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[xchange]

That's what it seems you're saying to Jeff. Who cares what a pro photographer says if he's basing his opinion solely on the results that we amateur photographers will never achieve? My uncle is a photographer and if I based my decisions on his opinions, I'd end up buying a $1500.00 camera that I couldn't learn how to use.

Posted via Android Central App

Nope that's not what I was saying. The photographer based his review on regular usage.

 

[LegalAmerican]

Nope that's not what I was saying. The photographer based his review on regular usage.

You said the following to Jeff: "I don't understand your logic in claiming amateur photos are a better sampling than what a more experienced photographer can show me either."

So at that time, you're saying that you'd prefer the sampling that a pro photographer can show you, and now you're saying that the pro photographer was basing his review on regular usage. So I guess what it comes down to, is the difference in what you consider "regular usage". I personally do not consider professional photography to be "regular usage" because in my world, it wouldn't be what I could ever dream of reproducing using my camera.

I'm not trying to split hairs, but I am trying to understand why you think it's so important that a pro could get great images off either camera, but might have a slight edge with one over the other. Who cares what he can do with it if you yourself could never recreate the same quality in your own photography? I think that's why the vast majority of owners would prefer the smartphone camera that will take pretty darn good shots with just auto settings or very little adjustments.

 

[xchange]

You said the following to Jeff: "I don't understand your logic in claiming amateur photos are a better sampling than what a more experienced photographer can show me either."

So at that time, you're saying that you'd prefer the sampling that a pro photographer can show you, and now you're saying that the pro photographer was basing his review on regular usage. So I guess what it comes down to, is the difference in what you consider "regular usage". I personally do not consider professional photography to be "regular usage" because in my world, it wouldn't be what I could ever dream of reproducing using my camera.

I'm not trying to split hairs, but I am trying to understand why you think it's so important that a pro could get great images off either camera, but might have a slight edge with one over the other. Who cares what he can do with it if you yourself could never recreate the same quality in your own photography? I think that's why the vast majority of owners would prefer the smartphone camera that will take pretty darn good shots with just auto settings or very little adjustments.

I understand that you're not trying to split hairs but you said it

It basically boils down to this - I'll take the word on how a smartphone camera performs from a reviewer on a trusted photography website over what someone like me or you has to say. Understand that dpreview isn't a professional-only club, it's a photography enthusiast site, not an exclusive club for only professional photographers. That's pretty much all I'm driving at here. I think the confusion is that you're saying that I consider professional photography regular usage. I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying the reviewer took photos like you or I would, snapping them using the regular automatic settings without using advanced settings or techniques, and that I consider that site a better photography authority than us when it comes to grading camera performance/quality. Look at it this way - I'm going to use the tired old car analogy we all beat to death around here. If I'm looking at how the steering and handling is on a car, I'll trust what the guys at Edmunds have to say about it over what forum members of a site called 'Car Central' have to say. That doesn't mean that the reviewer at Edmunds drove the car like a professional Formula 1 driver in order to write the review even if he is a pro Formula 1 driver. Hope that clears things up.

 

[mrsmumbles]

I understand that you're not trying to split hairs but you said it

It basically boils down to this - I'll take the word on how a smartphone camera performs from a reviewer on a trusted photography website over what someone like me or you has to say. Understand that dpreview isn't a professional-only club, it's a photography enthusiast site, not an exclusive club for only professional photographers. That's pretty much all I'm driving at here. I think the confusion is that you're saying that I consider professional photography regular usage. I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying the reviewer took photos like you or I would, snapping them using the regular automatic settings without using advanced settings or techniques, and that I consider that site a better photography authority than us when it comes to grading camera performance/quality. Look at it this way - I'm going to use the tired old car analogy we all beat to death around here. If I'm looking at how the steering and handling is on a car, I'll trust what the guys at Edmunds have to say about it over what forum members of a site called 'Car Central' have to say. That doesn't mean that the reviewer at Edmunds drove the car like a professional Formula 1 driver in order to write the review even if he is a pro Formula 1 driver. Hope that clears things up.

In that case, it was just posted that a professional photography site just rated the Nexus 5 at the TOP, along with the Lumia, over every other smartphone now out.

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