Nexus S compared to mytouch 4G

[ch_vs]

Hi guys, I know its early and more facts and reviews will come up soon. But based on what is out there today how do the Nexus S compare to the mytouch 4G. The nexus s is described as a true google phone. Personally I'm set on buying the mytouch 4g over the nexus s just because of the memory card support that the mytouch has and the nexus lacks (also I keep reading the nexus s will not support tmobile's new "4G" HSPA+ network). Even if the nexus s ends up supporting the 4G network, I'm still leaning towards the mytouch 4G. Am I making a mistake?

I'm a blackberry user (storm 2 on tmo) ready to make the jump and think that between the G2, the mytouch 4g and what we know so far from the nexus s, the mytouch 4G looks superior. Am I wrong?

 

[onthecouchagain]

Hi guys, I know its early and more facts and reviews will come up soon. But based on what is out there today how do the Nexus S compare to the mytouch 4G. The nexus s is described as a true google phone. Personally I'm set on buying the mytouch 4g over the nexus s just because of the memory card support that the mytouch has and the nexus lacks (also I keep reading the nexus s will not support tmobile's new "4G" HSPA+ network). Even if the nexus s ends up supporting the 4G network, I'm still leaning towards the mytouch 4G. Am I making a mistake?

I'm a blackberry user (storm 2 on tmo) ready to make the jump and think that between the G2, the mytouch 4g and what we know so far from the nexus s, the mytouch 4G looks superior. Am I wrong?

How did you get a Storm 2 to run on Tmobile?

As for your concern, no one can tell you what to do. It's a matter of how important what features are to you. The Nexus S, in its current factor, will not support HSPA+ (no way, no how. The hardware, namely the processor, simply can't), while the mytouch 4G can. This may prove a big factor going into 2011 considering all carriers are pushing for "4G' as the staple. However, if direct and clean (meaning no skins or bloatware from carriers, in your case Tmobile) is more important than internet speeds, the Nexus S will be the better choice, as you can expect Google (not Samsung) to continuously support and update the Nexus S well into 2011, and likely beyond.

Other things to factor include how much you plan to put on your phone in terms of music, pictures, movies, apps, etc. The Nexus S has only 16 GB storage, and at least 2 or 3 GBs of that will go to the operating system (so really only 13-14 GBs). The Nexus S does not have an expandable SD card slot. How important is recording HD video in 720p for you? The Nexus S only records in 480p (though many say this will change in future software updates - unconfirmed).

It's a matter of what you want. If say dual-core phones are what you seek, it may be worth waiting a couple of months to see what Jan/February brings about. Yes, you might hear technology changes at breakneck speeds, but Jan/Feb are only a month or two away. It may be worth the wait. Those phones may set the standard for 2011.

Sadly, that's what Nexus S should've done first. Read the other threads about Nexus S. I talk about how I don't feel Google/Sammy should get away with rushing us a Nexus branded phone. However, to some people, direct and immediate Android updates are worth getting the Nexus S alone.

 

[ch_vs]

Thanks onthecouchagain. Very insightful and on the point. I'm new to the android community but have been research for a while. Personally memory storage and internet speed and a must for me and I'm aware that technically no US network has 4G but I'm thinking more long term and want a phone that is 4G ready. As to the memory, I think having "only" 16gb is not enough based on my current use. If the nexus s would bring 32gb that would be a different story. Thanks for pointing out the video specs I wasn't aware of that, which makes me think that this phone isn't really the best all around android out there. I guess that's how companies get us hook to upgrading. Of course this is just my opinion.

As to how I have a storm 2 on tmo, I bought my phone unlocked and as you might know the phone is a dual band gsm phone. With the help of the web I was able to do it. Many people run this phone on AT&T as well.

Anyways, I will consider waiting for those dual processors, I hope they don't dissapoint.

 

[anon(52425)]

Ahh the Storm and Storm 2. Had em both on T-Mobile. What terrible phones.

 

[BlackPrince310]

Taking everything into consideration, the myTouch 4G has better hardware. 768MB of RAM, 1Ghz Snapdragon, amazing battery life, superb build quality, expandable SD Card Slot, physical buttons, amazing camera with 720P video recording (I'm actually surprised at how good the camera is), customizable LED light, and support for HSPA+.

If you're willing to give that all up for maybe 1 Google update then go ahead. People act like buying a Google device is so much better but honestly the phone will only get 1, maybe 2 updates before it's obsolete, especially the Nexus S. The Nexus S doesn't future proof itself at all, so don't expect to be getting 5 updates. With the amount of development going on, any Google update could easily be ported to the MT4g.

 

[JoseN305]

If you're willing to give that all up for maybe 1 Google update then go ahead. People act like buying a Google device is so much better but honestly the phone will only get 1, maybe 2 updates before it's obsolete, especially the Nexus S.

Thats prob the best advice you can give on whether to purchase a nexus s or not.

 

[miniZ]

I'm going to get the Nexus S, but that is all in my preference for Stock UI and easy ability to unlock the bootloader. myTouch 4G is also a good phone, with a slightly smaller screen, but I don't enjoy the Espresso overlay.

So, I guess my advice is telling you to consider which UI you prefer as well as what has already been stated.

 

[Bushido Brown]

A processor has nothing to do with whether or not the phone can support HSPA+, btw. and its very strong possibility it will be updated to support 720p in the near future. As a matter of fact, I would venture to say its a certainty, however...

If I were on T-Mo, faced with the same decision, then I would go with the MT4G. I feel like the hardware is superior in the areas where it counts the most

 

[igotsanevo4g]

Mytouch 4g gets my vote.

Besides, if you want a stock android experience hack it and put cyanogen on it.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Taking everything into consideration, the myTouch 4G has better hardware. 768MB of RAM, 1Ghz Snapdragon, amazing battery life, superb build quality, expandable SD Card Slot, physical buttons, amazing camera with 720P video recording (I'm actually surprised at how good the camera is), customizable LED light, and support for HSPA+.

If you're willing to give that all up for maybe 1 Google update then go ahead. People act like buying a Google device is so much better but honestly the phone will only get 1, maybe 2 updates before it's obsolete, especially the Nexus S. The Nexus S doesn't future proof itself at all, so don't expect to be getting 5 updates. With the amount of development going on, any Google update could easily be ported to the MT4g.

I would like to know why you think the Nexus S will only get one, maybe two updates from Google. The N1 got two already (three if you count 2.2.1) and will get Gingerbread also. That will make four. Unless I'm wrong, in which case it still got two and will get three total.

But for the record I would get the myTouch 4G. Faster data network, more RAM, expandable memory. Those are more important to me than stock android. If I want stock android I can get it from Cyanogen.

 

[Bushido Brown]

I think he's saying that by the time the Nexus S receives 2 updates, it will be behind the hardware curve. Which I partially agree with. Behind the hardware curve like the Nexus One, or Droid Incredible are now? Sure. Obsolete? Not at all.

but still, the MT4G is the better buy IMO. Unless you absolutely have to have the NFC feature.

 

[bcohen44]

Mytouch 4g gets my vote.

Besides, if you want a stock android experience hack it and put cyanogen on it.

This is the other KEY factor in buying the "Nexus" brand in general that all the sites are not mentioning in waying pros vs. cons.....custom ROMs, and one of the big reasons I am buying a Nexus S. One of the first things I am going to do is is hook it up to USB, set USB development mode, and see if

fastboot oem unlock

works, and have this thing rooted. Hell, I already setup my 2.3 SDK in preparation for this (which BTW, for those that do not know, adb is no longer in the damn tools directory, they moved it! Just google "adb in Android 2.3" to get the details....) I would imagine that part of the "deal" with Samsung for the Nexus S is that this thing can have an unlocked bootloader and not blockage of custom ROMs like other other Galaxy S phones (well, not complete blockage, but also not as easy as Nexus One is..). Since this is touted as a Google Androind development mode, I would be shocked if this is not the case.

And if that's the case, once Android 2.3 source is released, and the cyanogenmod team gets their hands on Nexus S devices, I would image a Cyanogenmod 7.0 RC1 on the Nexus S would be only a few months away, if not sooner

I have to say, having a Nexus One with custom ROMs on it from almost the beginning, I am very spoiled, and would have a hard time buying a new ANdroid phone where I could not root it and put on whichever ROM was out there.

 

[tru]

what about screen though?

Nexus S is getting Super AMOLED, isn't it? It looks super nice on Galaxy S and MyTouch 4G has usual boring phone screen, nothing special?

 

[Bangarang]

Here's why I'll be returning my mt4g for the nexus s:

-I prefer stock android with launcher pro over the espresso sense on the mt4g. Things like the my touch themes were things I wish I could turn off.
-While the mt4g has a very good processor, I did notice some lag on the device at times, which I equate to software. I think stock android will run extremely smooth and fast.
-The genius button, in my honest opinion, was awful. It took anywhere from 5-20 seconds to boot up and allow me to actually speak. I much prefer the stock search functions and vlingo.
-The screen. I found the screen on the mt4g to be really bad. The viewing angles were extremely poor and the color to be fairly red. I've handled a galaxy vibrant and while the colors may lean on the cool (blue) side, three blacks and the viewing angles are fantastic. Viewing in sunlight is also great.
-While I will miss the "4g" speeds, I think I'll rest easier knowing that this phone will get updates"first" and I won't have to guess/pray/rant/plead/constantly ask Phil and Jerry about when my phone will get the next update.

 

[cesarb]

This is going to be a very hard decision for me also. Coming from a Nexus One and seeing how long it takes for other phones to get updates it's really hard for me to go to a phone that does not have stock froyo, but google has put me between a rock and a hard place. Before Nexus S was announced i was gonna go for the Mytouch 4g. Now i dunno what to do. The Mytouch has everything i currently want in my next phone but it's not stock android. The Nexus S is really pretty and it's 4inch SAMOLED screen is a huge plus, but it's lacking way too many things that should have in the first place and the fact that it is running Gingerbread does not make a difference to me because my Nexus will get it soon. So looking at things the right way if i get the Nexus S i will be upgrading to a 4inch SAMOLED screen, a front facing camera and an NFC chip. If i go with the Mytouch im upgrading to HSPA+, front facing camera, not loosing my sd card slot, changing from a trackball to a touch sensitive pad and i dunno what else but also i will not be running android.

I would like to know why you think the Nexus S will only get one, maybe two updates from Google. The N1 got two already (three if you count 2.2.1) and will get Gingerbread also. That will make four. Unless I'm wrong, in which case it still got two and will get three total.

But for the record I would get the myTouch 4G. Faster data network, more RAM, expandable memory. Those are more important to me than stock android. If I want stock android I can get it from Cyanogen.

Nexus One has only gotten one update and that is from Eclair to Froyo... 2.2.1 was still Froyo and it added pinch to zoom and some 3g fixes and some bug fixes if im not mistaken. IMO the real second update to the Nexus One will be Gingerbread and they already said that that would be it for the Nexus One...

 

[Relikk356]

HSPA+ will not make a bit of difference for standard everyday internet use. I average about 5mbps on my Vibrant which is faster then my home internet connection. Anything more then that is overkill as there is no server that will allow a connection anywhere near that on the web. Bandwidth cost money, so google, yahoo, youtube all limit what they are actually giving you. With the 5 gigbyte cap I don't really see any advantage to HSPA+ at this time. Maybe some cool service will come out down the line but most likely it will be time for a new phone by then.

I'm not sure why everyone is saying that the MT4G has better hardware. Has more RAM, but that RAM is only used if the software is coded to take advantage of it. CPU's are probably equal, with a slight edge to the MT4G but mainly because android has been designed around the snap dragon CPU. Things will change when Gingerbread is out. I'm not 100 percent sure what the MT4G gpu is, but i bet that Nexus S GPU is superior. With the popularity of games on the Iphone and Ipad growing you are going to see a huge push for games on android in 2011.

No SD card slot is a killer though. I think that's a huge deal, and a big mistake on Samsung/ Googles end.

In summery, I would just wait for the Nexus S to get bench marked (with Gingerbread) and then compare to the MT4G.

Sorry about grammar and spelling in a rush, on a way to an accounting final.

 

[BlackPrince310]

I would like to know why you think the Nexus S will only get one, maybe two updates from Google. The N1 got two already (three if you count 2.2.1) and will get Gingerbread also. That will make four. Unless I'm wrong, in which case it still got two and will get three total.

But for the record I would get the myTouch 4G. Faster data network, more RAM, expandable memory. Those are more important to me than stock android. If I want stock android I can get it from Cyanogen.

The Nexus One shipped with 2.1, and got updated to 2.2. That's one update so far, I don't even consider 2.2.1 an update. After 2.3 I highly doubt the N1 will get any more updates.

 

[anon(27512)]

Honestly, I'm going through the same decision. I'm not really into the G2 just because it doesn't have a front camera. I love talking to my friends on tango, so the G2 just won't cut it. I really like the Nexus S, and coming from an iPhone I really won't miss the lack of a led or SD slot.

I was thinking about a MT4G, but it looks ugly. Yes, looks are important. I also am not a fan of the ugly UI skin T-Mobile put on it. Decisions, decisions.

 

[egginator]

Honestly, I'm going through the same decision. I'm not really into the G2 just because it doesn't have a front camera. I love talking to my friends on tango, so the G2 just won't cut it. I really like the Nexus S, and coming from an iPhone I really won't miss the lack of a led or SD slot.

I was thinking about a MT4G, but it looks ugly. Yes, looks are important. I also am not a fan of the ugly UI skin T-Mobile put on it. Decisions, decisions.

Finally, someone agrees about the ugliness of the MT4G. I would have gotten that thing a long time ago if it looked more like a Desire HD. Anyways, the screen on the Nexus S is always a strong point. High contrast ratio and deep blacks make the new UI of Gingerbread really stand out.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

The processor (overall, not talking CPU separate from GPU) in the Nexus S is faster than the mt4g. The other big thing that nobody knows is battery life. I get great battery life on the mytouch.

Everybody keeps talking about metro sense. You can ditch it if you want to. You can also load ROM's that don't have it.

I still see the real advantage of the Nexus being nearly instant updates from google. But if you're running a custom ROM anyway what's the difference? You're still gonna be waiting on a dev to update the ROM. Yeah rooting's easier (MAYBE) but you're only doing it once.

Styling is subjective. I don't like plastic. Especially shiny plastic. And I use a case. So for me it's not a deal breaker either way. Metal and soft touch rubberized plastic (I have the black mytouch) are far superior to shiny, glossy, black plastic any day of the week.

Both are great phones but IMHO the mytouch has the edge because of data speed and removable storage. And with rooting and custom ROM's the advantages of updates straight from Google are pretty much gone.

And next year when the Nexus whatever comes out the S will stop getting updates, too. Officially that is.