Google Nexus 4 vs iPhone 5

Wow, $299? I can not believe the amazing price. Compare with the $699 iPhone 5, Nexus 4 has less than half of the price and better specification. The new Android 4.2 is on par with the iOS6 regarding the smoothness but with more features. iPhone 5 is in serious trouble now.

Let's compare in detail:
Screen
iPhone 5 - 4.0 inches 1136 x 640 pixel resolution (326 ppi)
Nexus 4  - 4.7 inches 1280 x 768 pixel resolution (320 ppi) - Winner

 

Nexus 4's screen has higher resolution and almost same ppi as the iPhone 5's retina display but the display size is much bigger. Nexus 4 uses IPS screen instead of the Super AMOLED screen used by Galaxy Nexus. This is considered as an improvement consider the pentile issue of AMOLED screen. Since LG (the maker of Nexus 4) also produces the screen for iPhone 5, I guess the display quality is similar too. Bigger screen definitely is a plus.

Processor
iPhone 5 - Apple A6   1.2GHz dual-core
Nexus 4  - Qualcomm 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdradon S4 Pro - Winner

Quad-core vs dual core, 1.5GHz vs 1.2GHz. Nothing needs to say. Nexus 4 beats iPhone 5. 

RAM

iPhone 5 - 1G
Nexus 4  - 2G - Winner
RAM is important for performance since it allows running more applications at the same time.

NFC
iPhone 5 - Not supported
Nexus 4  - Supported - Winner
NFC is becoming more and more important.

Wireless Charging
iPhone 5 - Not supported
Nexus 4  - Supported - Winner

Although you need to buy charger separately, wireless charging is a really cool feature. 

Storage

iPhone 5 - 16G/32G/64G ($699/$799/$899) - Winner
Nexus 4  - 8G/16G  ($299/$349)
iPhone 5 provides more options and bigger storage choice but much more expensive. For the same 16G storage, Nexus 4 is only half of the iPhone 5's price ($349 vs. $699). With many free cloud storage options, the local storage is not really that important. Also, it is likely that Google will add a 32G option for the same price of 16G and discontinue the 8G option in near future (similar to what they just did on Nexus 7).

HDMI Support
iPhone 5 - No HDMI output
Nexus 4  - Slim Port HDMI - Winner
HDMI port allows you to display the content of your phone on TV. This is a useful feature if you want to show you phone to big crowd.
iPhone 5 may provides HDMI adapter cable for Lighting port but it is sure to be pretty expensive (more than $30).

Wireless TV Display
iPhone 5 - Airplay
Nexus 4  - Miracast - Winner

Both technologies allows you stream video and audio to TVs. But Miracast is industry standard and   Smart TVs will soon have build-in support for Miracast. Considering LG and Google's another partner Sumsung are two of the main Smart TV producers, it is not surprising. 

Apple Air Play is not industry standard and requires you have the Apple TV (which costs around 100 bucks). 

Battery

iPhone 5 - 1440mAh
Nexus 4  - 2100mAh
Although Nexus 4 has bigger battery, it also has a bigger screen. Considering Apple is good at battery technology, it is hard to say who is the winner in terms of usage time and standby time for now. I am sure there will be comparison test soon.
Both phone can not change battery. This is surprise for Nexus 4 since all previous Nexus phones can change battery.

Size
iPhone 5 - 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm - Winner
Nexus 4  - 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm
iPhone 5 is smaller and thinner than Nexus 4.

Weight
iPhone 5 - 112g - Winner
Nexus 4  - 139g
iPhone 5 is lighter than Nexus 4 but considering the Nexus 4 has much bigger screen. The difference is not that big.

Data Connection
iPhone 5 - LTE - Winner
Nexus 4  - 3G and HSPA+
Although LTE is faster, but it also drain battery faster. That's the reason why Nexus 4 does not support LTE. For me, the 3G speed is enough considering my limited data plan. If using LTE, the data of one month can be used out in minutes.

OS
iPhone 5 - iOS 6
Nexus 4  - Android 4.2 - Winner
Android 4.2 provides many exciting improvements, including lock screen widget (iOS does not even has home screen wdiget), multi-user support (for tablet), gesture typing. Not mention much better Map application. The Google Now is also enhanced and will automatically notify you about your package tracking information, public transit and flight information.
In terms of smoothness of the user interface, Android already catches up with Android 4.1.
Watch the following video will convince you why Android 4.2 is better than iOS6.


Applications
iPhone 5 - App Store - Winner
Nexus 4  - Google Play

Apple's App Store still has more applications than Google Play but the gap is becoming smaller. For normal user, commonly used apps most likely can be found in both stores. Who cares Appstore has 900k vs 700k in Google Play?

Price

iPhone 5 - $699 (16G), $799 (32G), $899 (64G)
Nexus 4  - $299 (8G), $349 (16G)  - Big Winner
All I can say is Apple is too greedy. Poor Apple fans.

Please continue read other related blogs：
Google Nexus 10 vs iPad 4
Google Nexus 4 vs iPhone 5
Google Galaxy Nexus: How to improve battery life
Google Galaxy Nexus:Review and Compare

Google Galaxy Nexus:Review and Compare

Having using the Google Galaxy Nexus phone for couple of months, over all I am pretty satisfied with it. I bought this unlocked phone from US Google Play store for US $349. It is a amazing price considering this is one of the best Android phone on the market in my opinion (the other best phones are Sumsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X).
Comparing with the price of new iPhone5 ($699), Google Galaxy Nexus is only half of the price (think how many money Apple earns from iPhone5)! In my opinion, Google Galaxy Nexus is better than iPhone 5 in many ways.

• Bigger screen (4.65 vs. 4 inches, see the image below). Super AMOLED looks great.
• More hardware features (NFC, LED light indicator, replaceable battery)
• Support widgets (iOS's icon grid is too boring. Why need to open weather app if you can see the weather directly from widget)
• Better notification menu (I like swipe to clear gesture)
• Pattern unlock (easier than PIN or password)
• Better keyboard (Swift Key3, iFlytek and Goolge Pinyin for Chinese are much better than the ones comes with iOS).
• Seamless integration of Google services (If you use Gmail, Google Talk, Google Drive/Docs, Picasa, you definitely have to choose Android) 
• Much better Google Map app (Apple Map in iOS6 sucks). 
• True multi-task (iOS is not true multi-task. For example, apps can not download at background except for system apps)
• Google Play Store is easier to use and more powerful than iTune store.
• Every time iTune install an app, it quits. You have to reopen and find the list again.
• Google Play supports install apps remotely through Web to any of your Android devices. Cool.

As for the design, it all depends on personal taste. I like the slightly curve screen design of the Galaxy Nexus. I do not like the back of the iPhone 5 which is divided by three parts of two different materials. Plus, iPhone 5 has problem of losing paint due to scratch.
The most important advantage is Android is open. I can buy app, music and books from places other than Google Play store. With Android 4.1, the smoothness and responsiveness is on par with iOS. Once you get used to Android you never want to go back to iOS.
Sure iPhone 5 is faster (CPU, LTE and WiFi), but that is less important to me. I am very satisfied with the speed of Galaxy Nexus already. Actually, the network speeds also depends on the phone company and the location. See the speed test below:

Accessories

I bought Diztronic Matte Back Black from Amazon for about $10. I am pretty happy with it. It is high quality and fit tightly. The matte back feels good and not slippery. 

http://www.amazon.com/Diztronic-Flexible-Protector-SCH-i515-Packaging/dp/B0065PGWQ0/ref=pd_bxgy_cps_img_z

Issues

Camera

I can not believe the Camera app comes with Android 4.1 does not support wide screen photos. Even my previous Sumsung Galaxy S supports that. In Android 4.1, you can only choose the Picture Size. No matter which size you choose, it is not wide screen. 

There are some third party camera apps like Camera 360 allows wide screen format. However, it seems has conflicts with the Gallery app comes with Android 4.1. Once you take some photos using Camera 360, Gallery app will quit after a few seconds after it starts. Once you delete those photos from Camera 360, this problem is gone. 

Hope Google can add the support to wide screen photos in next Android update. 

Calendar

This is a even bigger shock than wide screen photo support. There is no ending date for repetitive calendar events! All repetitive events will go on forever. This is a basic function, even the Calendar on my previous Galaxy S has that. Google Calendar on Web has this function. This definitely a big bug, wondering how did it pass the test.  

For now, I have to use third party Calendar app like (Jorte Calendar) to create repetitive event. But please fix this bug, Google!

Please continue read other related blogs：
Google Nexus 10 vs iPad 4
Google Nexus 4 vs iPhone 5
Google Galaxy Nexus: How to improve battery life
Google Galaxy Nexus:Review and Compare

New Angry Birds Game: Bad Piggies

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rovio.BadPiggies&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5yb3Zpby5CYWRQaWdnaWVzIl0.

The pigs attacked by angry birds now finally have change to fight back! This sequel to the popular Angry Birds game is available on both iOS and Android. The version on iOS is not free ($0.99 and $2.99 for HD). But on Android both versions are free (with Advertisement).

Very Funny: The Tallest thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone

I have to say this video is professional and high quality. The style, the tone, the language are very similar to Apple official video (see blow). Some people actually want to buy this tall iPhone 5 after watching the video.

The way the second person speaks like John Ive.

Following is Sumsung's Commercial "The Next Big Thing is Already Here", also funny.

Google Play Store 25 Cents Promotion

To celebrate 25billion download, Google Play store have some of the top apps on sale for 25 cents. 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_celebrate_25_billion?feature=banner#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDIwMSwibnVsbC10b3BfZmVhdHVyZWRfbXVsdGlfQ0FfXzFfcHJvbW9fMTM0ODY3NzY5MjM3NCJd

Some of the apps are pretty good. For example, the OfficeSuite Pro, runtastic PRO, Asphalt 7: Heat.
It is good time to use the $25 credit Google gave to you when you buy Nexus.

Note that the apps which on sales for $0.25 are different every day. So remember to check out daily.

ThinkPad T61 for $203, T400 for $252 ( IBM Certified Pre-owned)

September Specials for IBM Employees and Contractors on IBM Certified Pre-owned PCs

September savings just for you, friends and family!

Up to 20% off web price for IBM Canada Employees, Contractors, Family & Friends!
Ground shipping is complimentary and all PCs are backed with 7 day money-back guaranty and limited warranties up to 3 months.  IBM Certified Pre-owned Equipment Is refurbished and tested to IBM standards.

Save even more with our eCoupon code!
Simply place your item in the shopping cart and then enter ibmepp (lower case) in the promotion code box on
the shopping cart page.  You'll save an extra $25 on laptops & desktops and $10 on monitors.
Offer good through October 8, 2012.

English:  http://www.ibm.com/shop/ca/en/epp
French:  http://www.ibm.com/shop/ca/fr/epp

Here's a sampling of some special deals (while supplies last)!

ThinkPad T61 
Only $203! 
Model Name T7665VNH
Intel® Core 2 Duo® T7500 2.2GHz,
3GB memory, 100GB hard drive, CD-RW/DVD, 14" wide screen LCD, Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium, 3 months limited warranty.
Regular price $285
Employee price $228
'ibmepp' promotion price $203


ThinkPad R500 with 15.5" wide screen
Model Name T27175GU
Intel® Core 2 Duo® P8400 2.26GHz,
2GB memory,160GB hard drive, CD-RW/DVD-RW, 15.5" wide screen LCD, Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional, 3 months limited warranty.  Limited quantities available.
Regular price $345
Employee price $276
'ibmepp' promotion price $251


ThinkPad T400
Great value!
Model Name T6475GT3
Intel® Core 2 Duo® P8400 2.26GHz,
2GB memory,160GB hard drive, CD-RW/DVD-RW, 14.1" LCD, Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional, 3 months limited warranty.
Regular price $349
Employee price $279.20
'ibmepp' promotion price $252.20

ThinkPad L512
Intel Core i3 Powered
Model Name T444732U
Intel® Core i3-350M®  2.26GHz,
2GB memory, 160GB hard drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW, 15.5" wide screen LCD, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, integrated web camera, Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional, 3 months limited warranty.
Regular price $505
Employee price $404
'ibmepp' promotion price $379


ThinkPad T510 with French keyboard & software
Model Name T4339A1F
Intel® Core i-5-520M® 2.4GHz,
4GB memory, 150GB hard drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW, 12" wide screen LCD, Modem, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, integrated web camera, Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional in French, 3 months limited warranty.  Limited quantities available.
Regular price $689
Employee price $551.20
'ibmepp' promotion price $526.20


ThinkPadT410
8GB RAM & Solid State Hard Drive
Model Name T2522EC8
Intel®  Core i5-520M® 2.4GHz,
8GB memory, 160GB solid state hard drive, CD-RW/DVD-RW, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, integrated web camera, Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium, 3 months limited warranty.
Regular price $869
Employee price $695.20
'ibmepp' promotion price $670.20

Android SwiftKey 3 Keyboard is on sale for $0.99

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey&feature=apps_promotion_2012_08_27_SeasonEndSale#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLG51bGwsImNvbS50b3VjaHR5cGUuc3dpZnRrZXkiXQ..

The self claimed "world’s smartest touch screen keyboard for Android" is on sale for $0.99. I bought this app three weeks ago for $3.99 and I love it. It can learn from you email, Google+, blogger and predict what you want to type next. It save me lots of typing time. I have used many different kind of keyboard. This definitely is the best English keyboard on Android. 

However, this app is not for tablet. There is a separate app you need to buy for tablet. Currently the price  is $3.99. Tablet version can split the keyboard like iPad.