Google's
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is more appealing than Apple's IOS 5
By Khidr Suleman
Fri
Dec 02 2011, 15:21
THE
GALAXY NEXUS is
Google's attempt to counter Apple's shiny Iphone 4S, and The INQUIRER has had a
chance to play with both devices to see which is more worth splashing out the
cash to buy.
Hardware
specifications are closely matched, with each device outdoing the other in key
areas. The main difference is the operating system. The Galaxy Nexus is
the first handset to run Google's Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and the Iphone 4S is
the first to ship with Apple's IOS 5.
Design:
the Galaxy Nexus is bigger, thinner and lighter
The Iphone 4S is noticeably smaller than the Galaxy Nexus and this doesn't come
as much of a surprise as Samsung has a habit of making rather large high-end
devices, as can be seen with the Galaxy Nexus S and Galaxy Note devices.
Despite
having a screen that is over an inch bigger at 4.65in, the Galaxy Nexus is 5g
lighter at 135g and thinner at 8.94mm than the cappuccino company's
counterpart. Apple's device incorporates a 3.5in screen, weighs 140g and has a
9.3mm thick frame. Samsung gains points in managing to outdo Apple and we don't
think the California firm can claim any similarity in design here.

Both
devices are made from premium materials, with Samsung opting for high-grade
plastic on the back whereas the Iphone uses glass and has a polished steel
frame around the outside. The Galaxy Nexus feels more durable and is likely to
survive more drops than the Iphone, which is susceptible to having its screen
cracked.

In
terms of looks, it is debatable which handset is better and it was a stalemate
in our offices. Four staff members prefer the Iphone, citing the solid feel and
compact design as attractive features compared to the Samsung handset, which
they think looks clunky and toy-like. One staff member who shall remain
anonymous for his own safety even went so far as to call the back of the Nexus
"cheap and nasty".
The
other four members of the team including myself prefer the Galaxy Nexus over
the standard Iphone 4S owing to its minimalist look. The curved design also
makes the Samsung made device easier to hold. However, it should be noted that
the white Iphone has a certain charm and we think a white version of the Galaxy
Nexus could look good.