Google Nexus S vs. Samsung Galaxy S

We compare the Google Nexus S and the Samsung Galaxy S to see what the big differences are between the two devices

Google has unveiled its latest own-branded device - the Google Nexus S.

Not only is the Nexus S the first Android 2.3 device to see the light of day but it also represents a new relationship between Google and Samsung – the company that manufactured the device.

A lot of people have been chirping on about how the new Nexus S is basically the same handset as the Samsung Galaxy S, just with a contour screen, slightly different looks and, of course, an Android 2.3 operating system.

Either way, the basic question on everybody’s lips is this: should you buy the new Android 2.3-powered Nexus S or just get the Samsung Galaxy S and wait for the Android 2.3 update?

Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S - 122 x 64 x 9.9mm (118g)
Google Nexus S – 123.9 x 63 x 10.9mm (129g)
Although Samsung manufactured and designed both the devices in question they aren’t actually as similar looking as you’d first expect them to be. For starters, the new Nexus S has a significantly softer profile than the more angular iPhone-like Samsung Galaxy S.
The marked difference is that the Nexus S is longer, wider and heavier (about 11g) than the Galaxy S. That said it is thinner, albeit by a mere 1mm, which certainly works in its favour.
Nonetheless, this aspect will almost certainly come down to personal preference every time – some users just prefer lighter devices. Personally, though, we prefer the look of the Nexus S, despite the fact that it is heavier.
Winner – Nexus S

Storage
Samsung Galaxy S – 8/16GB, microSD expandable
Google Nexus S – 16GB, no microSD support
Storage in the age of apps, games and mobile media players is as important as ever and if there’s one rule that usually rings true it is this: the more there is the better it is.
So why Google decided to release the Nexus S without microSD card support (confirmed by Google spokesperson) on board is quite beyond us. Sure, it’s got 16GB built into it, but is that going to be enough for the seriously hardcore users out there? We think not.
The Galaxy S, on the other hand, while coming in two flavours – 8 or 16Gb – also has expandable storage, up to 32GB, which is a potential 48GB of storage in total.
Granted, having 16GB on board is great and, indeed, means more room for apps and media out of the box. There’s also the small fact that a lot of apps on the Android Market cannot be saved to SD cards. So in this respect, someone could argue that having 16GB of onboard is better. But, in all honesty, we’re not convinced and we still like our SD cards – it’s the best of both worlds.
Winner – Samsung Galaxy S

Displays
Samsung Galaxy S – 4-inch, 800 x 480, Super AMOLED
Google Nexus S – 4-inch, 800 x 480, Super AMOLED
This one is pretty damn close. Both the Nexus S and Galaxy S have, on the surface, exactly the same display specs. Both use 4-inch, 800 x 480, Super AMOLED screens, which is to be expected as both devices are produced by the Super AMOLED-loving Samsung.
That said, there are subtle differences between the two handset’s displays. For instance the Nexus S uses what Google calls a “Contour Display” (curved glass) and while this is nothing more than a mere gimmick, or something to counter against Apple’s “retina display” battle cries, at least it is something different – and consumers like this type of thing.
However, the thing that separates the two devices and puts the Nexus well and truly on top in this round is the ppi count. The Google Nexus S has a higher ppi count than the Galaxy S at 235ppi versus the Galaxy S’s 233ppi. Granted there isn’t much in it and you’d probably never even notice but that’s not really the point, now, is it?
Winner – Nexus S

Processors

Samsung Galaxy S – 1GHz Cortex A8 (Hummingbird) processor + 512MB
Google Nexus S – 1GHz Cortex A8 (Hummingbird) processor + 512MB
One thing Google has taken a lot of flack for with the Nexus S is its choice to opt for a 1GHz processor. The reason why is that it’s nothing new. 1GHz processors, as we’ve seen in the Galaxy S, are perfectly adequate, they’re also certainly powerful enough, but unfortunately many people now view them as simply passé. Why? Simple: everyone is waiting for the inevitable arrival of dual-core 1.2GHz processors in Q1 of 2011.
Winner – Draw

Imaging
Samsung Galaxy S – 5-megapixel, front facing, 720p video capture
Google Nexus S – 5-megapixel, flash, front facing, 720p video capture
Again, in the imaging department it’s a pretty close race with both devices’ featuring a 5-megapixel shooter round the back, a front-facing one and the ability to capture video in 720p quality.
When we tested the Galaxy S we were very impressed, it’s a great phone. But what we weren’t impressed with was Samsung’s choice to omit a flash for the camera. The reason we were so perturbed by this is because it means taking a decent shot in low-lit conditions is nigh on impossible.
Thankfully, Google has opted to include a flash on the Nexus S and while very little else separates the two device’s imaging capabilities, this is enough to make it the victor in our eyes.
Winner – Nexus S

Operating System
Samsung Galaxy S – Android 2.3
Google Nexus S – Android 2.2 (soon to be updated to 2.3)
Obviously, the USP, initially, of the Nexus S is that it’s the first Android 2.3-powered device to hit the market. The other USP, for some at least, is that the device uses a pure Google UI that can be upgraded as soon as a new version of Android is out – ie: there’s no hanging around waiting for networks to fudge it up.
Another big benefit of Android 2.3 is its core features, which include: Near Field Communication (NFC), a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, internet calling support, a better UI, improved power management and speed and a whole host more besides.
The Galaxy S will, presumably, get Android 2.3 and all of the above benefits relatively soon. But the question, as always, is when exactly? We don’t know and the networks are remaining predictably quiet about the whole affair. Plus, there’s also the fact that some networks take much longer to tweak and roll out newer versions of Android than others.
In short, the Nexus S (at present) has a significantly improved version of Android onboard it. Obviously, this makes the device superior to the Galaxy S. And when you couple this with just how quickly updates can be pushed out to the Nexus S and you’d be hard pressed to say the Galaxy S is in anyway superior on this front.
Winner – Nexus S

Price
Samsung Galaxy S – £370 approx SIM-free or free on £35 a month tariffs
Google Nexus S – £549.99 SIM-free or free on £35 a month tariffs (Vodafone)
If you’re the type of user that doesn’t like contracts the Galaxy S is the more sensible option as it’s approximately £179.99 cheaper SIM-free than the newer Google Nexus S. Both devices can be obtained for free on £35 a month contracts from selected networks.
This one is quite difficult to call, especially as both devices are evenly priced on the contract front. That said, we were blown away when we heard just how expensive the Nexus S actually is and for this reason, we’re being sensible and going with the Samsung Galaxy S on the price front.

Samsung Galaxy S	Google Nexus S
Size and Weight
122.4 x 64.2 x 9.9 mm, 119 g	123.9 x 63 x 10.9 mm , 129 g
Connectivity
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 1700 / 2100 /900
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth v3.0 with A2DP	Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP
Display
Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors	Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
480X800 pixels, 4 inches	480X800 pixels, 4 inches
Processor
ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor	ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor
Memory
8 GB/16GB internal, 512 MB RAM	16GB internal, 512 MB RAM
Upto 32 GB External	No External Memory
Camera
5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus	5 MP, 2560 x 1920 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Video 720p@30fps	Video 720p@30fps
Operating System
Android OS, v2.1 (Eclair), upgradable to v2.2	Android OS, v2.3 Gingerbread
Battery
Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh	Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Standby Backup: Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 576 h (3G)	Standby Backup: Up to 713 h (2G) / Up to 428 h (3G)
Talk-time: Up to 13 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G)	Talk-time: Up to 14 h(2G) / Up to 7 h (3G)