Galaxy S5 Vs. Nexus 5: Who Has the Better Android Device?
The Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5 are two of the most powerful Android handsets in the market.
Samsung strived to impress this time around by beefing up specifications and improving the camera drastically. LG waited in the wings until the end of last year to spring up in the market with the Nexus 5 and with that it had better specs than most of the other smartphones to be released in 2013. But it still had some flaws holding it back from being as popular and as successful as the Nexus 4. With some new players in the market, can the Nexus 5 hold its place until the next-gen model is released at the end of next year? Let's see how it does against the Galaxy S5.
Design
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The Nexus 5 ditched the glossy backing found on the Nexus 4 in favor of an all-black look that dulled the overall appearance. Google and LG made very little effort to wow in this department. Samsung's new perforated backing brings a different look to the Galaxy line that was much needed. It may not have been the most impressive choice for a new design, but it still outshines the Nexus 5, which is very plain in terms of overall look.
Display
The Nexus 5 comes with a True HD 4.95-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution at 445 ppi. The Galaxy S5 comes with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with the same resolution and lower ppi. It basically functions as a bigger version of the screen found on the Galaxy S4. In a side by side comparison, 1080p video looked almost identical on the Nexus 5 and S4, so there shouldn't be much of a difference on the S5. The two devices are pretty much even in this area.
Software
The Nexus 5 features the best integration of Android 4.4 KitKat currently found on the market while the Galaxy S5 once again goes with the bulky and lagging Touch Wiz UI that features a bunch of unnecessary software that holds Android back from its true potential. The Nexus easily takes this area against any smartphone.
Camera
The Nexus 5 features an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash, optical image stabilization and autofocus. During the device's launch many customers complained over the problems the point-and-shooter's software was giving them. The Galaxy S5 features a 16-megapixel camera with innovative new feature such as Selective Focus. Samsung really went all out this time and might have the best point and shooter on the market. The Nexus stuck to the basics and had too many issues along the way so Samsung takes it here.
Conclusion
Both of these devices suffer from lack on innovation. Samsung tried a little bit harder so it probably has a bit of an advantage, but the additions such as a Heart Rate Monitor and apps made for fitness only cater to a certain market. The Nexus 5 is a basic device that doesn't do enough to separate itself from the Nexus 4. Even though Samsung didn't work wonders this week, it still released a device more appealing than the latest offering from Google and LG.
