Nexus 5 Vs. iPhone 5S: Specs and Feature Comparison
The Nexus 5 is arguably the closest the Android platform has gotten to create a marriage between software and hardware that mirrors Apple's iPhone.
Both the handset and the OS are engineered to work smoothly with one another in the same way that Apple uses iOS on its iPhone and iPad devices. With this information, it makes sense to compare Google and LG's latest offering the Nexus 5 with Apple's newest iPhone 5S. Both feature impressive specs and smooth software integration, but which one is the better buy? Here is a brief comparison of the two handsets.
Design
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The Nexus 5 features a black exterior that is quite plain. The glossiness found on the Nexus 4's backing has been done away with for a duller look. The screen measures in at 5-inches making the device quite big in comparison to Apple's. In terms of design, Apple maintains the look that has made it famous since the iPhone 4 was released in 2010. The frame has been made a little slimmer, and the screen a bit bigger, but the glass and aluminum finish looks as classy as ever. The addition of the fingerprint sensor also has not affected its looks since it is located under the home button.
Processor
The iPhone 5s features Apple's A7 chip with 64-bit architecture. The device is the first official 64-bit smartphone to hit the market. It also comes with an M7 motion chip that is great for its interaction with fitness based apps. The Nexus 5 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip making it nothing to sleep on. However, Apple has the advantage in this department based on the 64-bit chip even though the Nexus 5 can still probably keep up with the 5S in most departments.
Camera
The iPhone 5S helps to maintain Apple's reputation for having the best cameras in the smartphone market. The 8-megapixel shooter on the handset features True Tone Flash that helps to capture the actual colors while taking a picture. It is easily one of the finest smartphone cameras to date. The Nexus 5 on the other hand is really lacking in the department. It comes with an 8-megapixel shooter with optical image stabilization, but can't seem to work properly, according to the complaints of countless customers. Google has already had to issue a few software updates to help fix the camera. It still seems to not be living up to its full potential despite some of the changes. Apple takes an easy win in this area.
Software
The iPhone 5S was the first device that launched with iOS 7 pre-installed. The Nexus 5 is the first to feature Android 4.4 KitKat. The area really comes down to which platform you prefer more. Apple fans will naturally gravitate to iOS 7 as it features a brand new layout and gives Apple's gadgets a totally new look that mimics Android in certain areas. KitKat brings some changes, but nothing too different. It basically improves on what the company already started with JellyBean.
Price
The Nexus 5 can be purchased directly from the Google Play store unlocked for just $349 making it a steal in comparison to the iPhone that retails for $199 on contract for the 16GB model and costs over $600 unlocked. The Nexus 5 is probably the best choice for those looking to not lock into a contract.
Conclusion
Google just has not done enough to wow anyone with the Nexus 5. It's a great device for those accustomed to the Nexus line, but is not much of a competitor that will pull people in. The fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5S and 64-bit chip make for some great selling points. The camera is also a lot better on the iPhone making it the finer piece of equipment this year. And even though the Nexus 5 can be purchased unlocked at a great price, it still has a lot of flaws for those looking for a complete handset.
