Google Nexus S vs Samsung Galaxy S

Google has recently announced the Google Nexus S. The second offing by Google, the Nexus S is the first device to sport Android 2.3 and it also marks a new relationship between Google and Samsung as the smartphone is manufactured by Samsung.

A lot of people have been chirping on about how the new Google 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

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

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

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