Nexus 5 vs. iPhone 5S - a comparison
Apple vs. Google: We compared the flagships Google Nexus 5 and Apple iPhone 5S. Our comparison shows the similarities, differences and advantages and disadvantages of smartphones.
Hardware comparison: that's in iPhone 5S and Nexus 5
- Plastic vs. Alu: The casing of the iPhone 5S looks incredibly classy thanks to the aluminum unibody with inserts made of glass. The plastic body of the Nexus 5, on the other hand, is covered with a soft-touch-like rubber coating and therefore does not slip out of your hands so easily - but it also attracts fingerprints.
- In terms of display, there are two top devices here. Both use IPS panels that are among the best in their class. The Nexus 5 offers 4.95 inches 1920x1080 pixels - FullHD and 445 ppi! Apple's iPhone 5S shows 1134x640 pixels on significantly smaller 4 inches and therefore only comes to 326 ppi. That is still enough, since the human eye can no longer recognize individual pixels from approx. 300 ppi.
- In terms of system performance, the Nexus 5 is ahead of the pack on paper. The quad-core processor clocked at 2.2 GHz loosely depends on the 1.3 GHz fast dual core of the iPhone. However, these benchmarks say little, because the different operating systems both run absolutely smoothly - and the iPhone processor also offers 64bit technology and small co-processors for internal sensors for the first time.
- Both cameras with 8 megapixels are nominally the same. Here, the iPhone depends on the Nexus 5 thanks to superior software and technology. The images appear more detailed and sharper, especially in low-light shots. The iPhone's video camera can even take slow-motion pictures at 120 frames per second - the Nexus has to fit here.
- Both devices have some special functions that make them unique: The iPhone 5S offers a fingerprint sensor that is integrated into the home button - you can use your finger to unlock your device or confirm purchases. The Nexus 5 offers an innovative voice control that can be started without contact using the phrase "Okay, Google Now". She is now more potent than Apple's Siri.
Software comparison: Google's and Apple's operating systems compared
- Latest versions pre-installed: iOS 7 on the iPhone and Android 4.4 KitKat on the Nexus 5 are the latest versions of the operating systems. It is also clear that the latest updates always come here: Apple delivers updates for their devices for several years. Google is known for keeping its Nexus devices always up to date - in contrast to other Android manufacturers such as Samsung or HTC.
- Fast, chic iOS 7: With the seventh edition of Apple's operating system, the design has become simpler and more stylish. The perfect coordination with the hardware results in smooth operation with long battery life. The abundance of high quality apps is still unmatched in Apple's App Store - a perfect system as long as you are within the limits set by Apple.
- Modern Android 4.4 KitKat: The latest Android version on the Nexus 5 runs just as smoothly, but requires more resources in comparison. With KitKat, Android has become as chic as iOS and offers more functions and freedom, such as problem-free rooting. In the meantime, Google's Play Store also offers as many apps as the Apple App Store.
Conclusion: struggle for faith in the smartphone market
Both devices are absolutely top class - each in their category. Anyone who is an Apple fan will not be able to avoid the iPhone 5S anyway - the high-quality design and smooth operation are also convincing. Since iOS 7 and Android 4.4 KitKat no longer differ greatly in terms of application, the significantly larger and sharper display is the most important argument for the Nexus 5. Together with the openness of Android, the Nexus 5 is probably the better choice for ambitious users who also like to "tinker" with their device. If you simply want to have a solidly functioning device and do without experiments, you are better served with an iPhone 5S.
- You can also find a comparison of all relevant technical data in our CHIP product comparison. Here, the Nexus can score over the iPhone 5S with similar features and a larger display, especially thanks to the better price-performance ratio.