The LG Nexus 5X and Nexus 4 were pivotal devices in Android's history, offering compelling features at their respective times. But which one holds up better today? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which classic Android phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nexus 5X clearly wins thanks to its superior battery life, significantly better sunlight display visibility, and a more powerful processor. While the Nexus 4 offered wireless charging, the 5X's overall performance and longevity make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all models | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - American model | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29 - American model | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global model | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, September. Released 2015, October | 2012, October. Released 2012, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 147 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm (5.79 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) | 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm (5.27 x 2.70 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 136 g (4.80 oz) | 139 g (4.90 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~423 ppi density) | 768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~318 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 74.9 cm2 (~70.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 62.9 cm2 (~68.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | True HD IPS Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm) | Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | Adreno 320 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 12.3 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.55µm | 8 MP, 1/4.0", AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.4µm | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 390 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 2700 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon, Quartz, Ice | Black, White |
| Models | Nexus 5X, H791 | Nexus 4 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -90.9dB |
Noise -82.3dB / Crosstalk -82.0dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 60h
|
Endurance rating 32h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1542 (nominal), 3.092 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1341 (nominal) / 1.926:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 61dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 61dB
|
Voice 71dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 78dB
|
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1591Basemark X: 16609 |
Basemark X: 6639 |
LG Nexus 5X
- Superior Battery Life
- Better Display (especially sunlight)
- Faster Performance
- Improved Camera
- Design is somewhat dated
- No Wireless Charging
LG Nexus 4 E960
- Compact Size
- Wireless Charging (Qi)
- Nostalgic Android Experience
- Poor Battery Life
- Dim Display (especially sunlight)
- Slower Performance
- Outdated Software
Display Comparison
The Nexus 5X boasts a noticeably better display, particularly in direct sunlight. Its contrast ratio of 1542 (nominal) and 3.092 (sunlight) significantly outperforms the Nexus 4's 1341 (nominal) and 1.926:1 (sunlight). Colors are more vibrant and visibility is much improved outdoors on the 5X.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their time, the Nexus 5X generally produces better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The 5X's camera benefits from improved image processing and a slightly larger sensor. Video recording on the 5X is also generally smoother.
Performance
The Nexus 5X's Snapdragon 808 chipset with a hexa-core processor provides a substantial performance boost over the Nexus 4's Snapdragon S4 Pro. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run more comfortably on the 5X. The 5X's 20nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
This is where the Nexus 5X truly shines. Its endurance rating of 60h dwarfs the Nexus 4's 32h. The 5X offers significantly longer battery life, allowing for a full day or even two of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The LG Nexus 5X is ideal for users seeking a reliable, slightly more modern Android experience with longer battery life. The Nexus 4 might appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate its compact size and wireless charging, or those seeking a truly vintage Android experience, but be prepared for compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are spare parts readily available for these phones?
Spare parts for both phones are becoming increasingly scarce, but can still be found online. Expect to pay a premium for used or refurbished components.
❓ Can I update the software on these devices?
The Nexus 5X officially received updates up to Android 9. The Nexus 4's updates stopped at Android 5.1. Custom ROMs are an option for both devices, but require technical expertise.
