The Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S III were flagship Android devices that defined their eras. Both offered cutting-edge features for their time, but significant differences exist. This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you understand which phone holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S III wins this comparison. While the Nexus offered a pure Android experience, the S III's superior quad-core processor, larger screen, and generally more refined features make it the more compelling choice, even years later. Its battery life and overall performance edge it out.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, January. Released 2012, January | 2012, May. Released 2012, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 2), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) | 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm (5.38 x 2.78 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 133 g (4.69 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~316 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.65 inches, 59.6 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4460 | Exynos 4412 Quad (32 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | Mali-400MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), 4.3 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.0", AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.9 MP, f/2.6 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | Up to 590 h (2G) / Up to 790 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 21 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 11 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Pebble blue, Marble white, Amber brown, Garnet red, Sapphire black, Titanium grey, La Fleur |
| Models | GT-I9250M | GT-I9300, GT-I9300I, SHV-E210S, SHW-M440S |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | 0.21 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.3dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 50h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.419:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
|
Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250M
- Pure Android experience
- Compact size
- Good build quality
- Outdated processor
- Lower performance
- Limited software updates
Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
- Faster processor (Quad-Core)
- Larger display
- Better camera
- More features
- Older software
- Potential battery degradation
- Larger size
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S III boasts a larger 4.8-inch screen compared to the Nexus's 4.65-inch display. While both have a nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio, the 3.419:1 sunlight contrast ratio suggests similar outdoor visibility. The S3's larger size provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones have Photo/Video capabilities, but the Galaxy S III generally offered better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The S III's processing algorithms were more advanced for its time. Specific megapixel counts are not provided, but the S3's hardware and software were generally considered superior.
Performance
The Galaxy S III's Exynos 4412 quad-core processor is a significant upgrade over the Nexus's dual-core OMAP 4460. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The S III's 32nm process also contributes to improved efficiency. While both run Android, the S3's hardware allows for a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are reported to have an endurance rating of 50 hours. However, the Galaxy S III's larger battery capacity (2000mAh vs Nexus's 1750mAh) likely contributes to slightly better real-world battery life, especially given its more demanding processor.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Nexus is best for those prioritizing a clean, stock Android experience and a smaller form factor. The Galaxy S III is ideal for users seeking better performance, a larger display, and a more feature-rich experience, especially if they can find one in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Nexus still usable in 2024?
Yes, the Galaxy Nexus can still be used for basic tasks, but its outdated hardware and software limit its capabilities. It's not recommended for demanding users.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, the Galaxy Nexus received faster updates initially due to its pure Android build. However, both phones are now beyond official support. Custom ROMs are an option for both devices.
