The Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Sony Xperia SP were both popular Android devices released around 2012-2013. While both offer a solid Android experience, they have distinct strengths and weaknesses. This comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which phone holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sony Xperia SP edges out the Galaxy Nexus thanks to its slightly faster processor, better battery life, and generally more modern design. While the Nexus boasts a pure Android experience, the Xperia SP's overall package makes it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a retro Android device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - C5303 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - C5303 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 4, 5 - C5306 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, January. Released 2012, January | 2013, March. Released 2013, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) | 130.6 x 67.1 x 10 mm (5.14 x 2.64 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~316 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~319 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.65 inches, 59.6 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.6 inches, 58.3 cm2 (~66.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4460 | Qualcomm MSM8960T Snapdragon S4 Pro |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | Adreno 320 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradаble to 4.3 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB (5.8GB user available), 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | VGA |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| 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 |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 39 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | Up to 635 h (2G) / Up to 734 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 10 h 25 min (2G) / Up to 19 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery | Li-Ion 2370 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Red |
| Models | GT-I9250M | C5302, C5303, C5306 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 0.63 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.9dB / Crosstalk -88.3dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 51h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 816:1 (nominal) / 1.733:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 68dB
|
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -86.9dB / Crosstalk -88.3dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 51h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 816:1 (nominal) / 1.733:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 66dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 68dB |
Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250M
- Pure Android experience
- Slightly sharper display (due to higher resolution)
- Compact size
- Slower processor
- Weaker battery life
- Older design
Sony Xperia SP
- Faster processor
- Excellent battery life
- More modern design
- Slightly more vibrant display
- Less 'pure' Android experience
- Average camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios (816:1 nominal, 1.733:1 sunlight), suggesting comparable outdoor visibility. The Galaxy Nexus had a slightly higher resolution (1280 x 720) on a smaller screen (4.65 inches) compared to the Xperia SP's (1280 x 720 on a 4.6-inch display). This means the Nexus might appear slightly sharper, but the difference is minimal. The Xperia SP's display technology was generally considered slightly more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance was a mixed bag. Both phones featured Photo/Video capabilities, but image quality was generally considered average for their time. The Xperia SP's camera often produced slightly more saturated colors, while the Galaxy Nexus aimed for more natural tones. Low-light performance was subpar on both devices.
Performance
The Xperia SP's Qualcomm MSM8960T Snapdragon S4 Pro with a 1.7 GHz Krait dual-core processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy Nexus's TI OMAP 4460 with a 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 dual-core processor. Apps launch faster, and multitasking feels smoother on the Xperia SP. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Xperia SP offers a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The Xperia SP shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 51 hours, significantly better than the Galaxy Nexus. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, a crucial factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250M is ideal for Android purists who value a clean, stock Android experience and don't mind slightly older hardware. The Sony Xperia SP is a better choice for users prioritizing battery life, a slightly faster processor, and a more modern aesthetic, even if it means a less 'pure' Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are spare parts still available for these phones?
Finding original spare parts for both phones can be challenging due to their age. However, some third-party parts may still be available online.
❓ Can I update these phones to the latest Android version?
Neither phone will receive updates to the latest Android versions. The Galaxy Nexus officially stopped receiving updates at Android 4.4 KitKat, and the Xperia SP ended support at Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
