Google Nexus One vs iPhone 3GS

13 January 2010 – The Google Nexus was just launched a few days ago at CES 2010. Physically, the device has dimensions similar to that of the Apple iPhone. However, the Google Nexus runs on version 2.1 of the Android OS while the iPhone runs on the Apple OS.

The main difference in the hardware is the 5.0 megapixel camera in the Nexus whereas the iPhone only has a 3.0 megapixel camera. On the software side, the applications available to the iPhone outnumber the applications available to the Android device. And the Nexus has been the subject of numerous complaints about its functionality, although that will doubtless change eventually.

However, the point here is that the Google phone is sold unlocked with the operator sales package as an afterthought, whereas the iPhone is sold on an operator package and it is only with great difficulty that you can obtain an unlocked iPhone.

I would venture to say that for now, the Nexus will play second fiddle to the iPhone, but this could change quickly if the open-source community starts to write numerous programs for the Nexus. This in turn depends on how both companies engage with the multitude of developers that write programs for both platforms.

Apple iPhone 3G S
3.5G HSDPA + WiFi 802.11 b/g, Touchscreen Candybar, 3.0 MP Camera, 16 or 32GB Memory



The Apple iPhone 3G S, features improved speed and performance - up to twice as fast as the iPhone 3G. It has longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control. iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS, Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard and a new Find My iPhone feature that works together with MobileMe to help you locate a lost iPhone.

Data speeds are upped to 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, and storage capacity will extended to 32GB as well. Users' can expect a built-in compass, Nike+ support, and a more powerful battery that offers 5 hours of 3G talk time and 9 hours of WiFi internet use. There is a voice control interface that allows voice commands to be understood by the iPhone 3G S. Apple is also touting an oleophobic (fingerprint resistant) coating.


Google Nexus One
3.5G HSDPA + WiFi 802.11 b/g, Touchscreen Candybar, 5.0 MP Camera, 512 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM + microSD (32GB max)



The Google Nexus One runs on Google Android 2.1, is 11.5mm thick, comes with 512MB RAM, 512MB ROM, and a 1 GHz microprocessor. The phone will support HSPA 900/1700/2100 and a 3.7 inch WVGA AMOLED display.

The phone has four illuminated soft keys primarily for Back, Menu, Home and Search. A tri-colour LED will be used in the device for notifications and charge status. Haptic feedback is to be included in the phone. Other features are the A-GPS, Accelerometer, Light sensor and a proximity sensor along with a Digital Compass, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack and active noise cancellation. The camera is 5 megapixels with mechanical AF and LED flash and will be capable of using the A-GPS for geo-tagging shots.