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iPhone 6 vs. Nexus 4: Early Look at What to Expect

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Those still holding onto the aging Nexus 4, one of the popular Android devices from 2012, may find themselves in the market for a new smartphone later on this year. And while there will be plenty of tempting Android smartphones, the rumored Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One+ (HTC M8) to name a few, there will be more than a few Nexus 4 owners tempted by Apple’s 2014 iPhone currently dubbed iPhone 6. While nothing is set in stone, here, we take a look at what current Nexus 4 owners should expect from the iPhone 6 sometime later this year.

All the way back in October of 2012, Google announced the Nexus 4, a device that replaced the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The Nexus 4 ushered in a new era of Nexus smartphones, introducing not only Android 4.2 Jelly Bean but the now standard cheap, unlocked price tag. Combined with the Nexus 4’s specifications, the device was one of the hottest devices at the end of the year and into 2013.

In September of 2013, without much warning, Google discontinued the Nexus 4 wiping it away from the Google Play Store. And while some Nexus 4 owners likely bought into Google’s brand new Nexus 5, others went in other directions. One of the routes that Nexus 4 owners took was holding onto the Nexus 4 indefinitely and we know of more than a few people who are holding out for 2014’s crop of smartphones.

Much of the focus is going to be on the big name Android smartphones of the year but there will certainly be Nexus 4 users who are tempted to buy the iPhone and more specifically, 2014’s iPhone, a device that we expect will be called the iPhone 6.

While the iPhone 6 launch is likely months away, we want to help set expectations for Nexus 4 owners who might be thinking about switching gears in 2014. Here, we take a very early look at what we expect from Apple’s iPhone 6 and how we expect it to compare with Google’s aging Nexus smartphone, the Nexus 4.

Release Date

Last September, Google took the Nexus 4 off the Google Play Store. That doesn’t mean that the device up and vanished completely though. No, the Nexus 4 is still available through T-Mobile and through various retailers including Amazon. And it will likely remain available throughout the year. In other words, it’s likely going to be an option once the new iPhone arrives. An old, fossil of an option but an option nonetheless.

Those who still own the Nexus 4 will likely be waiting for several months as the iPhone 6 launch date is not rumored to be around the corner. Instead, early rumors point to a launch as soon as May. Even if that’s true, and there is a good chance that it isn’t, it still means a five month wait for something new.

The iPhone 6 release date rumors span 2014.

The iPhone 6 release date rumors span 2014.

Apple typically herds its iPhone launches into one of two windows. A release in the summer, right after WWDC in June, or, as it has done the past few years, a release in the fall right around the start of school and ahead of the holiday shopping season. This is how it has been for a great number of years now and it’s what iPhone buyers expect.

iPhone 6 launch date rumors span across 2014 in its entirety. Rumors have suggested a launch in May, in summer or in the fall. A recent report out of Japan suggests that Apple could be looking to release a new iPhone series in May followed by an iPhone 6 launch in September. Needless to say, rumors are far from settled.

It’s hard to think that an iPhone 6, a true successor to the iPhone 5s will launch prior to the summer or beyond the fall so Nexus 4 owners interested in 2014’s iPhone would be wise to circle summer and fall, in pencil, on their calendars. It’s hard to imagine Apple has a new iPhone right around the corner.

Design

Google’s Nexus 4 features a design that offers a plastic front panel to go along with a back panel that’s made of glass. The design is far more elegant than the all-plastic Galaxy Nexus design though the design is susceptible to cracks and damage if not put inside of a bumper case. The LG-made Nexus 4 is not the thinnest or lightest smartphone in existence but it checks in with a tolerable 9.1mm frame that weighs 139 grams.

The Nexus 4 arrived in November of last year.

The Nexus 4 arrived in November of last year.

At this point, we aren’t sure what the iPhone 6 will look like but that doesn’t mean that we can’t make some educated guesses about its design and how it will compare to the Nexus 4.

Nexus-4-575x465

For one, we can’t see Apple backtracking with its iPhone 6 design. That means that we expect a design that features premium build materials, a design that is slim and a design that is lightweight.

If the iPhone 6 has a larger screen, as rumors suggest, we expect Apple will thin out the bezels like it did on the iPad Air. This would help to accommodate the extra screen real estate. We’ve see other companies do this. A prime example, the 4.7-inch Moto X which can be seen next to the 4-inch iPhone 5s below.

IPhone-6-Display-620x349

Point is, even with a large display, we expect that the iPhone 6 to be as compact, or more compact, than Google’s Nexus 4.

Display

In 2012, the Nexus 4 display was among the best displays on the market. No longer. Its 4.7-inch 720p display with 318 pixels-per-inch now looks pedestrian compared to the displays that we saw emerge in 2013. How it will compare to the iPhone 6 display, exactly, isn’t clear. But we do have some idea thanks to a hefty dose of rumors that have emerged over the last few weeks.

While screen sizes impact overall device size, it is possible to build a larger display into a phone that is not much larger than the iPhone 5s.

While screen sizes impact overall device size, it is possible to build a larger display into a phone that is not much larger than the iPhone 5s.

Reports suggest that the iPhone 6 will come with a display larger than the 4-inch display found on the iPhone 5s. Rumors have centered around a display between 4.5-inches and 5-inches in size, though a specific size hasn’t been revealed. There are also rumors that suggest that Apple will be coming out with an iPhone display size larger than 5-inches as well.

NPD DisplaySearch, which accurately predicted the iPad 3′s Retina Display, claims that Apple is working on two different display sizes including a 4.7-inch 1280 × 720 display and a 5.7-inch 1920 × 1080 display. A new iPhone 6 rumor points to a large 5-inch iPhone launch in May followed by another iPhone in September.

Respected KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo believes Apple is planning an iPhone 6 with a 4.5-inch to 5-inch display in 2014. Kuo accurately predicted many of the iPhone 5s features ahead of the launch. NPD and Kuo are not alone and that’s what makes the rumors of a larger iPhone extremely credible.

iPhone 6 Rumors - 003

So at this point, given the frequency of the rumors and given who they are coming from, it’s safe to expect a larger iPhone 6 display. With rumors centered around 4.8-inches, we’re expecting an iPhone 6 display size in the vicinity of the Nexus 4’s. And if that’s the case, we should see display quality that bests the quality on the Nexus 4.

Specs

Like other Nexus smartphones, the Nexus 4 adopted the popular technology from 2012. It runs a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor that is backed by 2GB of RAM. It uses an 8MP camera that can shoot solid photos and video. And it utilizes a 2,100 mAh battery that can pull down some solid battery life.

These specifications were impressive back in 2012 but mobile technology moves fast and the smartphones of 2013 put these specs to shame. We expect the same from 2014’s crop of smartphones, including the iPhone 6.

Nexus-4-Wireless-Charger-Review-10-575x332

iPhone 6 rumors are scarce though there is no reason to believe that Apple will go backward or stay stagnant. It never does. It constantly works to improve its iPhone, year-after-year and thus we expect the iPhone 6 to improve over the iPhone 5s.

With that in mind, we expect a better 64-bit processor, something that should help to boost performance. Exactly how it will compare to the Snapdragon S4 Pro is unclear but given that the current A7 has been shown to be on par with the current Snapdragon 800, we expect better performance.  We expect a camera that’s better than the 8MP iSight camera on the iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5s camera is already better than the Nexus 4 camera. And we expect great battery life.

One other thing that prospective buyers need to note. The Nexus 4 also comes in 8GB or 16GB form. The iPhone 6 should come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB forms, at least.

Software

Google’s Nexus 4 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, Google’s newest version of Android. Those who aren’t familiar with Android 4.4 KitKat can get a glimpse of the update in the video below.

Android 4.4 represents the second major update to the Nexus 4, following in the footsteps of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Google tends to keep its devices updated for 18 months before killing software support which means that the Nexus 4 still has a little life left. If Google continues its upgrade pattern, we could see it get an update this summer before sailing off into the sunset. Point is, current owners and those looking into the Nexus 4 likely don’t have much time left.

We expect the iPhone 6 to be running iOS 8. Apple always introduces new hardware with new iOS software so it’s hard to think that the company will switch things up in 2014. Whatever it is on board will not only look different than whatever is on the Nexus 4 at the time but it will offer different features as well. That’s a no-brainer.

What’s important for current or prospective Nexus 4 users to note is that the iPhone 6 will likely receive the same three years of support that other iPhones do. In other words, while the Nexus 4 will likely die this year, the iPhone 6 will have a long life ahead of it, perhaps longer than this year’s Nexus smartphone.

Carriers

When the Nexus 4 arrived, it arrived unlocked for GSM carriers AT&T and T-Mobile. It did so without access to 4G LTE data speeds, something that has been commonplace for Android smartphones for a number of years. Despite rumors, the Nexus 4 remains without 4G LTE, something that isn’t bound to change in the future.

Apple’s iPhone 6 will almost certainly feature 4G LTE, it’s standard on Apple products these days, and it will likely arrive for a host of carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. All five of these carriers hosted the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Apple has also shown a tendency to release its iPhone on smaller carriers and thus, consumers should expect the iPhone 6 to land on pre-paid and regional carriers in the United States.

Price

When the Nexus 4 arrived, it was one of the cheapest unlocked smartphones on the market, commanding $299 for an 8GB model. A larger 16GB model went for $350 on the Google Play Store. Towards the end, Google knocked $100 off the price tag of the Nexus 4, dropping the 8GB to $199 and the 16GB to $250. Those priced lasted only for a few days before the device itself vanished.

It’s no longer available on the Google Play Store but the Nexus 4 remains available through a few avenues. Through T-Mobile, the Nexus 4 costs $408 without a contract. Through Amazon, the 16GB is $350. Point is, the device is still extremely cheap for those who are still in the hunt for something new. And we fully expect it to be cheaper than the iPhone 6.

Apple has kept its iPhone price static for a number of years now, sticking with a $199.99 on-contract price tag. It has also stuck with a static $650 unlocked price tag. One analyst believes that that could change with next year’s iPhone, thanks to new technology on board.

iPhone 6 Price

Chris Caso, analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group told Investors Business Daily he sees “the potential for the iPhone 6 price point to move higher, to avoid the (profit) margin erosion that occurred when iPhone 5 launched,” adding, “we think Apple could get away with a $50 to $100 premium for a larger screen size iPhone 6.”

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the iPhone 6 price point this early on, consumers should expect the iPhone 6 to be more expensive than the Nexus 4. The iPhone 6 likely won’t get any cheaper than $199.99 and it’s hard to imagine that it will be cheaper than a phone from 2014.

25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. steve

    01/06/2014 at 9:11 am

    do you live in the past ? nexus 4 and iphone 6 ? where is the nexus 5 in all of that ?? iphones iphones iphones …. you should compare the iphone 6 to nexus 6

    • Kelz

      01/07/2014 at 1:19 pm

      my best friends sister got Ford Mustang Boss 302 only from working part time off a home computer… read………. https://clockurl.com/Bfn

  2. Simon (@stillwellgray)

    01/06/2014 at 9:15 am

    what is the point in an article that compares last year’s model to a theoretical non-existent phone?

    “tired of using a touchscreen like a chump? no worries, the iPhone 6 Brain Probe lodges in your cortex and feeds ads directly to your consciousness!”

  3. Huan

    01/06/2014 at 11:16 am

    The Nexus 4 arrived in November of last year according to the caption below the picture of the Nexus 4. Last year was 2013. The Nexus 4 arrived in November 2012. The article is totally worthless. One of many on the net comparing old Google stuff like the year-old Nexus 10 with the new iPad Air.

    Why is anyone writing this rubbish?

  4. Andrew Shelton

    01/06/2014 at 12:23 pm

    Okay so what I got from this whole article is that maybe just maybe the iPhone 6 will be on par with the Nexus 4. Which means the Nexus 6 when it comes out will be 2 years more advanced than the iPhone 6… I know Apple sells outdated specs but wow… This article was pointless.

    • TheGreatWhodingy

      01/06/2014 at 2:14 pm

      Fire this asshat, PLEASE

    • Jake Van Epps

      01/06/2014 at 2:24 pm

      lol, right?!?

  5. Adam

    01/06/2014 at 2:37 pm

    This whole article base was written WEEKS ago! How is it you guys are letting this lazy hack keep writing?? Comparing a 2012 phone to a “theoretical” 2014 phone? C’mon man! And p.s. the nexus has lte. You just have to enable it. Don’t write about stuff you don’t know about.

  6. wootpig

    01/06/2014 at 3:40 pm

    Usually it is people in the comment section using ridiculous comparisons to price how much better the iphone is. Refreshing to see the roles reversed, yet frustrating to read such an awful article. Probably could have better guesses at weather on a specific day two years from now than was provided on any specs on the new iPhone.

  7. Antonio

    01/06/2014 at 4:22 pm

    This is the dumbest thing I’ve read in 2014, but the year is still young, so maybe I’ll see some other worthy contenders as it progresses.

    • Mark

      01/07/2014 at 11:26 pm

      My thoughts exactly. I just wish Google now would stop recommending rubbish posts to me !! :) BTW. Who would seriously consider any apple product after using android anyway?

  8. Kevin

    01/06/2014 at 4:28 pm

    Lol @Nexus 4 having a plastic front cover. ITS ALL GLASS YOU RETARD. Also the phone never came out for AT&T. Just Google and T-Mobile. GBM should get rid of this nub.

    • Adam

      01/06/2014 at 4:31 pm

      Tell me about it. I also pointed out to him that it does have lte. What can you expect from an Apple fan boy.

  9. giga

    01/07/2014 at 1:00 am

    Are u OK? Nexus 4 vs iPhone 6?

  10. William Quiñones

    01/07/2014 at 1:29 am

    What this guy was using when wrote this piece of crap? IPhone always moves forward? How do you call the “leaping forward” between IPhone 4 & IPhone 4S?A move forward really? I have Nexus 4 for over a year anda still is performing great! Also, when Google stop support for Kit Kat, I wouldn’t be worried because I will get the next update. That’s why I always buy Nexus phones directly from Google. I take a Nexus phone over IPhone any single day hands down Apple fan boy.

  11. Nathaniel Stout

    01/07/2014 at 2:05 am

    Well I always say Ijunk (iPhone) will never catch up to the performance and greatness that android has showed us for years. For example take the beat down htc droid incredible which can still be pushed to android 4.3 update while Ijunk has to be made do it with whitd00r to go to ios7 which only is supports the iPhone 2 and 3 so correct me if I’m wrong but where is Ijunks dog in this race for top of the line smartphone I think I seen it running dead last

  12. PublicStaticVoidMain

    01/07/2014 at 2:49 am

    the author must be high. if I own a Nexus device, odds are, I would never ever consider getting an iOS device.

  13. Dave

    01/07/2014 at 5:26 am

    How do you tell Google Now to stop recommending a site or specific writer? I haven’t read such drivel since Adam Mills last article!

  14. Douglas Anderson

    01/07/2014 at 11:54 am

    The author must have been really desperate to find an article topic. First, Nexus owner are the least likely Android users to switch. They use the Nexus devices because they are Android enthusiasts and purists.

    You could argue Nexus 4 owner picked it because it was inexpensive, but this does not play in the United States (the country in which the vast majority of Nexus devices are sold) because you can actually get a contract and pay less for the phone. Even if you are with a no contract carrier their are cheaper options like some Windows phones. Android also has cheaper options with a number of low end phones and the Moto G is a actually a decent phone.

    Nope. Sorry. This article just does not fly. When ever a new iPhone comes out or a new Galaxy phones comes out their are people who switch, but the Nexus user is not likely.

    Plus, about the same time as the iPhone 6 we should see the new Nexus device. I am confident this device will simply destroy the new iPhone. As it is, the Nexus 4 is as good or better than the iPhone 5S. The Nexus 5 is far superior to the iPhone 5S and we can only dream about the next one (just as we can only have nightmare about the future iPhone 6.)

  15. Chris

    01/07/2014 at 1:36 pm

    Funniest thing I have ever read. Gives me hope that if my current gig doesn’t pan out, at least I can write tech “news”…

  16. moe

    01/07/2014 at 1:38 pm

    There had to be an explanation to this article…

    OK. I gave up. Can’t think of any. Maybe the gotta be mobile site should rename to gotta be apple.

  17. Ty

    01/07/2014 at 7:25 pm

    The Nexus 4 has a Gorilla Glass 2 front panel, not plastic. I didn’t read all comments so sorry if I’m repeating. Who is this ignorant person?

  18. tt

    01/07/2014 at 9:15 pm

    This article was a waste of my data.

  19. Jatin

    01/07/2014 at 10:10 pm

    I’d like to know what you had consumed before you wrote this crappy thing? You missed being the retard of the year 2013 by a few days. But keep writing more such stuff (or don’t) and you might win it in 2014. Good luck for that!

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