India Gadget Reviews

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the first mobile handset to be released with the new Ice Cream Sandwich version of the Android operating system installed. Since we have seen the introduction of this model a number of new devices have arrived that also boast the updated software. We see how the Nexus compares with the Sony Xperia S, one of the most impressive ICS handsets currently on the market. We take a look at design and screen technology on both of these models to see which handset comes out on top.

The Sony Xperia S is the first handset introduced to the Xperia range since Sony took full control from former partner Ericsson. Despite this change the model still looks very similar to many previous Xperia phones that have been launched which is pleasing as the phones are generally regarded as some of the best designed devices available. The model measures 128 x 64 x 10.6mm and weighs just 144 grammes. The model offers a very angular design when you look at it from the front yet when it is turned over the back panel sports a gentle curve that helps the device to sit very comfortably in the palm of your hand. Sony have added some design changes in order to make this new range stand out from older models that they have produced. A transparent bar sits beneath the three capacitive buttons which are located below the screen. This bar contains LED lights which highlight the buttons above it and it certainly helps the device achieve a look that is very different from all other devices. Samsung always produce stylish devices and the Galaxy Nexus is no different. The model offers a design which is much curvier than its rival and this works particularly well on a large handset such as this than it does on many smaller screened devices. The model measures 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9mm and weighs just 135 grammes. You will notice that both the depth measurement and the weight are less than the Xperia S which will help the model to appeal to many consumers. The screen dominates the fascia and is surrounded by a very slim bezel which means that the display almost covers the entire front panel which looks great. Despite different designs both of these handset looks superb and are two of the nicest looking handsets on the market. Consumer looking for a more angular design will obviously favour the Sony while those wanting a softer and curvier finish will be more attracted to the Galaxy Nexus.

Things are not so evenly matched when we look at the screen technology incorporated on both models. The Sony Xperia S boasts the superior screen to the Xperia S and just about every other phone currently available. The model sports an LED backlit LCD screen which measures 4.3 inches. This screen can produce an extremely high resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels which results in an iPhone 4S beating pixel density of 342PPI. Colours look bright and vivid and we also found that viewing the screen in bright conditions was also very impressive. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus uses a larger display that makes use of the company's own Super AMOLED technology. In terms of resolution the Nexus offers the same standard as the Sony but on a larger 4.65 inch display. This has a negative effect on pixel density which drops to 316PPI. This type of quality is enough to eclipse most other phones on the market and the screen does work extremely well. Unfortunately for Samsung the Xperia S is a market leader in this area and therefore impresses us more for image quality.

The Sony Xperia S and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus are two superb new handsets that both boast the very latest version of the Android operating system. Both models sport striking yet very different designs but the Sony impresses us more for screen technology thanks to its wonderful display.