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Phone Wars: Google Nexus 4 VS LG Optimus G

Phone Wars: Google Nexus 4 VS LG Optimus G

By Alexander Maxham
November 02, 2012

Here we are with another edition of Phone Wars! This time we’ve got a couple of LG devices competing. In the first corner we’ve got the Google Nexus 4 running Android 4.2, and in the other corner we’ve got the Optimus G running Android 4.0. While both the Nexus 4 and Optimus G are both running basically the same spec’s, aside from the Snapdragon S4 Pro and the Qualcomm MDM9615 processor respectively  the two different versions of Android they are running couldn’t be further apart. Both devices sporting a beautiful 4.7″ 1280×768 display, but on separate carriers. So who’s going to come out on top? Let’s get this fight started already!

Specifications

Google Nexus 4

Here we are with the newest edition to the Nexus family. We started out with the Nexus One from HTC, then Samsung produced the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, and now LG has brought us the Nexus 4. The LG Nexus 4 will be available on November 13th, unlocked from the Google Play Store and on-contract at T-Mobile. And the updates come straight from Google, no carriers are involved, which is a great thing. Especially if you’re coming from a CDMA carrier like Sprint or Verizon.

Pro’s

  • Stock Android 4.2
  • Quick Updates directly from Google
  • Powerful S4 Pro Processor

Con’s

  • No SD Card
  • HSPA+ and GSM only
  • Only 8GB and 16GB versions

Pricing:

Unlocked from Google: $299 for 8GB, $349 for 16GB

On-contract from T-Mobile: $199 for 16GB

LG Optimus G

The LG Optimus G is very similar to the Nexus 4, with many of the same specs. After all it is built by the same manufacturer as the Nexus 4. But it does come with Android 4.0.4 – Ice Cream Sandwich, which is just about a year old. But it is Android 4.1.1 – Jelly Bean upgrade-able, who knows when that update will come since LG has to wait for the carriers to push out these updates.  In the US there are two variants of the Optimus G, AT&T and Sprint. The main difference is the Sprint model has a 13MP camera, and the AT&T model has a 8MP camera. All the internals are the same.

Pro’s

  • 4G LTE connectivity for both carriers, and HSPA+ connectivity on AT&T
  • 2GB of RAM for better performance
  • 32GB of internal storage compared to the 8/16GB on the Nexus 4

Con’s

  • No expandable storage
  • Year old Ice Cream Sandwich on board

Pricing

AT&T: $199 with a 2-year contract

Sprint: $199 with a 2-year contract

Who’s the winner?

Of course the Nexus 4 would win, for the pure Android experience. Also it’s running the current version of Android and will get updates directly from Google, not waiting on the carriers. But for those that think 8 or even 16GB isn’t enough storage for them, you will want to pick up the LG Optimus G. And if you don’t get good coverage from T-Mobile or AT&T you’ll also want the Optimus G. But with the Nexus 4, you have the option of paying a bit more for a device, and not being tied to a contract. Which for many people is a good thing.