Here we are again. Another episode of Phone Wars. This time we are putting the “James Bond” phone a.k.a. the Sony Xperia TL in one corner, and in the other it’s Google’s new flagship Android device running Android 4.2 the Google Nexus 4 built by LG. Both will run on AT&T’s network, but only the Xperia TL can be purchased on-contract. So is the Google Nexus 4 worth the off-contract price? Is the Xperia TL worthy enough to be in your hands? Or should it stay in James Bonds’ hands? Let’s find out.
Specifications
Google Nexus 4
The newly announced Google Nexus 4 is the newest Google device following the Nexus One (HTC), Nexus S (Samsung) and the Galaxy Nexus (Samsung). This device will come with the latest Android version, and receive updates straight from Google, skipping the carrier. While it may not have the best aesthetics it is very powerful under the hood with that quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro. But it is lacking LTE, could that be a deal breaker?
Pro’s
- It’s a Nexus! Meaning it will get updates almost instantly from Google.
- Powerful Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM will allow you to do just about anything
- No contract! Google is selling this thing unlocked at a very low price
Con’s
- No LTE. For some this might be a deal breaker
- No expandable storage
- No removable battery
Pricing
From the Play Store: $299 for 8GB version; $349 for the 16GB version both come unlocked
From T-Mobile: $199 for the 16GB version, with a 2-year contract
Sony Xperia TL
If you haven’t seen Skyfall yet, you may not get why Sony and AT&T are calling this the James Bond phone. But James Bond uses the Sony Xperia TL in his new movie Skyfall, it’s a great movie you should go see it. Back to the phone. This is your typical Sony Xperia device, from the hardware to the software. But that 4.5″ 720p display sure is beautiful and comes with Sony’s Bravia Engine to make Videos and Audio even better.
Pro’s
- Stunning 4.5″ display at 720p
- Expandable storage, up to 32GB via Micro SD
- 4G LTE connectivity, for you to access the cloud that much faster
Con’s
- Non-removable battery
- Running year-old Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.4)
- Sony’s update reputation is not good, may be six months or longer before it sees Jelly Bean
Pricing
On contract from AT&T, it’ll cost you $99.99; $449.99 full price, without a 2-year commitment.
The Winner is?
Do you really need to ask? As huge Android fans, any one of our writers would choose the Google Nexus 4 over just about any other device. If not for the reason that it’s a Google device and will get updates faster than any other Android phone. Not to mention that blazing fast quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM to let you play Dead Trigger, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and any other games all at the same time. While the Xperia TL does have some nice spec’s, not to mention LTE connectivity and expandable storage. My money would still be going to Google and LG for the Nexus 4.