It’s important to note prices before beginning our comparison of the iPhone 5s and the Nexus 5.
The iPhone 5s 16GB model costs $649.99 out of contract and the 32GB model costs $749.00. The Nexus 5 is interesting because it only costs $349.99 for 16GB unlocked and $399.99 for 32GB.
This price difference is amazing because the Nexus 5 is not only tied with the iPhone 5s on some features, but it is also better in some cases.
Design and Weight
Credits: Android Pit
Credits: Android Pit
Both of these phones have great designs. The Nexus 5 has a stylish plastic case that may not be as flashy as the 5s colors but it is still respectable.
The 5s weighs 3.95oz and has the following dimensions: 4.874 x 2.307 x .299 inches. The Nexus 5 is a bit heavier weighing in at 4.59oz and its dimensions are as follows: 5.427 x 2.723 x .338 inches.
Some Android users are already familiar with removable cases but the Nexus 5 does not have this feature. Both the iPhone 5s and Nexus 5 batteries can’t be removed, so the case functionality is at a tie.
The design, size and weight winner is clearly the iPhone 5s in this case though.
Display
iPhone 5s vs Nexus 5. Credits: Android Pit
While the iPhone 5s has a 4-inch screen with a pixel density of 326ppi and a resolution of 1136 x 640, the Nexus 5 blows it out of the water with a 5-inch screen featuring a pixel density of 445ppi and a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
For a phone that is so darn cheap it’s inconceivable to think that its screen could be so much better than an Apple product priced at $650+. A bit surprising, but it’s the truth. Google knows how to make great screens for a fraction of the price apparently.
Battery Life
According to a Gizmag test, the iPhone 5s lasts six hours and 15 minutes while streaming Netflix on 75% brightness, while the Nexus 5 lasts four hours and 43 minutes. Both Google and Apple claim that their phones can last up to 10 hours on a charge but that’s not the case at all. With non-stop web and app use, calling, and texting, either phones will run out within 5 hours.
Now the one good thing about the Nexus 5 is that you can flash custom operating systems on it which let you boost battery life. This is only a bonus for advanced-phone users that are ready to tinker with their software. But it’s worth mentioning none-the-less.
Camera
Nexus 5. Credits: Phone Arena
iPhone 5s Credits: Phone Arena
When it comes to the camera capabilities of theses phones, they are about tied. Both the Nexus 5 and iPhone 5s have 8-megapixel cameras, and from the sample above you can tell that they are similar. Personally I would say that the Nexus 5 photo looks much better but it’s all up to preference.
I own an iPhone 5s though and am kind of jealous that my camera isn’t half as good as the cheaper Nexus 5. It just doesn’t make sense to me why Apple couldn’t outdo such an affordable phone.
The front camera of the iPhone 5s has a resolution of 1.2-megapixels but is better in color representation and exposure than the Nexus 5’s 1.3-megapixel front camera.
The front facing camera shouldn’t be too big of a deal breaker though. Even if you take a lot of selfies it’s unlikely that you’d go with the iPhone 5s which costs almost twice as much just because of the front camera quality.
Processors and RAM
The iPhone 5s features the world’s first 64-bit mobile processor. It is powered by an Apple A7 dual-core 1.3GHz processor and 1GB of RAM while the Nexus 5 is powered by a quad core 2.26GHz processor and 2GB of RAM.
In the end of the day both of these phones will handle anything you throw at them for the next two years.
Special Perks
Credits: Android Pit
Right off the bat we have to mention that the iPhone 5s has a fingerprint scanner. That’s really cool. But it’s also kind of not. Let me explain: the fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5s can only be used for two things now. Either unlocking your phone with your fingerprint or buying apps with it. You can’t lock messages, photos or other important things with your fingerprint.
Even though the fingerprint feature sounds really cool, expect it to get old after a while. At least I know that it got old for me quick. Other than the fingerprint scanner that’s about it for special perks with the iPhone 5s.
Credits: Google Store
The Nexus 5 on the other hand is jam-packed with cool features. The Nexus 5 supports 4K resolution videos while the iPhone 5s does not for example. Another great feature of this phone is that it is wireless-charging ready. All you have to do is buy a $49.99 wireless charger and you’ll never have to worry about messy cables again. And as all other Android phones, the Nexus 5 also has NFC support.
Conclusion
For people that have already invested a lot of money into iOS apps or ebooks, then it’s logical to keep on upgrading to new Apple phones. But if you’re not too invested into the iOS ecosystem, or if you’re looking for an affordable phone, then the Nexus 5 is the best phone $350 can buy.
The fact that the Nexus is cheaper than the iPhone 5S yet it has a bigger screen and ties on every other level with the iPhone 5s is amazing. What’s even more amazing is that consumers will no longer have to be shackled to 2-year plans for expensive phones.
The Nexus 5 phone is $349.99 without a contract and only $100 with one. As an Android owner wanting to upgrade to an affordable yet powerful phone, then this is a great choice. For Apple phone owners that are upgrading and are no longer interested in buying expensive iPhones that under deliver, then the Nexus 5 is also a good choice.
Mind you the Nexus 5 is not the best phone that Android has to offer. However, it’s as good as an iPhone 5s and only costs $349.99. Anything better than that is unimaginable.