BlackBerry Z10 vs. Google Nexus 4: Can Z10 Beat the 'Best' Android Smartphone?
The BlackBerry Z10 stood up fairly well against the Samsung Galaxy S3. Now it's time to put it side-by-side with what is supposed to be the best Android smartphone in the market, the Google Nexus 4, to see if the long-awaited smartphone has a chance.
This is a face-off between each corner's best contenders, the latest that BlackBerry has to offer and Google's promising and in-demand Android phone.
Availability
Given the track record of the two smartphones, this is a good place to start. The BlackBerry Z10 has taken too long to get back in the game, but surprisingly this hasn't posed as a big problem in its comeback. Coupled with the rebranding to a singular BlackBerry brand, the smartphone made waves during its release in the UK and in Canada.
The Google Nexus 4, on the other hand, has been a coveted phone since it's one of the first to debut with the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The major issue here is that the stock for the Nexus 4 is always wanting-and no matter how great the phone is, if the availability is too scarce, what's there to actually enjoy?
Main features and performance
Know Your Mobile reports that while the Z10 and Nexus 4 are fairly much on the same ground for dimensions, the Z10 boasts a lighter feel for a smoother and more prolonged use.
When it comes to the screen, the Nexus 4 is ahead by a few at a 4.7-inch HD IPS screen, while the Z10 has a 4.2-inch screen. However, in terms of screen resolution, the Z10 is ahead at 355 PPI compared to the Nexus 4's 318 PPI.
As for performance, PC Advisor reports that the Nexus 4 takes the cake, with its quad-core interior making it the faster smartphone compared to the Z10 and basically the fastest smartphone in the market.
LTE and 4G
If there was a surprising feature that puts the BlackBerry Z10 to an applause-worthy advantage, it would be the LTE feature that allows you to download apps, files, and other items at a really fast speed.
Crackberry reports that the Z10 is the only smartphone to support LTE, and so far, those who have experienced it in their market-some markets don't offer the LTE with the Z10-attest to the power and speed of the addition.
Even sideloading apps through the Android lets you experience the power of the LTE, one that you will definitely enjoy if you're the type who needs fast-moving data going in and out of your phone.
The 4G feature also seems to be an exclusive for the Z10-as of the moment. According to Hexus,net, the BlackBerry Z10 is actually the first 4G-ready phone that Vodafone UK has launched.
But there have been speculations of a built-in chip in the Nexus 4 that allows it to have a 4G feature. TrustedReviews reports that a teardown has revealed this particularly interesting bit of information. However, it also adds that there are missing parts that are necessary to complete a fully-functioning 4G device.
Storage
Storage is an important factor in smartphones, especially when you use it in every aspect of your lifestyle.
According to Ciol, the Z10 bags this round. The Nexus 4 has an 8GB and a 16 GB model, but with no expandable memory options, which is why it relies heavily on the cloud movement using its array of apps.
The BB10 Z10, on the other hand, offers a one-model 16 GB option, along with an expandable and removable SD memory card that would boost your phone's memory by 64 GB.
Operating system
Technically, it's harder to compare the two devices on the arena of the operating system. For one, the BB10's platform is fairly new, and full exploration should be done before any judgments are passed. In the same vein, the Nexus 4 was introduced with the 4.2 Jelly Bean, which can easily be upgraded as developments are made.
Camera
The Z10 also dominates the camera by a smidge, thanks to its 2-megapixel front-facing camera compared to the Nexus 4's 1.3 mega-pixel one. The handsets are on even grounds for the rear camera at an 8-megapixel with 1080p video camera, according to Phones Review.