Google Nexus 5 vs LG G2

Introduction

And so begins the reign of the latest Nexus smartphone, the aptly named Google Nexus 5, which like its predecessor, has that killer one-two punch with its affordable cost and impressive set of hardware. As we all know, though, the Nexus 5 reads very similar to another LG-made smartphone – the LG G2. Comparing the two together, it’s obvious that they share many commonalities, but they’re also very different.

Whereas the Nexus 5 goes the outright, no-contract route, the LG G2 stays firm by being a premium smartphone that’s featured as a contract option on the lineups of many domestic wireless carriers. Some would argue that this is an unusual tactic, seeing that these two LG-made smartphones are going to butt head against one another, vying to catch the hearts and minds of hungry consumers – possibly cannibalizing on its others’ sales. However, at the end of the day, they require the same in-depth comparison like everything else we’ve done, to determine exactly how they stack up against one another.

Design

From a far distance, you’d be hard pressed to even realize any differences between their designs. Heck, we even have a tough time, mainly because they closely match each other with their size, weight, and choice of materials. That all changes the moment they’re both held in our hands, as it’s quite evident that the Nexus 5 has a more modest design – whereas the G2, has a fancier finish that’s meant to have a more polarizing effect. Indeed, the two are constructed from polycarbonate plastic, but the soft touch matte finish of the Nexus 5 helps to give it a cleaner look. In contrast, the glossy finish of the LG G2 makes it feel a bit slippery in the hand, and at the same time, it’s more prone to finger print and smudges.

When it comes to the in-the-hand feel, it’s the LG G2 that has a more comfortable and natural feel. Yes, the soft touch finish of the Nexus 5 again helps to give it a grippy feel, but its hard lines don’t feel as good when compared to the subtle curve around the LG G2’s rear casing. In addition, those curves around the G2’s back help to perfectly contour the shape of our hand – and that’s despite being the slightly wider smartphone.

Overall, the LG G2’s design is undoubtedly more eye-catchy, which is further strengthened by the peculiar pattern design of its casing. Depending on the angle, it can develop this shimmering effect to catch our attention.

Display

In making them oh-so lovable, these two Android smartphones are blessed with some snazzy looking displays. To be more specific, it’s a 5-inch 1080x1920 (1080p) IPS LCD display on the Nexus 5 – while the G2 sports a slightly larger 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD display. Furthermore, their displays are notable for the skinny bezels surrounding the sides, which help them to maintain their somewhat compact size. Like their designs, it would seem as though they exhibit the same qualities, but upon closer inspection, we do have a clear victor in this particular category.

On paper, the Nexus 5’s display technically delivers the higher details, thanks to its pixel density count of 445 ppi, which is a smidgen better than the G2’s tally of 423 ppi. Unless you have bionic eyes or something, you won’t actually see the slight superiority of the Nexus 5. Therefore, whether it’s from a normal distance away, or close up when it’s a few inches away from our eyes, these two deliver the same crisp visuals that keep our eyes glued to them.Well, it’s wonderful to know that they offer great outdoor visibility, thanks in part to their strong brightness output and contrast with their panels. In addition, it also helps when their color reproductions are very realistic too. However, the Nexus 5’s display is plagued by this washed out look at wide viewing angles – where it produces a milky tone with the color black. Although it’s there too with the G2, it’s actually more subdued, so it’s able to maintain its clarity better. At the end of the day, the two are undoubtedly sharp looking, but we still find ourselves being attracted slightly more to the G2’s display.