Google Nexus S vs T-Mobile myTouch 4G

Introduction:

With a cornucopia of devices vying for the top spot on T-Mobile's lineup, there are two that stand together all too closely to one another thanks primarily to their larger than life status. One of them is none other than the T-Mobile myTouch 4G which can be argued as the premier and latest HTC built device to wow customers all around. Conversely, Samsung was graced with opportunity of manufacturing the Nexus S which stands prominently as being the sole Android 2.3 Gingerbread powered device on the market. Since they embody all the terrific high-end features you'd expect out of any premier phone out there, it's one difficult decision for any T-Mobile customer thinking about making the plunge for their next handset of choice.

Design:

Although they share the same slate form factor, just about everything else regarding their designs is completely different. Easily between the two, we feel that the T-Mobile myTouch 4G is the better built phone primarily because of its chrome bezel, metallic rear cover, and durable white plastic. However, it's not to say that we're not appeased by the minimalistic and clean look of the Nexus S, but when it's held in the hand, it's extremely noticeable that its all plastic construction does make it feel somewhat more prone – especially to attracting finger prints and scratches. Still, they're relatively the same size and manageable to hold, but we're not particularly too thrilled by the mash of design cues in use with the myTouch 4G. In the end, neither is particularly original, but there's just something about the myTouch 4G that blissfully provides that warranted sense of ownership thanks to its solid construction.


In the battle between the Super AMOLED display of the Nexus S and the Super LCD one on the myTouch 4G, there's no comparison as it's clearly evident that the extremely rich and saturated colors of the Nexus S are preferred. In fact, it's more distinguishable with the color black as it looks a bit more smokey in tone with the myTouch 4G. Despite its victory, both devices are able to establish clarity and detail thanks to their WVGA (480 x 400) resolution. Furthermore, their screen surfaces are slick to the touch which provides for accurate measures of responsiveness. Meanwhile, viewing angles are acceptably better with the Nexus S since you begin to lose visibility when tilting the myTouch 4G – which inevitably makes colors look washed out. Granted that you'll be content with the level of output with the myTouch 4G, you'll be instantly mesmerized by the Super AMOLED display of the Nexus S.


When you realize that you can barely recognize the capacitive buttons of the Nexus S even in the dark, that's when the physical buttons in use with the myTouch 4G utterly become a focal point. Not only are they easily pressed, but it's almost guaranteed that you won't accidentally press any one of them. In addition, we find an optical track-pad with the T-Mobile myTouch 4G that offers an alternative way of navigating.

Considered to still be a luxury with most devices released in the US, both smartphones offer 0.3-megapixel front-facing cameras which can be used for things like taking a self-shot or video chat.


In terms of other physical buttons clinging onto the sides of both phones, we actually prefer the more prominently feeling volume rocker and dedicated power button of the Nexus S. That's because the ones with the myTouch 4G are recessed and don't offer enough response when pressed. However, we find the two-level shutter key with the myTouch 4G to be a convenient offering which enables you to start shooting photos at a heart beat.


Other commonalities include a 3.5mm headset jack, microUSB port, and 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with flash – but with the T-Mobile myTouch 4G, it yet again offers the convenience of a microSD card slot. However, the Google Nexus S discretely implements an NFC chip, which is something that will come in handy down the road as the technology matures.