Google Nexus 4 vs. Sony Xperia Z: How Do They Stack Up?

The launch of Google Nexus 4 in India on 15 May has intensified the price-war among expensive high-end smartphones in the sub-continent.

With a price-tag of ₹26,000, Nexus 4 is set to dominate the price-conscious Indian market where all high-end MNC smartphones are placed above the ₹40,000 price point. However, Japanese electronics maker Sony is an exception as it launched its flagship Xperia Z for sub-₹38,000, which is quite low when compared to rivals Apple iPhone 5, HTC One and Galaxy S4. It has even gained popularity for its innovative camera features. Put aside the obvious plus points, let's see how Sony Xperia Z stacks up against the newly launched Nexus 4.

Here is a brief comparison of main features between Google Nexus 4 and Sony Xperia Z:

Display:

Nexus 4 sports a 4.7-inch WXGA IPS screen panel with a HD 1280x768p resolution and pixel density close to 318 ppi (pixels per inch). On the other hand, Xperia Z houses a remarkable 5.0-inch Full HD TFT screen with 1920x1080p resolution having a pixel density of 441 ppi.

Processor:

In terms of power, Sony Xperia Z and Nexus 4 stand even as they both pack the same 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor with Adreno 320 graphics engine.

Storage and RAM:

Even though Sony and LG smartphones pack 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, Xperia Z owners hold the advantage of having a micro-SD card slot for expanding memory up to 32GB. The LG handset does not come with extra-memory slot.

 Camera:

In this aspect, Sony Xperia Z wins hands down against Nexus 4 with its stunning 13.1-megapixel camera which also boasts of Sony's exclusive Exmor RS camera lens technology, auto-focus, LED Flash,16X digital zoom and 1080p Full HD video recording capability. It also houses a 2.0-megapixel camera at the front which can also take Full HD video at 30 fps.

On the other hand, Nexus 4 which sports a 8.0-megapixel camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera. The main camera has auto-focus, LED flash, 4X digital zoom and other standard features.

Mobile Operating System:

Both Nexus 4 and Xperia Z smartphones run on Android Jelly Bean OS, but it is to be noted that the former runs on pure Android stock and will be the first among the all other Android smartphones to receive the OS updates.

Xperia Z runs on Android v4.1.2 Jelly Bean, but recent suggests that the Android v4.2 OS update will be released soon.

Price:

Currently, Nexus 4 is now available for ₹25,999 in the market, whereas the Sony Xperia Z is priced around ₹37,900, almost ₹11,000 more than the LG smartphone.

But, considering the Sony's exclusive innovative camera features and its water and dust resistant sturdy body case, it justifies the price.

Here is a breakdown of specifications of LG-Google Nexus 4 and Sony Xperia Z:

 Prices vary depending on the market.