Best 4 inch Android phone?

sswats · 14 Dec 2011 at 12:38

I have an iphone4 at the moment and am due an upgrade in the next month.

Love the iphone but looking for something new. But the top of the line android phones are all massive. Is there something with the same specs as the nexus but on a 4 inch screen?

wez130 · 14 Dec 2011 at 12:49

I've come from the iphone 4, today I've just got the galaxy S2 (4.2" screen) and so far i love it, beats paying £46 / month for apple, the screen is so much brighter and bigger, i'm struggling setting my googlemail account up so far though but i'll sort that out. In January, you'll be able to upgrade your OS to the new ice cream sandwich which is what the nexus runs. I didn't like the look of the nexus personally. The S2 is about the closest you'll get to the nexus.

One thing i will say though, the iphone is better built than the galaxy series.

sswats · 14 Dec 2011 at 12:52

Also the S2 is getting on a bit, isn't there an expected update within the next 6 months?
Anything more recent?

Dava · 14 Dec 2011 at 12:54

i have gone from a iphone 4 to a galaxy s2 and although it is bigger its a lot thinner and lighter, can hardly realise its there when in your pocket! very nice phone too!

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 12:58

Have you actually used one, or are you just assuming it's massive?

You really should just go for a 4.3/4.6" (Galaxy S II, Galaxy Nexus) device otherwise you're going to be getting something inferior.

sswats · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:05

Yeah I've used the S2. Screen makes them good to use, and are thin but once you bung on the casing it becomes big and thick.

I am keeping my options open, just looking to see if there is something smaller without compromising other features.

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:07

Unfortunately there isn't really. Just don't use a case? You don't really need one.

loltim · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:10

Probably better to go with the gs2 if you don't like the nexus's awkward looks.

Cosimo · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:17

loltim said:
Probably better to go with the gs2 if you don't like the nexus's awkard looks.

There is nothing awkward about the GN's looks.

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:21

I'd like to know what is awkward about the Nexus and not the Galaxy S II.

loltim · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:28

dunno, just doesn't look right, the gs2 looks more of a premium device, even from the rear! It kind of reminds me of a soap bar style zte blade or similar. I don't like the 3 large and clunky icons either.

anyway i'm not alone, what didn't you like about the nexus wez?

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:30

What a load of nonsense. You're either on the wind up, or have a very skewed definition of 'premium'.

Demon · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:43

Robbo said:
I'd like to know what is awkward about the Nexus and not the Galaxy S II.

I actually find the Nexus quite ugly..

I appreciate it's personal taste, but the very large radius curves top/bottom just make it look cheap/awkward/not appealing, that and the screen to surround/top/bottom ratio also don't do it for me..

I actually think the proportions of the Galaxy Note are about right, more screen, less surround and less 'curvy'..

Each to their own..

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:45

I can understand using the iPhone 4 as a benchmark for what looks/feels premium, but not the S2.

There's nothing wrong with the looks or sturdiness of the S2, but it certainly doesn't look or feel premium.

rs1800 · 14 Dec 2011 at 13:57

Im about to buy one of these 2 phones. I dont watch films but mainly read rss, twitter etc and some games so would the better nexus screen make a difference to me? Basically is the nexus worth the extra money over sg2?
thx

loltim · 14 Dec 2011 at 14:01

Robbo said:
I can understand using the iPhone 4 as a benchmark for what looks/feels premium, but not the S2.

In a thread about 4" android devices that would be somewhat daft.

You only think the gs2 doesn't feel premium because it's only 116g. You can't use anything other than lightweight plastics to achieve this!

rs1800 said:
Basically is the nexus worth the extra money over sg2?
thx

no.

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 14:07

loltim said:
In a thread about 4" android devices that would be somewhat daft.

Sensation then. Considerably more premium feeling.

loltim said:
You only think the gs2 doesn't feel premium because it's only 116g. You can't use anything other than lightweight plastics to achieve this!

Personally, it doesn't have anything to do with the weight.

rs1800 said:
Im about to buy one of these 2 phones. I dont watch films but mainly read rss, twitter etc and some games so would the better nexus screen make a difference to me? Basically is the nexus worth the extra money over sg2?
thx

Yes, it is worth it, but not if you're on a budget. The screen would significantly improve the user experience of those things you're intending on doing though.

However, please define 'extra money', I want to see what you're comparing.

wellibob · 14 Dec 2011 at 14:07

I also think the galaxy nexus is ugly. I also not keen on the no physical buttons.

rs1800 · 14 Dec 2011 at 14:14

Robbo said:
Sensation then. Considerably more premium feeling.

Yes, it is worth it, but not if you're on a budget. The screen would significantly improve the user experience of those things you're intending on doing though.

However, please define 'extra money', I want to see what you're comparing.

I am on sim only contract so will buy an unopened phone from ebay. I cant look now but I think sg2 / nexus was about £400 / £520 so £120 more

Robbo · 14 Dec 2011 at 14:17

rs1800 said:
I am on sim only contract so will buy an unopened phone from ebay. I cant look now but I think sg2 / nexus was about £400 / £520 so £120 more

Well, I would pay that for it. It's entirely up to you though.