iPhone 5s vs. Nexus 5 (Rumored)

Last month, Apple released the iPhone 5s, its iPhone 5 successor and a device that joined the new iPhone 5c and iPhone 4s in Apples iPhone lineup. In just a few days, Google is likely going to announce its brand new Nexus-branded smartphone, the Nexus 5, a device that is going to compete for attention. Ahead of its launch, we take a look at how we expect the iPhone 5s to match up with the Nexus 5.

After months and months of rumor and speculation, Apple took the stage at its campus in Cupertino, California and announced two brand new iPhones in the mid-range plastic iPhone 5c and the premium, high-end iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5s in particular replaced the iPhone 5 as the companys flagship smartphone model and a device that will carry the company flag into battle in 2014.

Apples iPhone 5s will have to fight off an assortment of competitors this holiday season from the Galaxy Note 3 to the Lumia 1020 to the Galaxy S4 and HTC One, heroes from earlier in the year. There is also another yearly, highly anticipated device that has yet to be announced, one that should definitely compete with the iPhone 5s. That phone? Googles new Nexus.

After months and months of rumor and speculation, Google is set to take center stage, either in a physical location or online, and announce at least one brand new Nexus smartphone in the LG-made Nexus 5. The Nexus 5 will replace the discontinued Nexus 4 as the companys flagship Nexus smartphone and it, like the iPhone 5s, will be competing for attention well into 2014.

Last year, many consumers found themselves comparing the iPhone 5 to the Nexus 4 and this year, it will be more of the same, only it will be two different devices attracting their attention. With the Nexus 5 launch nearly here, its time to take a close look at how Googles new flagship should match up with the iPhone 5s, Apples leading smartphone.

Release Date

The iPhone 5s was released last month though almost immediately it encountered supply issues, supply issues that had been rumored ahead of its release, issues that Apple didnt announce at its launch event. For weeks now, the iPhone 5s has been in short supply, with Apple Stores and carriers still experiencing stock shortages across all colors.

In particular, the gold iPhone 5s is hard to find and it will likely remain that way for a few more weeks at least. Gotta Be Mobile has also learned that Verizon stores within 500 miles of San Francisco are experiencing severe stock shortages for all variants of the device. Point is, despite it being available, the iPhone 5s is still hard to find and likely will remain that way as we head into November.

Last years Nexus 4 launch was hampered by the same type of issue, only, it was way more extreme. When it arrived in November, the Nexus 5 sold out not once, but twice, before getting pushed back all the way into February for some buyers. It wasnt a launch that Google wants consumers to remember.

The Nexus 5 launch date still isnt known, but we expect it to arrive within the next few days, with a release likely coming by the middle of November, ahead of Black Friday. Google likes to release its devices no later than two weeks after a launch event and with it rumored for October, we should see a release date soon.

Given the high profile of the Nexus 5, its possible that we could see supply issues drag it down, but consumers should hope that Google learned its lesson with the Nexus 4 launch and ordered a ton of phones to keep supply in line with demand.

Design

The iPhone 5s uses the same overall design as the iPhone 5. That means that it comes with a premium industrial design made of glass and metal. Specifically, the iPhone 5s measures in at 7.6mm thin, extremely thin for a flagship smartphone, and weighs in at a mere 112 grams. This makes it an extremely compact device and one that easily fits in pockets and hands.

Apples design means that there is no expandable storage or removable back. There is, however, a fingerprint reader embedded in the home button. Touch ID allows users to open their phone up using their fingerprint, something that enhances security for its users. In addition, the iPhone 5s comes in three colors, gold, silver and gray.

To no ones surprise, the Nexus 5 should use a completely different design. Thanks to a copious amount of leaks, the LG Nexus 5 design will differ from both the Nexus 4 and the iPhone 5s in that it will likely use a black matte material that appears to resemble the Nexus 7s smooth back. Specific dimensions are unknown, but given that Google slimmed down the Nexus 7 design, we expect an extremely slim and lightweight device.

Like the iPhone 5s, the Nexus 5 wont have a microSD card slot and from the looks of things, its unlikely to have a removable back as well which means that users will be stock with the stock battery.

Display

Apple kept the 4-inch Retina Display found on the iPhone 5 and put it on board the iPhone 5s. What this means is that it boasts a display that offers 1136 x 640 resolution at 326 pixels-per-inch. While the display is aging, its not showing its age, as the display still ranks up there with the best on the market, offering fantastic looking videos, photos, web, and more.

Those who are looking for a larger display are likely going to find one with the Nexus 5. Leaks point to a near 5-inch display that rocks 1920 x 1080 resolution with 441 pixels-per-inch. In other words, its going to be on par with many of the smartphone displays that we saw arrive in 2013, displays like the Galaxy S4s and the HTC Ones.

Like the iPhone 5s display, it should produce high quality photos and video and the extra size will work out well for those that simply need more space for things like gaming and browsing the web.