Google Nexus One vs Apple iPhone 3GS

Power
On the face of it, the Nexus One is a more powerful device. It uses an impressive 1Ghz processor next to the iPhone 3GS’s 600Mhz ARM chip. Hold your horses though, because measuring power isn’t all that simple.

For starters, the iPhone 3GS comes with an impressive PowerVR graphics chip that’s worth more than just a few handfuls of megahertz. Plus, power’s not all that useful unless you can get developers to use it.

One of the iPhone’s key strengths is that the range is still fairly consolidated – while the 3GS is a lot more powerful than the original iPhone, developers don’t have to cater for dozens of different devices – or indeed hundreds as is the case with java apps. The state of Android isn’t too bad, but as Android developers will largely be aiming at the mainstream Android phones, which run off ~500Mhz chips.

The Snapdragon processor will still make sure the interface and Android Market apps run at a fair old pace, but we still think the future’s brighter for the 3GS in terms of making full use of its power.

Winner – With great power comes great responsibility, it’s the iPhone 3GS

Cool factor
This is the most superficial factor in our already-superficial examination, but it’s one of the most important of all. Yes, the iPhone still looks prettier than the Nexus One and will almost undoubtedly hold its value a lot better, but everyone, their dog and its fleas has an iPhone.

The 3GS does have the additional draw of being that bit better, but crowing about it is much like going on about how your car’s got a turbo charger – no one’s going to like you for it. We’re not saying the days of the iPhone being a cool device are over, but there’s not risk involved in buying an iPhone, apart from smashing its screen that is.

Android is currently the second favourite for the smartphone throne behind the iPhone, and there’s nothing like rooting for the underdog. Especially when it’s as slick and powerful an underdog as Android

Winner – Geek chic wins. Google Nexus One

Conclusion
We can’t make any full conclusions at the moment, but the Google Nexus One does offer a tempting alternative to the iPhone, just like the less advanced HTC Hero did last year. The bit we like most? That screen sounds like an absolute stunner. Not only is it massive, it also uses that AMOLED technology that we love so much. Media fans, make sure you check out the Nexus One before signing that iPhone contract.

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