Physical Dimensions: 1520 v. 5
The 1520 is clearly larger in every way compared to the Nexus 5.
Height: 162.8mm v. 137.84mm - 18% taller
Width: 85.4mm v. 69.17mm - 23% wider
Thickness: 8.7mm v. 8.59mm - 1.3 % thicker
Weight: 206g v. 130g - 58% heavier
The dimension comparisons reveal that despite the much larger screen size, at 6 inches for the 1520 and 5 inches for the Nexus 5, the dimensions are not massively different. What really jumps out is the similarity in thickness and the huge difference in weight. The extra width of the 1520 will make one handed usability challenging, but not impossible (I hope).
The dimensions and design of these devices comes down to personal preference. I like my smartphone to stand out in the crowd, so a Nokia phone may very well be in my future. But if you want a device that is less than bombastic and functional, the Nexus 5 is the clear winner. It has a more streamlined design and is much more pocket-able.
The dimensions and design of these devices comes down to personal preference. I like my smartphone to stand out in the crowd, so a Nokia phone may very well be in my future. But if you want a device that is less than bombastic and functional, the Nexus 5 is the clear winner. It has a more streamlined design and is much more pocket-able.
Display: 1520 v. 5
368ppi Clear Black IPS LCD v. 445ppi Full HD IPS
Gorilla Glass 2 v. Gorilla Glass 3
The downfall of larger screens at full HD resolution is the necessary sacrifice in pixel per square inch. Most will argue 368ppi is plenty good enough and might actually look better than the display on the Nexus 5 thanks to 'Clear Black' technology on the 1520 for deeper blacks. Reports are also showing that outdoor visibility is outstanding on the 1520 compared to any other major flagship. But the verdict is still out on the outdoor visibility of the Nexus 5.
For my money, the display sharpness is not an important differentiation between these phones. Size, camera and software are far more important.
Processor:
Both devices are running the all powerful Snapdragon 800 quad core processor. Both also have 2 GB of RAM. However, it is important to point out the immense software differences play a factor in comparing the day-to-day operation of these processors. Windows Phone is designed to be a simple, sleek interface which can work perfectly fine on a dual core processor. The Nexus 5's pure Android experience is definitely sleeker and simplified compared to some manufacturer skins, but the inclusion of a more powerful Google Now system and an always-on microphone for voice commands will take full advantage of that processor.Software:
Windows Phone versus Android.....complete visual opposites that do the same thing. I believe that is true for any operating system. Each platform might exceed in one area over another, but all try for the same functions, including connecting to social media, phone calls, scheduling, web browsing, texting, photos, videos, navigation, shopping, news, email, games, etc, etc, etc.
With that said, Google clearly has a larger application selection than Windows Phone. The gap is shrinking, however, with the inclusion of Instagram and Vine in the Windows catalog. But if you dislike mobile versions of applications and live completely on native apps, Windows Phone may not be for you. One big problem with Microsoft is the lack of a native YouTube app, but there are 3rd party options to help quell your fears.
Another concern with Windows Phone generally is the notification system. Notifications live on tiles, not in a pull down list. This makes sense for a large screen device, where many tiles can be seen at the same time. So the Lumia 1520 will be the first smartphone to really take advantage of this notification format.
Camera:
If you believe a great camera on a smartphone is worth $300 extra dollars, then your mind is already made up. Even with Optical Image Stabilization and an 8 megapixel camera, the Nexus 5 is getting sub-par camera reviews so far. The 1520 is sure to blow us away in every facet, from low light to action shots to selfies and much more.
Remember, at $350 without a contract, there have to be compromises with the Nexus 5. The camera is definitely a compromise, as is the all plastic design (although not a slippery plastic, but rather a matte finish).
A more complete comparison will have to wait until the Lumia 1520 finally hits store shelves, which will definitely be before Christmas. A more exact date is tough to say with rumors flying around for mid-November.
Remember, at $350 without a contract, there have to be compromises with the Nexus 5. The camera is definitely a compromise, as is the all plastic design (although not a slippery plastic, but rather a matte finish).
A more complete comparison will have to wait until the Lumia 1520 finally hits store shelves, which will definitely be before Christmas. A more exact date is tough to say with rumors flying around for mid-November.
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