The successor to the Huawei Ascend P1 has just been unveiled in Barcelona at the company's press conference at Mobile World Congress. The new device has the necessary features to compete with other high-end mid-range devices and offers an attractive price-performance ratio. calidad / precio which could make the battle really difficult Huawei Ascend P2 vs. Nexus 4Until now, Google's device was undoubtedly the best value, but now it's worth pitting these two Androids against each other, which, based on price and features, could become the best purchase option for many user profiles.
Processor and memory
Let's start at the heart of any smartphone. The Huawei Ascend P2 has been presented with a processor of quad core a 1,5 GHz (Huawei K3V2), while the Nexus 4 also integrates a quad-core chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064, with the same 1,5GHz clock speed and Krait cores. On paper, both are tied in core count and frequency, but Qualcomm's Krait architecture and its Adreno GPU 320 at ~400 MHz they usually offer more robust graphical performance in 3D games compared to the Vivante GPU GC4000 which accompanies the P3's K2V2; in demanding games, the Nexus 4 part with an advantage.
As for RAM, the Huawei Ascend P2 stays at 1 GB, a functional figure for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The Nexus 4, on the other hand, Double your bet with 2 GB of RAM, which translates into more headroom for keeping apps running in the background, a better experience in browsers with many tabs, and increased stability when combining several demanding tasks.
Regarding internal storage, it is worth clarifying an important point: the Ascend P2 offers 16 GB internal and, although it has sometimes been said otherwise, does not have a microSD slotThe Nexus 4, on the other hand, was marketed in variants of 8GB and 16GB version of the Nexus 4, and it also doesn't have a card slot. This means that, in both, the space management (heavy apps, photos, videos, and caches) is key; those who use cloud backups or streaming services will more easily mitigate this limitation, while users who store a lot of content offline should opt for the 16GB version of the Nexus 4 or carefully consider their use of the P2.
If we look at raw performance, the differences are most noticeable in the graphics section. In suites like AnTuTu, 3DMark o GFXBench, the Nexus 4 tends to achieve higher scores on the GPU side, while on the CPU side the trade-off can be more even in light multithreaded tasks. Beyond the numbers, what's important is that both offer fluidity in the interface and reliability in popular apps; if your priority is 3D games with advanced textures and effects, the Nexus 4 has the advantage.
An additional note related to the processor is the modem and connectivity that each platform enables. While the Nexus 4 offers excellent overall performance, the Ascend P2 adds a Cat.4 LTE modem (150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload), something that is not officially available on the Nexus 4, as detailed in the connectivity section.
Screen and camera
Here we find subtle but relevant differences. Both mount panels of 4,7 inches with technology IPS LCD, ensuring good viewing angles and natural color reproduction. The Nexus 4 offers a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels with 318 dpi, while the Huawei Ascend P2 remains at 1280 x 720 with 312 dpi. None of them reach Full HD, but the pixel density is high enough for text and icons to be seen. sharp In day to day.
Both devices use Gorilla Glass 2 to protect the front from scratches. In the Ascend P2, Huawei also boasts a luminance up to 500 nits and a viewing angle of approximately 85°, making it easy to use outdoors. An interesting differentiating point of the P2 is that its screen is sensitive with gloves, an added comfort in cold climates that, for example, Nokia popularized in its high-end segment.
If we talk about cameras, both agree on the type of main sensor: CMOS BSI (backlit), designed to improve light capture in difficult conditions. The Nexus 4 features a 8 megapixels, while the Huawei Ascend P2 goes up to 13 megapixelsIn both cases, they can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps and include mode HDR for high contrast scenes. In Nexus 4 night photography and video, the larger file size of the P2 can give more detail in good exposure conditions, but image processing and white balance of the Nexus 4 are competitive and consistent.
It is worth clarifying one point about the zoom: neither of the two has optical zoom; what they offer is a digital zoom with interpolation. It's useful for close-ups, but if you're looking for maximum quality, it's preferable to crop the image afterward. Regarding the flash, both are equipped with LED flash standard (non-dual with warm/cool tones), sufficient for close-ups or small interiors. They also share features such as touch focus, face detector y geotagging.
In the front camera, both use sensors 1,3 megapixels with support for 720p video at 30 fps, more than enough for clear video calls. In terms of experience, the P2's camera app brings Huawei's own modes and customizable shortcuts, and the Nexus 4 benefits from the Android camera app with clean controls and quick access to panorama or Photo Sphere (depending on system version).
Operating system
At this point, the Nexus 4 has a traditional advantage: being a device in the Nexus family guarantees it access priority to updates Android and a cleaner experience. It came with Android 4.2 out of the box and later received versions such as Android 4.4.x, maintaining an interface without layers which, in addition to pure aesthetics, usually translates into fluidity and stability notable long-term.
The Huawei Ascend P2, on the other hand, runs Android 4.1.2 (in some editions it appeared with Android 4.2) and uses the home interface, Emotion UIThis layer adds features that enrich everyday life: UniHome (a launcher with themes and transitions), a theme manager with icon and animation changes, Smart reading (contextual search, translation and quick access to Wikipedia) and AirSharing to stream content to compatible TVs or tablets. Personalization adds value to users who enjoy customizing their phone to their liking, although it can add a extra load in resources compared to pure Android.
Another side effect of the layers is the pace of updates: while the Nexus 4 sets the pace in patches and versions, the P2 depends on the manufacturer's schedule. However, for everyday use (social networking, messaging, streaming, browsing), both offer a decent experience. agile and reliable.
Battery and connectivity
In terms of autonomy, the Huawei Ascend P2 boasts a battery of 2.420 mAh, in front of 2.100 mAh of the Nexus 4. In the field, this difference translates into a usage advantage, especially noticeable in mobile data, the camera, and the on-screen display. In addition, Huawei integrates two proprietary technologies, Quick Power Control y ADRX (Automated Discontinuous Reception), which optimize data reception and reduce consumption at rest; the manufacturer estimates the approximate savings at around 10% and 20%, respectively, depending on the usage scenario.
In official reference times, the Nexus 4 is positioned around 15 hours of conversation in 3G and figures of competitive standbys, while the P2 holds up very well at idle thanks to the modem management and its greater capacity. With mixed use (WiFi/LTE or HSPA+, some camera, music and networking), the Ascend P2 tends to reach the end of the day with more slack. Regarding the battery type, the Nexus 4 uses technology Li-Polymer and the Ascend P2 Li-Ion.
Where the Ascend P2 hits the table is in connectivity: its modem LTE Cat.4 allows downloads of up to 150 Mbps and climbs of up to 50 Mbps, with support for common bands such as 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz (actual availability depends on the model and region). The Nexus 4, on the other hand, remains at HSPA+ high speed. For those seeking the maximum data speed mobile, the P2 is the clear choice.
In the rest of the connections, both fully comply: NFC for quick payments and matching, Bluetooth 4.0 (on P2 with LE y EDR), WiFi with band support dual in 2,4 and 5 GHz, and hotspot creation. The Nexus 4 adds Wi-Fi Direct for high-speed point-to-point connections and a port microUSB with MHL to output video to compatible televisions using an adapter. In terms of positioning, both include GPS y A-GPS; in addition, there is support for GLONASS to improve accuracy.
In sensors, both incorporate accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity y light. The Nexus 4 adds a barometer which helps speed up positioning and improve altitude accuracy. In audio, both have 3,5mm jack and built-in speaker; the Nexus 4 features Noise Cancellation by secondary microphone. In formats, the reproduction of MP4 y H.264 is guaranteed, and there is compatibility with containers such as H.263 or, in the case of the P2, extended support via software for DivX/Xvid/WMV through third-party apps.
A detail that sometimes goes unnoticed is the SAR radiation index. The Nexus 4 presents contained values, around 0,41 W / kg in the head and 0,48 W / kg in the body (European measurement), and approximately 0,55 W / kg head and 1,27 W / kg body within the usual US approval parameters. The Ascend P2 also complies with current regulations, offering safety within the established limits.
Design
The most remarkable thing about the Huawei Ascend P2 is clearly its thickness: measures only 8,4 mm, making it a very comfortable device to carry in your pocket. Its dimensions are 136,2 x 66,7 x 8,4 mm and its weight stays in 122 grams, very light for its size. The design is minimalist, with a rectangular body, clean sides, matte plastic that feels nice to the touch, and a dedicated button for camera which makes it easier to shoot with one hand.
The Nexus 4 has a thickness of 9,1 mm, dimensions of 133,9 x 68,7 x 9,1 mm and a weight of 139 grams. Its glass back with subtle pattern gives it a eye-catching touch and distinctive, although the combination of glass and edges may make it more sensitive to bumps or falls when used without a case. The hand feel is solid and the construction, despite its criticism for fragility, feels premium thanks to the Gorilla Glass 2 on the front.
In ergonomics, the P2, being narrower and lighter, is more manageable for small hands and more comfortable for prolonged use. The Nexus 4, with its slightly more spacious front and slightly heavier weight, gives a feeling of stability interesting, especially when writing or consuming multimedia. Both use Micro SIM and lack memory expansion slots, maintaining a clean-line design.
Price and rating
Here one of the most important aspects: the price. The Nexus 4 is available for only 300 Euros (when it is available in stock Google Play, which has been a few times). The new Huawei Ascend P2 can be purchased free for 399 Euros. And that is why they become clear rivals, for a close price and benefits that enter to compete in the same range.
The reality is that, although the Nexus 4 has the advantage of having the cheapest price (100 euros less), it falls short of the Huawei Ascend P2 in many other aspects. The Google terminal comes out on top with 1 GB more RAM about the Ascend and a GPU powerful for gaming, but as for autonomy and especially connectivity (LTE Cat.4 at 150 Mbps) the P2 takes the lead. In camera, the 13MP sensor on the Ascend P2 has a head start in resolution, while the Nexus 4 offers very balanced and predictable processing. In designThe P2 is thinner and lighter; the Nexus 4 offers a distinctive glass aesthetic that, in return, requires more care.
To choose between both, it is advisable to prioritize: if you are looking for Pure Android, quick updates, better graphics performance and the most affordable price, the Nexus 4 fits the bill perfectly. If your use requires ultra-fast mobile data, you value one battery somewhat more generous, one glove-friendly screen and a higher-resolution camera, the Huawei Ascend P2 is a very solid choice. In either case, we're talking about capable, balanced phones with a price/performance ratio that, even today, remains difficult to match in its segment.
