Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the best handsets with operating system Android of its generation. But that doesn't mean there aren't other devices with a different OS that offer qualityAside from the iPhone 5, there's one that's getting a lot of attention: Lumia 920 from Nokia, which includes Windows Phone 8.
So it's not a bad idea. compare what both models offer (except for the operating system, which would merit an independent comparison when appropriate), in order to know if the Finnish company has improved compared to previous models.
We will divide the content into two parts. In the first we will focus on the hardware pure and hard to, in the second installment, assess other accessory aspects such as the camera and connectivity. We begin.
SoCs are very different
The debate of which SoC is better, if Exynos 4412 from Samsung or Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 that uses Lumia 920, is difficult to establish… even more so because the optimization of the system influences as much as the raw power, as shown by the Comparison with the LG Optimus 4X HD.
The model that includes Galaxy S3 is quad core and operates at a frequency of 1,4 GHz (ARM architecture Cortex-A9) and 32nm manufacturing technology. Its solvency is fully demonstrated, with scores in Quadrant that exceed the 5.500 points o 13.750 en AnTuTu. In addition, multimedia content playback is handled with great ease. Its graphics are a Mali-400MP, which stands out for its performance in 2D/3D games for its time.
Lumia 920, on the other hand, includes the CPU MSM8960 Krait from Qualcomm. It has two cores at 1,5 GHz. Krait isn't exactly Cortex-A15, but it is a custom ARMv7 design with a very high IPC that competes head-to-head with the Cortex-A15 in efficiency. It is somewhat inferior in peak performance to the Exynos 4412 in highly parallel tasks, but very little due to its more modern microarchitecture and its lithography of 28 nmIn return, your best before date is smaller. An example of its performance is that in Quadrant this CPU reaches the 5.200 points and in AnTuTu 13.575.
Its graph is a Adreno 225, of great quality, but generally inferior to Mali-400MP in heavy 3D loads; in some 3D games it can be seen that the executions They're a bit slower. Still, the experience in casual titles and the interface is fluid.
To clarify metrics: AnTuTu reflects the overall performance by adding CPU, RAM, 2D/3D and storage; Geekbench measures CPU performance under loads Single-core y multi-core; 3DMark Wildlife stresses the GPU with demanding graphical scenes. Choosing a single benchmark is insufficient: it is worth looking CPU, GPU, memory and storage to get a complete picture.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 3 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 2 points
Memory, a matter of options
What concerns to RAM, both models have what was considered standard: 1 GB (although there are variants of the Galaxy S3, especially with LTE in some markets, with 2 GB RAM to facilitate multitasking). Therefore, there should not be major differences here and, if there were, they would be due to the better or worse use that Android or Windows Phone 8 make of this memory.
Where there are clear divergences is in the Storage capacity. Nokia has decided to offer 32 GB On the Lumia 920, there are no other options. Samsung, on the other hand, offers the usual three options on the Galaxy S3: 16, 32 y 64 GB (the latter, depending on market availability).
In addition, the Galaxy S3 allows you to use microSD cards Up to 64 GBwhile that of Nokia does not offer any slots. This difference is key if you like to carry your multimedia library with you or record a lot of video.
In the online storage options, the use of Dropbox by default on Galaxy S3 —with 50 GB promotional offers for a limited period—and SkyDrive on Lumia 920 —with 7 GB— leave a technical tie. Both services are efficient and well integrated into their respective systems.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 2 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 1 points
Screen, size and quality issue
The screen is key in today's phones. Lumia 920 offers a panel of 4,5 inches with resolution 1.280 x 768 y 332 dpi. The technology PureMotion HD IPS provides natural colors and a wide viewing angle, as well as ClearBlack to reduce reflections and high brightness (up to ~600 nits). It incorporates Super Sensitive Touch, which allows you to use your phone with gloves and improves touch response.
Galaxy S3, for its part, includes a display of 4,8 inches protected with Gorilla Glass 2 and technology Super AMOLED with matrix PenTile. Offers resolution 1.280 x 720 y 306 dpi. Its main advantage is the deep black and lower power consumption on dark backgrounds; in return, sharpness in fine text may be somewhat lower compared to a high-density IPS.
In short, screen bigger and with better efficiency in dark scenes in the Samsung model, but higher definition, excellent exterior visibility and improved touch sensitivity in the Nokia.
Samsung Galaxy S3: 2 points
Nokia Lumia 920: 3 points
Connectivity and networks
As good high-end models, both feature a full connectivity profile. On mobile, both support 2G, 3G HSPA + and, depending on the variant and market, LTE 4GThe theoretical maximum rates reach the 100 / 50 Mbps in LTE on compatible models; in HSPA+ they are located at 21 o 42 Mbps depending on the implementation.
In Wi-Fi, both include 802.11 a / b / g / n in 2,4 and 5 GHz; the Galaxy S3 adds MIMO in some models to improve performance. They also share Wi ‑ Fi Direct and function hotspot. Connectivity Bluetooth It is 4.0 on the Galaxy S3 and 3.1 on the Lumia 920, with support A2DP for wireless audio.
Both have NFC for quick matches and payments, GPS support GLONASS for faster and more precise positioning, and DLNA to send content to compatible TVs and devices.
In the physical section, they have a connector MicroUSB 2.0; the Galaxy S3 is compatible with USB OTG y MHL for video output with adapter, in addition to the socket 3,5 mm for headphones on both. The FM radio It is present on the Lumia 920 and may not be available on certain S3 variants, especially on some LTE models.
Camera and multimedia
There are several nuances at this point. Both use backlit sensors: the Galaxy S3 with 8 SM and the Lumia 920 with 8,7 SM. The Nokia model adds Carl Zeiss optics with opening f / 2.0 and especially optical image stabilizer (OIS) of an optomechanical type capable of compensating for hundreds of micro-movements per second with the help of a gyroscope. Result? Better photos and videos in low light and less shake when recording, as seen in comparisons with top-of-the-range Android and iOS smartphones carried out with motion test platforms.
The Galaxy S3 strikes back with a very good camera speed boat tour and advanced features: burst up to 3,3 fps, Best Photo that captures multiple shots and suggests the best one, detecting faces and the possibility of doing photos while recording video. Both record in Full HD 1080p at 30 fps; on the front, the S3 offers 1,9 SM and the Lumia 1,2 SM, both with video 720p for crystal-clear video calls.
In audio and formats, the S3 plays a wide range of codecs (included FLAC in many firmwares), while the Lumia 920 also covers the major standards MP3/AAC/WMA and video MP4/WMV. Both are part of double microphone for noise reduction on calls.
Sensors and extras
In basic sensors they agree on accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity y ambient lightThe Galaxy S3 adds a barometer which improves altitude calculation and GPS performance in certain apps. Among the software extras, Smart Stay, which keeps the screen on if it detects your gaze, and S Voice as a voice assistant.
The Lumia 920 shines with features unique to the Nokia ecosystem: Here/Nokia Maps with guided navigation, deep integration with SkyDrive and the aforementioned technology Super Sensitive Touch from your panel. In addition, it adds Qi wireless charging as standard, a convenient addition to everyday life.
Battery and autonomy
In terms of capacity, the Galaxy S3 integrates a battery Li‑Ion 2.100 mAh removable, while Lumia 920 bets on 2.000 mAh in a body not removable induction charging compatible with the Qi standard. According to manufacturer figures and typical tests, the S3 offers a little more time in use y standby thanks to its slightly larger battery and the consumption management of its AMOLED panel, while the Lumia compensates with the comfort wireless charging and remarkable efficiency while idle under Windows Phone. For more details on battery life, see the battery life of Android phones.
Software and experience
The Galaxy S3 came with Android Ice Cream Sandwich and the cape TouchWiz, with wide options of customization, widgets, advanced multitasking and an ecosystem of applications huge. This makes it a very versatile tool, although its wealth of options may require a learning curve greater for users who prefer absolute simplicity.
The Lumia 920 relies on Windows Phone 8, a lightweight system, with interface of Live Tiles clear and homogeneous, smooth transitions and a consistent experience even with two coresAlthough its app catalog is more limited compared to Android, it offers a coherence and simplicity that many users value, along with highly polished cloud productivity integrations.
Partial result
The partial result is very even, since it stands at 7 to 6 favorable to Galaxy S3, so everything is still to be decided in the second part of this comparison. However, at this point it is clear that Nokia has done an excellent job with the Lumia 920, while the Galaxy S3 proves itself, once again, to be a imposing phone.
If you are looking for a device very customizable, with expansion by microSD, large community and larger screen, the Galaxy S3 is a better fit; if you prioritize optical stabilization, good night photo, wireless charging, outdoor visibility and very smooth and easy handling, the Lumia 920 is an exceptional contender.
