[shinratdr]

I don't know how two devices, one of which can connect to a data network 5-10x faster than the other, can be considered "on par in overall user experience".

And as Taligent noted, as always the PowerVR GPU in the iPhone absolutely without question smokes every crappy Mali GPU in every Android phone ever.

[RivieraKid]

Because on average, LTE does not improve UX that much. For example for me, the UX improvement would be zero (I don't have LTE coverage). It also uses more battery. And for me, 3G is fast enough (about 2Mbit/s where I live).

I don't think that 2x faster GPU improves UX a lot for the average user. Accurate maps are more important IMHO.

[shinratdr]

> I don't think that 2x faster GPU improves UX a lot for the average user.

I think that statement says more about Android fans than it does about "the average users". Who needs a fluid UI and responsiveness that can't be beat? That hardly affects the U-->X<-- which stands for experience let's not forget.

The way iOS works benefits heavily from an overpowered GPU because it was designed with hardware acceleration as a core consideration from the ground up. Android device manufacturers tend to spend that component funding where it counts in Android, bumping up the RAM to reduce slowdowns instead.

> And for me, 3G is fast enough (about 2Mbit/s where I live).

It's true, 640k of memory ought to be enough for anybody.

> Accurate maps are more important IMHO.

Good thing I have accurate maps then. Possibly the most overblown issue in history, the Apple Maps are actually fine. Weaker in most areas but stronger than I expected at launch, and good enough that I don't miss Google Maps.

If you think they're "inaccurate" then you're doing more tech-news reading than actual investigating. They're plenty accurate. Considering you have the world to work with, obviously this doesn't apply everywhere. However, neither does the conventional wisdom that Google maps is better. In certain areas that Google has neglected, Apple maps is already better right out of the gate.

[RivieraKid]

According to the reviews, N4's interface is completely smooth, stutter-free. That's why 2x faster GPU wouldn't improve the UX much.

Ok, LTE improves UX, but it's not that big deal as you make it sound.

Apple Maps may be ok where you live, but overall the consensus is (even among Apple fanboys and Apple CEO) that Google Maps are better.