Google and Samsung attack the iPhone 4S

On Wednesday evening in Hong Kong, Google and Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Nexus, designed to compete with Apple and its new iPhone 4S. A tall order, even if the new smartphone has given itself the means to achieve its ambitions.

Since launch of iPhone 4S on 4 October, the fightback is getting organised. Google is determined to take advantage of this transitional phase to gain ground on Apple, and - finally - knock the apple off the tree. The Galaxy Nexus presented by Google and Samsung boasts some promising features, thanks in particular to the new version of Android 4.0 or 'Ice Cream Sandwich', which can be used on both smartphones and tablets. A dual-core processor (1.2 GHz), a 4.65″ Amoled display with 720 x 1280 pixels, a 5-megapixel camera and access to 4G in certain regions complete the pedigree of the new handset, which will go on sale in Europe in November. Another highlight, but one for which European business travellers will still have to wait: the Galaxy Nexus is the first smartphone capable of using contactless payment technology, thanks to the NFC chip.