10 Reasons Why the Nexus One Could Beat the iPhone

News Analysis: Google's Nexus One could be the first device to match the iPhone's allure and beat out Apple's hallmark product. It has features that the iPhone doesn't; it won't be tied to a single carrier and it comes from a major, well-respected company. Combine these factors with the notoriously fickle tastes of mobile phone buyers, and it's apparent that the Nexus One may give the Apple iPhone a run for its money.

The iPhone enjoys unprecedented success in the mobile phone market. It is the leader that all other devices hope to match. But so far, none have. Apple's mobile device was not only a revolutionary product when it was first released back in 2007, it came from a company that consumers trusted. And it offered new, fresh ideas that, for once, appealed to consumer desire, rather than disappoint. 

Since that launch, things have been going just as well for the iPhone. Sales are higher than ever. More people are enjoying Apple's device than some pundits thought possible. It even has more than 100,000 applications available to users. Simply put, the iPhone is an unbridled success.

But that doesn't mean that it can't be beaten. Mobile phone users are notoriously fickle. They want the best product on the market. Perhaps that's why there is so much excitement over the possible release of Google's Nexus One mobile phone. It has features that the iPhone doesn't. It comes from a major, well-respected company. And by the looks of things, it has some real potential. 

With the right strategy, the Nexus One could beat the iPhone. Here's why.

1. It's from Google

One of the main reasons why the iPhone was so successful was that Apple was behind it. People know Apple; they trust Apple. The same can be said for Google. Sure, an HTC device might be great, but when consumers haven't heard of it, they're suspect. It's human nature. Google is a household name. Once they find out that the company has released a mobile phone, they will undoubtedly try to find out if it's worth buying.

2. It's unlocked

Instead of being locked down to a single carrier such as the iPhone, the Nexus One can be brought to any carrier. That alone is enough to make some consumers (and business customers) think twice about the iPhone. It might even lure some iPhone owners away from AT&T and Apple's device.

3. The Android Market

Apple's App Store has more than 100,000 applications, easily leading the mobile market in available programs. But it's Google's Android Market that comes in second behind Apple's store. The Android Market has a slew of useful applications designed specifically for Android OS. Plus, some of the applications that weren't allowed into the App Store are available in Google's offering. Quantity isn't everything.  

4. Touchscreens, anyone?

Most consumers want a touchscreen. For now, Apple's iPhone has the best touchscreen on the market. But Motorola's Droid, an Android-based device, has a nice screen of its own. The Nexus One will reportedly feature a touchscreen. The market requires touchscreens and that is what Google plans to offer. It doesn't plan to give Apple any advantage.