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Welcome to the 2012 Samsung 'Google' Galaxy Nexus review. The Nexus has been around for a few months now and we've finally managed to get some time with one hence this late review. The Nexus is a high end phone when released by Samsung on behalf of Google and showcased the latest version of Android OS (Ice-cream sandwich). It's now reasonably priced if you're buying off the internet, priced around the $400-450. Strangely retail shops are selling them at around $600 which is a significant markup - at the time of writing.
In terms of construction the Google Nexus is very good. The pictures disguise the size of the phone and the curved screen adds an unexpected designer touch. The phone may be made of glass and plastic but it doesn't feel cheap, its solid construction and weight helps give the Nexus a more expensive feel. In terms of size the Nexus is on the large side of things but that's due to the large screen. The size works to its advantage as you can easily see the text on the screen and you can actually hold the phone securely.
In terms of use the Nexus runs Android 4.0 in its basic format which is noticeable improvement over 2.3 and 3.0, everything is smoother, and faster. Since the interface can be modified there is nothing you can really complain about that can't be modded to your liking. There still a few micro lags every so often but we are now pretty confident to say that it is caused by slow 3G data speeds or poorly designed designed apps.
Once again like the iPhone there is nothing really to dislike about the Nexus. The live backgrounds and widgets on the Nexus really help differentiate it from the iPhone and Windows Mobile and one of the key selling points. The web browser is excellent which is another selling point, as is the ability to play FLASH files. Unfortunately like all the other mobile phones Android's default internet browser still cannot run Facebook games - but at least it can play virtually any media file you choose to copy on it.
The new Google Play store has plenty of Apps and other content you can download for free or pay for. However you do need to be careful as the privacy requirements of some apps are quite intrusive and often completely unnecessary. Lots a purely spyware in our opinion- however since you can see what sort of data they steal off you you get to decide if the App is worth the download. That said a lot of Apps in the Apple store are exactly the same spyware - unfortunately there is no way to know since Apple does not let you decide which is a big mistake.
Overall the Nexus is one of the best mobile phones or rather the version of Android OS is a much improved. The only thing wrong with the Nexus is that there is nothing special about the internal hardware. However that is expected since the purpose of the Nexus is to introduce the world to Android 4.0 in the first place.
Specifications
- Samsung 'Google' Galaxy Nexus
- Network
Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Five-band 3G 850/900/1700/1900/2100
- Design
Touch screen
- L135.5 x W67.9 x D8.9 mm
- Weight 135 grams
- Display
4.65 inch 1,280 x 720 AMOLED
- Camera
5MP auto-focus
LED Flash
2nd forward facing video call camera 2MP
- Video Camera
1080p high definition 30FPS main video camera
- Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth V3
GSM and 3G networks
- CPU
Dual core 1.2 Ghz
Separate Graphic CPU
- Memory
1Gig RAM
16 Gig for user
Up to 32Gig micro-SD expansion
- Features
A-GPS
Compass
Accelerometer
Proximity
Ambient Light
Dolby Digital
Music and Media player
Ring tones: MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
AndroidApp store
Free Google Navigator (requires data plan)
MS-Word, Excel and Powerpoint, PDF, ZIP compatible
Organiser/Calendar
SMS, MMS, IM, Email
Speaker Phone/Hands free
Li-Po 1,750 mAh battery
Up to xxx hours Standby
Up to xx hours Talk Time
- Price history
Under $400-600 AUD early 2012 (Outright)
