How Good Is The Nexus 4

[NeXuS4]

Question for the hard core android guys that go through multiple phones per year.

How does the Nexus 4 compare to your other phones?

Please DO NOT TURN THIS IN TO A FLAME THREAD!

 

[Thats]

I personally very much enjoy the phone. I have had many phones over my time. I started out with a Droid Eris > Moto Droid > Droid X > HTC Thunderbolt > VZW Galaxy Nexus > GSM Galaxy Nexus > Nexus 4.

Out of all those phones, I still am not sure which phone I prefer more. The GSM Nexus or the Nexus 4. The feel of the GNex in my hand was always great. But the Galaxy Nexus FEELS so great, and the processor in the Nexus is second to none, in my opinion.

Hope this helps!

 

[sean76]

Question for the hard core android guys that go through multiple phones per year.

How does the Nexus 4 compare to your other phones?

Please DO NOT TURN THIS IN TO A FLAME THREAD!

Lol... I can see this thread turning into a major food fight, let's hope people can keep it clean and play nice!

To answer your question on how good the phone is, I'm gonna say this...

It's a very Good phone in a very tough market, and if Google was better at promoting and handling supply and demand, this phone would be in a lot more hands.

It all really comes down to preference, if a person really digs pure Vanilla android, and hates dealing with carrier bloat, then this is the phone for you. The camera has been improved from the Galaxy Nexus, and some shots that I'm seeing online are really impressive. Also the screen takes a little getting used to after looking at the very saturated colors on say a Samsung device like the GS3, which to this day I say is one of the best Android devices ever made.

Do I think Google could have done better? We'll yea of course! We all walk down that road were we say we want more. LTE would have been nice IMO!

However, price price price....I'm one of the people that really had to realize that this phone is basically half the price of a lot of the phones that people compare it to (myself included)

I definitely have to say if your in the market for an Android device, and your not on Verizon (if so I'd recommend the DNA) then definitely find a way to try the Nexus 4 out!

 

[NeXuS4]

I heard the DNA has even worse battery life... Besides this phone changed the game because of the price.

I mean I personally left metropcs after 3 years just for this phone.

 

[sean76]

Also just a run down of some Android phones that I've had to compare the 4 to...

Nexus line:
Nexus One, Galaxy Nexus

Motorola:
Moto Droid, Droid X, Droid Bionic, Moto Atrix, Moto Razr, Moto Razr Maxx,

Samsung:
Fascinate, Captivate, Droid Charge, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S3

HTC:
G1, Droid INC, HTC EVO, HTC Thunderbolt, HTC One X,

LG:
G2X

 

[RaLeX]

I'm still waiting on mine to be shipped, but I've used the AT&T Note, the International Note, the AT&T S3, the Verizon s3 and multiple iPhones (3, 4, 4S & 5)

I'm trying to find a way to "curb" my addiction of swapping phones everytime a new one comes out. My main issue with my most recent phone (the Verizon S3) was the amount of bloat, the wifi in the notification, the fact that it still had not received jellybean, even though two other carriers had. I'm worried that the s3 will not receive an update after it receives JellyBean, at least on Verizon for sure.

I'm hoping that the answer to my phone addiction is to get as 'future-proof' as possible. Nexus is the equivalent of an iPhone when it comes to updates. It'll get those updates on the regular and with a quickness. Second, it has both a quad-core AND 2GB of RAM. Anything more than this is completely unnecessary at this point and probably at any point in the near future...

The thing with other phones is that these features (touchwiz, Sense, etc..) are automatically added to your phone with nothing you can do about it. On a Nexus, you're able to add features to your liking... your not stuck with anything extra you don't want or need.

Another thing about the S3 (and even the Note) is that actually using it as a phone sucks. It's not able to pick up signal in places that other phones have no issue and there's no 'negative space' on these Samsung phones. With a home button and capacitive buttons on the bottom bezel and almost an edge-to-edge screen, try to have someone else snap a picture for you or watch a video. Most people that I've ever had use my phone that don't have an S3 hit the back button when trying to take a picture, turn the screen off when trying to watch a video, etc... The Nexus has some room at the bottom, it's definitely more manageable than the Note.

 

[sean76]

I'm still waiting on mine to be shipped, but I've used the AT&T Note, the International Note, the AT&T S3, the Verizon s3 and multiple iPhones (3, 4, 4S & 5)

I'm trying to find a way to "curb" my addiction of swapping phones everytime a new one comes out. My main issue with my most recent phone (the Verizon S3) was the amount of bloat, the wifi in the notification, the fact that it still had not received jellybean, even though two other carriers had. I'm worried that the s3 will not receive an update after it receives JellyBean, at least on Verizon for sure.

I'm hoping that the answer to my phone addiction is to get as 'future-proof' as possible. Nexus is the equivalent of an iPhone when it comes to updates. It'll get those updates on the regular and with a quickness. Second, it has both a quad-core AND 2GB of RAM. Anything more than this is completely unnecessary at this point and probably at any point in the near future...

The thing with other phones is that these features (touchwiz, Sense, etc..) are automatically added to your phone with nothing you can do about it. On a Nexus, you're able to add features to your liking... your not stuck with anything extra you don't want or need.

Another thing about the S3 (and even the Note) is that actually using it as a phone sucks. It's not able to pick up signal in places that other phones have no issue and there's no 'negative space' on these Samsung phones. With a home button and capacitive buttons on the bottom bezel and almost an edge-to-edge screen, try to have someone else snap a picture for you or watch a video. Most people that I've ever had use my phone that don't have an S3 hit the back button when trying to take a picture, turn the screen off when trying to watch a video, etc... The Nexus has some room at the bottom, it's definitely more manageable than the Note.

Both my Note and GS3 are great as phones and keeping a signal...Now my Galaxy Nexus was a different story, both as a phone and keeping data connectivity.

 

[chrlswltrs]

I've had the Droid Eris, Moto Droid, Droid X, MyTouch 4G, Nexus S, and Galaxy SII. Also played around with my friend's phones since I'm the go to guy for people with phone questions among my friends. My daughter also currently has the GSIII.

Last year I also worked at BestBuy mobile around the time the Moto RAZR and Galaxy Nexus was released.

I've used tons of phones, and the Nexus 4 blows everything away. Extremely happy with this phone!

 

[kalaster]

I've had this phone for a week now, and all i have to say is, i got way more than what i paid for!

I haven't owned as many as the other posters, but i started with the Dinc > VZW Galaxy Nexus > Galasy S3. I loved my Galaxy Nexus the most, but waiting for 4.1, i started to think the Galaxy S3 would get it before the Gnex and moved on to that.

I've always had a huge crush on stock android with a grudge on carrier bloatware and lack of timely updates!

screen is beautiful to me, its easier on my eyes. The GS3 has a nice display, but i've figured out i prefer IPS.

the speed, fluidity, and experience in android surprised me exponentially. And combined with 4.2, i think i will finally come to terms on settling with this device at least for the next year, if not the next 2 years! But we'll see how this phone holds up and see what google brings to the table next year, already can't wait

it all depends on what you like. I would highly recommend you get (if you can) that is if you can live without LTE, CDMA carriers and their coverage. plenty of carrier options to choose from.

 

[cvu524]

I used android since '08 and I've went from my first Android phone, the Samsung Moment with its then-fastest CPU on the market which was 800 MHz, to the Nexus One, to HTC Sensation to Verizon GNex to Nexus 4. It feels very good in the hand and the quality of materials is impeccable. Not since the Sensation has a device been a pleasure to hold. Hardware-wise, the Nexus 4 blows all those phones into oblivion. Its processor is also very power efficient and its 2 gigs of RAM helps it fly with no issues.

 

[MT Rotor]

Question for the hard core android guys that go through multiple phones per year.

How does the Nexus 4 compare to your other phones?

Please DO NOT TURN THIS IN TO A FLAME THREAD!

This topic has its own section in xda forums BTW: nexus 4 vs _____

Oh and the nexus 4 will be in my hands, as I walk through the apple store to show it off and convince people to convert to android

 

[Banished Angel]

This topic has its own section in xda forums BTW: nexus 4 vs _____

Oh and the nexus 4 will be in my hands, as I walk through the apple store to show it off and convince people to convert to android

If they're the type that understands hardware it would be a no brainer. Just explain it has over double the processing power, double the RAM, higher res screen, etc.. You might have a hard sell on the camera if they already have an iPhone 5 though.

As for the software it's really preference. To my family members who are terrible with technology I actually recommend the iPhone because it's simple. They get it and it just works so to speak. If i mention root or something they just give me a blank stare. Personally I much prefer the customization and open source nature of Android, but it's not for everyone.

As far as Android phones go I progressed from LG Optimus V > Motorola Triumph > HTC Evo 3D > LG Nexus 4.

Really I average a phone a year. 3 years ago the Optimus was considered high end, 2 years ago the Triumph was considered high end, last year the Evo 3D was considered high end, and this year the Nexus 4 is topping the spec department. I'm actually planning on making the Nexus last 2 years though. With a quad core, 2GB RAM, and all OS updates that come out in the next 2 years that shouldn't be too hard. The Nexus 4 is the best smartphone i've owned hands down. I love it.

 

[Thats]

As for the software it's really preference. To my family members who are terrible with technology I actually recommend the iPhone because it's simple. They get it and it just works so to speak.

I personally find this not true, I have many family members who do not like technology but love their Android phone because I set them up with a phone that just works. It's all preference and if someone likes one more than the other so be it. Also, I think more people in my family have Android over iOS devices.

 

[chrlswltrs]

I personally find this not true, I have many family members who do not like technology but love their Android phone because I set them up with a phone that just works. It's all preference and if someone likes one more than the other so be it. Also, I think more people in my family have Android over iOS devices.

Same here, my wife has her IT department set up her work email, I set up Google Voice, and that's it. She doesn't even change her ringtone

She loves her Android phone though. She just downloads her own apps and games and does what she wants with the phone, and has no problems using it.

 

[RaLeX]

Both my Note and GS3 are great as phones and keeping a signal...Now my Galaxy Nexus was a different story, both as a phone and keeping data connectivity.

I had issues with either having no service at work while others had it and also a weird bug where the person on the other line couldn't hear me. Sounded like I was at the other end of a tunnel whispering.

I've used and researched a lot of phones and it's a pretty familiar concession that Sammy phones have lesser signal power to phones like a Motorola or an iPhone. I don't know yet about the LG Nexus.

Also, it's not as though I NEVER had a signal (except for at work) for the most part it's fine and it may never be an issue for some, but if we're really trying to discuss the pros and cons of different phones, this is one that i've read a lot about and that i've experienced myself.

 

[RaLeX]

I personally find this not true, I have many family members who do not like technology but love their Android phone because I set them up with a phone that just works. It's all preference and if someone likes one more than the other so be it. Also, I think more people in my family have Android over iOS devices.

I've recommended the S3 to a few people in my circle (before the Nexus came out) and I can say that for the most part they fail to take advantage of much that it is offered by a powerful Android phone. My co-worker for example, still has all four icons on the bottom of the Touchwiz lockscreen including the S-Memo, which she has never opened. She also just has random apps all over different screens, in grid-style, like an iPhone.

When I recommend this phone, I always tell people, do the research, ask me questions, take the time to really set this phone up to work for you because it can do SO much!

This isn't to say that an iPhone is better fitted for people who just want to pick up the phone and go, just that Android takes a bit to set up to truly take advantage of it's power and for those who don't it just seems a wasted opportunity.

 

[lunatic59]

I had issues with either having no service at work while others had it and also a weird bug where the person on the other line couldn't hear me. Sounded like I was at the other end of a tunnel whispering.

I've used and researched a lot of phones and it's a pretty familiar concession that Sammy phones have lesser signal power to phones like a Motorola or an iPhone. I don't know yet about the LG Nexus.

Also, it's not as though I NEVER had a signal (except for at work) for the most part it's fine and it may never be an issue for some, but if we're really trying to discuss the pros and cons of different phones, this is one that i've read a lot about and that i've experienced myself.

I'm actually still surprised by how loud and clear the N4 is compared to my SGS2 and earlier phones. It's got the clearest call quality by far.

 

[sean76]

I'm actually still surprised by how loud and clear the N4 is compared to my SGS2 and earlier phones. It's got the clearest call quality by far.

This is such good news Luna....My original must have been a real dud!

 

[Trooper]

I'm actually still surprised by how loud and clear the N4 is compared to my SGS2 and earlier phones. It's got the clearest call quality by far.

I concur with this statement.

 

[lunatic59]

This is such good news Luna....My original must have been a real dud!

You did take the shipping plastic off the earpiece before using it?

 

[Thats]

I concur with this statement.

The sound is great, but what has me most flabergasted is the screen. It's just a thing of beauty. I love how the edges are tapered off to where the screen meets the edge. Just amazing build quality by LG. NOT ONE complaint from my first LG product ever.

 

[sean76]

You did take the shipping plastic off the earpiece before using it?

Lol... So that's what that was!

I'll be full Nexus 4 spinnin in a few days...finally have some time tonight to get on ebay and get ripped of... Lol

 

[lunatic59]

Lol... So that's what that was!

I'll be full Nexus 4 spinnin in a few days...finally have some time tonight to get on ebay and get ripped of... Lol

The heart wants what the heart wants.

 

[nycnyc]

Hmmm... my history looks a little like this Samsung Admire> Sony Xperia Arc> Samsung Galaxy Indulge> ZTE Warp> Sony Xperia Mini> Pantech Burst> Nexus 4

The Nexus 4 is easily the best phone I've had. The Arc and Burst were probably the next closest. When I go the Arc it had MIUI installed it ran pretty smooth. The Burst was pretty smooth as well, but there were little hitches here and there that were a bit annoying. The Nexus has been the smoothest phone I've had so far.

 

[mawil1013]

snip LTE would have been nice IMO!
snip!

It does have LTE band 4, just needs a software adjustment which I believe to coming in 2013. There was a tear down of the Nexus $ and there is indeed a chip for LTE which can be activated right now if you know what your doing , but band 4

I'm with TMobile here in the Carolinas, I've read numerous articles about TMobile having been in the process of creating their LTE service since July 2012, which will be band 4.

Sooo, then, Google prepared for the future quite well indeed!