Go Back   Android Forums > Android Phones > Nexus 4
Gamers - Check out our new sister sites!
Nintendo Wii U!    |    OUYA - $99 Android System!

test: Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old February 22nd, 2013, 07:23 PM   #1 (permalink)
New Member
Thread Author (OP)
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Should I get a Nexus 4?

Hey guys!

I've been looking at the N4, and it looks awesome. Currently, I'm rocking the BB Curve 9360 and have been for a year. It's great, freezes up at times but I LOVE having all my email all the time and the physical keyboard.

Few questions:

1) Not used to touch screen keyboards. I'm no noob to Android, though. How's the N4 to type on, stock keyboard or a downloaded one?

2) Battery life. This is HUGE for me. I need something that will last me a whole work day. I mean, I use my phone a lot, but nothing super heavy. I'd call myself a heavy user, but not over the top. Will the N4 last?

3) Is it slow? I mean, is it capable of running fine, no random freezing up or framerate lag? I've been looking into the BBZ10 (only because I wanted to stick to the BB family!) and that looks great, just pricier than the N4.

4) I send a lot of short texts/email; how is the phone to use with one hand? Just picking up for 5 seconds, reading and then reply.

5) I kind of want a new phone soon-ish, but should I wait? SGS4 comes out in a few months, but I'm not sure whether it's worth the wait, especially considering prices. Are there any OTHER Android phones I should consider that are out now/coming soon?

6) Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

Prash7 is offline  
Last edited by Prash7; February 22nd, 2013 at 07:25 PM.
Reply With Quote
Sponsors
Old February 22nd, 2013, 08:21 PM   #2 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SPS, Honduras
Gender: Male
Posts: 343
 
Device(s): Nexus 4 16GB; Lumia 900; iPad 2 3G
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 30
Thanked 23 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Prash7 View Post
Hey guys!

I've been looking at the N4, and it looks awesome. Currently, I'm rocking the BB Curve 9360 and have been for a year. It's great, freezes up at times but I LOVE having all my email all the time and the physical keyboard.

Few questions:

1) Not used to touch screen keyboards. I'm no noob to Android, though. How's the N4 to type on, stock keyboard or a downloaded one?

2) Battery life. This is HUGE for me. I need something that will last me a whole work day. I mean, I use my phone a lot, but nothing super heavy. I'd call myself a heavy user, but not over the top. Will the N4 last?

3) Is it slow? I mean, is it capable of running fine, no random freezing up or framerate lag? I've been looking into the BBZ10 (only because I wanted to stick to the BB family!) and that looks great, just pricier than the N4.

4) I send a lot of short texts/email; how is the phone to use with one hand? Just picking up for 5 seconds, reading and then reply.

5) I kind of want a new phone soon-ish, but should I wait? SGS4 comes out in a few months, but I'm not sure whether it's worth the wait, especially considering prices. Are there any OTHER Android phones I should consider that are out now/coming soon?

6) Anything else I should know?

Thanks!
1) It takes a few days to get used to touchscreens coming from physical keyboard. Stock keyboard is really great. You should also try swype, it's pretty cool if you practice it often.

2) I wouldn't say battery life is the best out there but it ain't bad either. Powerful processors, huge screens and heavy usage drain a lot of battery. In this case I keep a charger at home, at work and at my car just in case. I'm a mid-heavy user and my phone may last 15-16 hours a day in average.

3) This is one of the fastest/smothiest phones you can get right now. Nothing more to be said.

4) Depends on your hands size. Swype could also help a lot with this.

5) In my opinion, the only way you could say you upgraded from a N4 is if you buy a Note 2. When the GS4 hits the market I'm sure it's going to be the best phone out there, but it won't be cheap. Compare the price of those two with the N4 and it's a no brainer.

6) If you are new to Android, getting a Nexus device is the best way to get to know it. It's a pure Android experience and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
__________________
Device history
Motorola Talkabout - Motorola Vulcan - Sony Ericsson T220 - Sony Ericsson T610 - Motorola V500 - Motorola V3 - HTC Touch - Nokia 5320 - Nokia E63 - LG GW550 - iPhone 3GS - HTC Inspire 4G - Nokia Lumia 610 - Motorola Atrix 4G - Apple iPad 2 - LG Nexus 4 - Nokia Lumia 900
andrews317 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 22nd, 2013, 10:01 PM   #3 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
JunBringer's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,073
 
Device(s): LG Nexus 4, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Htc Evo 3D, Google Chrome Cr-48
Carrier: AT&T and T-Mobile (prepaid)

Thanks: 668
Thanked 320 Times in 254 Posts
Default

Yes.
JunBringer is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 01:44 AM   #4 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 30
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 1
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Prash7 View Post
Hey guys!

I've been looking at the N4, and it looks awesome. Currently, I'm rocking the BB Curve 9360 and have been for a year. It's great, freezes up at times but I LOVE having all my email all the time and the physical keyboard.

Few questions:

1) Not used to touch screen keyboards. I'm no noob to Android, though. How's the N4 to type on, stock keyboard or a downloaded one?

I really love the keyboard on Jellybean. The "swype-like" typing is really simple and easy to learn. you'll pick it up fast if you like that sort of thing. but if you are someone who likes to peck each letter out, i think you'll like it too.

2) Battery life. This is HUGE for me. I need something that will last me a whole work day. I mean, I use my phone a lot, but nothing super heavy. I'd call myself a heavy user, but not over the top. Will the N4 last?

You should have no problem getting at least 12hrs out of the phone. if you havn't already, get into the habit of having a charger handy. lol

3) Is it slow? I mean, is it capable of running fine, no random freezing up or framerate lag? I've been looking into the BBZ10 (only because I wanted to stick to the BB family!) and that looks great, just pricier than the N4.

Not at all. The N4 is fast and smooth as butter. Apps load quickly and transitions are smooth and looks great.

4) I send a lot of short texts/email; how is the phone to use with one hand? Just picking up for 5 seconds, reading and then reply.

probably one of the easier phones i've had in terms of one hand use. its a little awkward at first but you'll get used to it. you'll be able to open up, read, and respond to emails lightning quick especially if you get used to swype.

5) I kind of want a new phone soon-ish, but should I wait? SGS4 comes out in a few months, but I'm not sure whether it's worth the wait, especially considering prices. Are there any OTHER Android phones I should consider that are out now/coming soon?


Other than the GSIV... maybe the GSIII or Note II? People have seemed to like those as well.


6) Anything else I should know?

[COLOR="rgb(65, 105, 225)"]Im someone who loves using their phone's camera. Overall i am satisfied with the camera and love the shots that come out of it, however there has to be a very good amount of light in order for oyur shots to come out great. HDR and some of the enhancements help, but the better your shot is from the start.. the better it will be overall (wow im tired). [/COLOR]

Thanks!
Welcome!
Android802 is offline  
Last edited by Android802; February 23rd, 2013 at 01:46 AM.
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 08:07 AM   #5 (permalink)
New Member
Thread Author (OP)
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Really appreciate the replies. I mean, it looks great and all...the price is super duper awesome. The ONLY two things that are holding me back is that the back is glass and I'll have to get a case, and the battery life in *some* reviews isn't the best. Meh, I'm sure it's fine, just wish it had a removable back!

Thanks again
Prash7 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 09:00 AM   #6 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Chicago
Gender: Male
Posts: 470
 
Device(s): Nexus 4 16gb Rooted cm10.1
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 19
Thanked 102 Times in 63 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Prash7 View Post
Really appreciate the replies. I mean, it looks great and all...the price is super duper awesome. The ONLY two things that are holding me back is that the back is glass and I'll have to get a case, and the battery life in *some* reviews isn't the best. Meh, I'm sure it's fine, just wish it had a removable back!

Thanks again
Don't you get a case for every phone pretty much? I don't have a case because I am very careful with my phones and I love the look of it. I just have a dbrand skin on the back. Also, the battery drain is all dependant on the user. Depends on what apps are being used etc. I can tell you that with 4.2.2 battery is 10 times better. Google fixed all the wakelock issues.
__________________
Nexus 4 16gb Carbon ROM Franco kernel
Krunk83 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 10:37 AM   #7 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 19
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Swiftkey 4 - best keyboard out there. The predictive text is amazing and now it has swype capabilities.
sharkizzle is offline  
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to sharkizzle For This Useful Post:
vw-porsche (February 24th, 2013)
Old February 23rd, 2013, 12:52 PM   #8 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 30
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 1
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Prash7 View Post
Really appreciate the replies. I mean, it looks great and all...the price is super duper awesome. The ONLY two things that are holding me back is that the back is glass and I'll have to get a case, and the battery life in *some* reviews isn't the best. Meh, I'm sure it's fine, just wish it had a removable back!

Thanks again
Honestly, the glass back isn't and hasn't been an area of concern for me since i received my nexus 4 around christmas. I just put a zagg screen protector on the front and back of my phone and Ive had nothing to worry about. I dont like bulky cases on my phone so I ordered the rearth ringke slim case and love it. But i am really careful with my phones so i dont have to worry about dropping it as much as some other people do.

I have dropped my phone in the past and nothing has happened. A lot of those reviews were before the 4.2.2 update. After google sent out that update, battery life improved significantly! i wish i still had the screen shot but I had close to 2 days on 1 charge! But in the end its up to you. Personally... I will never go back to a non nexus phone. Im hooked.
Android802 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 03:28 PM   #9 (permalink)
Member
 
chong67's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Atlanta
Gender: Male
Posts: 429
 
Device(s): Dellx51v, MotorolaQ, Mogul, 800w, TreoPro, TouchPro2, HTCEvo3D, HTCEvo4GLTE, Nexus4
Carrier: T-mobile PrePaid

Thanks: 36
Thanked 34 Times in 24 Posts
Default

Only thing I didnt is that I wish the move the bottom 3 button out of the screen.

I really like the wide screen and the loud speaker.
chong67 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 23rd, 2013, 04:16 PM   #10 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SPS, Honduras
Gender: Male
Posts: 343
 
Device(s): Nexus 4 16GB; Lumia 900; iPad 2 3G
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 30
Thanked 23 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chong67 View Post
Only thing I didnt is that I wish the move the bottom 3 button out of the screen.

I really like the wide screen and the loud speaker.
Rooting and flashing a rom would solve this.
andrews317 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Sponsors
Old February 23rd, 2013, 10:32 PM   #11 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 18
 
Device(s): Nexus 4
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I get a Nexus 4?

I'm coming from an iPhone 5 and yes I'd definitely recommend the nexus 4 hands down. It's just as smooth as the iPhone which was my biggest complaint with android, and the lag as well has also been cured.

Get the phone u won't be disappointed and yes SwiftKey is the bomb. The battery life with 4.2.2 is a heck of a lot better simply cuz it can actually standby properly now and the wake lock issue has been fixed. Of the course the battery could be better, but it'll last u all day here's my battery with light to moderate use. Now mind u when in St work it struggles to maintain 2 bars so.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg uploadfromtaptalk1361680359387.jpg (66.8 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg uploadfromtaptalk1361680369104.jpg (43.3 KB, 12 views)
frostyisgod is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 25th, 2013, 05:08 AM   #12 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,168
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 11
Thanked 198 Times in 167 Posts
Default

I agree with most of points above, however not sure about battery compared to Curve: the Curve is a previous generation phone and that previous generation did tend to get much better battery life than the current generation.

I think you have to qualify the claims above about the N4 by saying that it's fine .. compared to current generation.
SiempreTuna is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old February 25th, 2013, 10:45 AM   #13 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 193
 
Device(s): GN - stock
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 68
Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Battery life on the phone is good compared to most current generation phones. It is NOT the same as a BB Curve. Those days are gone for a while (unless you're into the Motorola MAX scene). Hopefully, with smarter, more efficient processor, screen and battery technology coming every almost month, we'll be back to speaking of battery life in terms of "days" and not "hours" again in a year or two.
john30308 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2013, 02:06 PM   #14 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 29
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 5
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

I'm getting tired of my Droid Charge and have been looking at the Nexus 4.

However, does the lack of 4G impact anyone's opinion?
luckyheel is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2013, 02:17 PM   #15 (permalink)
Moderati ergo sum
 
lunatic59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 20,717
 
Device(s): Nexus 4, Galaxy S II, Captivate, Nexus 1 (retired), Nook Color, Asus Transformer.
Carrier: AT&T

Thanks: 5,975
Thanked 10,090 Times in 5,564 Posts
Default

Zero. 4G is not available from AT&T where I live and I spend 90% of my day within range of Wifi.
__________________
_
If the information is useful, Like the post, if the person was helpful, Thank the member.
RULES: Lest we forget | This part of signature intentionally left blank.
______________________________________________

Support Breast Cancer Research: BabyBlues Breast Cancer Pledge
lunatic59 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2013, 03:27 PM   #16 (permalink)
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 11
 
Device(s): Nexus 4, Motorola Xoom
Carrier: AT&T

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by luckyheel View Post
I'm getting tired of my Droid Charge and have been looking at the Nexus 4.

However, does the lack of 4G impact anyone's opinion?
Nope. I switched from an iPhone 5 to the Nexus 4, and the lack of 4G/LTE hasn't bothered me at all. Yes, it's a little slower but eh... not enough to worry about.
trvlrschick is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2013, 04:11 PM   #17 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 193
 
Device(s): GN - stock
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 68
Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts
Default

I came over from a LTE Galaxy Nexus on Verizon - and I live in Atlanta where the signals are all strong. I was expecting a minor ding in speed but I don't notice it at all. There is no real difference in using the phone at all. Videos, music - it all still works fine. The biggest differences are actually positive! Battery life (much better on the N4 because no LTE) and the mobile network connection is quicker and always there - it doesn't jump back and forth between LTE and 3G.
john30308 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 1st, 2013, 06:47 PM   #18 (permalink)
Member
 
MT Rotor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Delaware
Gender: Male
Posts: 453
 
Device(s): EVO V 4G
Carrier: Virgin mobile

Thanks: 28
Thanked 45 Times in 38 Posts
Default Re: Should I get a Nexus 4?

1. Don't need swift key

2.Don't need a ROM

3.No lag

4. Better than any iphone
MT Rotor is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 3rd, 2013, 10:37 PM   #19 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
sean76's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NYC
Posts: 4,151
 
Device(s): Patiently waiting for the S4 Google Edition, nexus 7
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 83
Thanked 714 Times in 472 Posts
Default

@ the OP...

Very simply...Yes

the N4 is probably one, if not the best phone I've ever owned, and I've owned em all!
sean76 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 4th, 2013, 12:20 PM   #20 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 29
 
Device(s):
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 5
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by john30308 View Post
I came over from a LTE Galaxy Nexus on Verizon - and I live in Atlanta where the signals are all strong. I was expecting a minor ding in speed but I don't notice it at all. There is no real difference in using the phone at all. Videos, music - it all still works fine. The biggest differences are actually positive! Battery life (much better on the N4 because no LTE) and the mobile network connection is quicker and always there - it doesn't jump back and forth between LTE and 3G.
The N4 is not available on Verizon's network, correct?
luckyheel is offline  
Reply With Quote
Sponsors
Old March 4th, 2013, 12:22 PM   #21 (permalink)
Moderati ergo sum
 
lunatic59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 20,717
 
Device(s): Nexus 4, Galaxy S II, Captivate, Nexus 1 (retired), Nook Color, Asus Transformer.
Carrier: AT&T

Thanks: 5,975
Thanked 10,090 Times in 5,564 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by luckyheel View Post
The N4 is not available on Verizon's network, correct?
The Nexus 4 is strictly a GSM phone. So, no. No Verizon.
lunatic59 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 4th, 2013, 02:26 PM   #22 (permalink)
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 193
 
Device(s): GN - stock
Carrier: Not Provided

Thanks: 68
Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by luckyheel View Post
The N4 is not available on Verizon's network, correct?
Correct, I left Verizon and went no contract with StraightTalk.
john30308 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old March 7th, 2013, 02:24 PM   #23 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
striker325's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 44
 
Device(s): Motorola Triumph (Retired) Samsung Galaxy S2 (Retired) LG Nexus 4 (Using)
Carrier: T-Mobile

Thanks: 10
Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Send a message via Skype™ to striker325
Default

Here is my input on why you should get the Nexus 4.
1. Stock Jelly Bean (no preloaded apps)
2. Wireless charging (Makes less wear on the phone's micro usb port)
3. Super Responsive
4. Boot up time is great!
striker325 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Reply

Nexus 4
Current Rating:
Rate this Phone:

The Nexus 4 brings comes after months and months of rumors. This is Google's first time partnering with LG to make a Nexus device. The Pure Google smartphone features the latest and greatest Android 4.2 software version, along with stunning spe... Read More



Go Back   Android Forums > Android Phones > Nexus 4
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:21 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.