Galaxay Nexus vs Droid Razr

[jamisont]

the fact that Nexus devices are more future-proof than the rest of Android devices still holds true

this is so true..
Nexus S will get ICS update... while similar device like Galaxy S wont.
also Nexus S had NFC chip in it.. it was useless at that time but would be useful with ICS with google wallet or ISIS.
even top smartphones now dont have NFC chip while 1 yr older Nexus S has it, if thats not future proof, i dunno what is.

 

[Thai]

Your device, if i understand correctly, is a Sprint Nexus S 4G. If that's the case, you should know that Google only handles the updates themselves for the unbranded (non-subsidized) vesions of their nexus devices. Your update will be handled by Sprint, not Google.

How different is this from the Verizon Galaxy Nexus??? Not everyone lives in a ATT or T-Mo happy reception area!! So, yeah, CDMA is here to stay because GSM sucks in many places.

As for the Nexus S ICS update, you're mostly right: Google hasn't handled the update in the best manner they could. However, the fact that Nexus devices are more future-proof than the rest of Android devices still holds true: there will be an ICS update for your Nexus 4G, which is something your brother can't say about his Captivate.

When is it coming out? By the time that it comes out, it will be near my 2 year update...so, i would rather just get a new phone (subsidized) or the next gen GN. In other words, what use is the update "guarantee" (aka "Google experience") if it is so late in the 2 year cellphone ownership cycle? And yeah, there will be a FEW of you who will keep the GN for a long time...but for the average customer, 2 year ownership of a rapidly-evolving technological piece will be the max length of ownership. And if the updates are just as slow as a non-Google phone, then what is the point again?

And for those that keep it a long time, as you can see now, Google updates are mainly for their current phone...the older gen Google phones are left waiting and waiting and waiting....

As noted above by me, the minor updates in b/w major updates are sometimes unwanted!


Nexus devices are, basically, spec sheets and design guidelines for every other Android manufacturer to follow, put in the form of a working device, so manufacturers know which SoCs to use, what amount of RAM, etc., while having a device to compare with in terms of final performance. Manufacturers need those guidelines

Wouldn't a simple memo from Google achieve what you wrote above??? Galaxy Nexus specs are not anything special here...the GPU is old...CPU is that of the current GSII...camera from the stoneage! The only new thing is the screen, which will be surpassed pretty soon by other Android devices.

Now, SOFTWARE (aka ICS) is where GN shines....

So, paradoxally, your idea of how to improve support of the Nexus line of products, if taken into practise, would effectivelly kill the Nexus line of products. Honestly, i find it kind of fortunate that you don't work at Google. No offense

Yeah, that is what i am suggesting. Nexus line is all about software...the hardware side leaves a bit to be desired. And if Google wants to make a phone, then make it damn good...don't decontent anything (aka camera, gpu). Make it a true flagship to beat the crap out of ANY competitors in all areas. Why skimp on the details??????

Then

 

[Thai]

if thats not future proof, i dunno what is.

The POS camera (hardware and software) and horrid Wifi/4G eliminate it from being in my future...idiotic decontenting by Google is what prevents my Nexus S from being in family's future! Screw NFC or Google wallet...give me a decent camera and radios and i will be happy for a long time!!!!!!! THAT IS FUTURE PROOF. Who here uses NFC? Who in the USA uses NFC? And once bigger chains use other NFC-like technology, NFC will be dead technology.

 

[BubbaNexus]

do people think others really read their long winded posts?

 

[SeattleYanksFan]

The POS camera (hardware and software) and horrid Wifi/4G eliminate it from being in my future...idiotic decontenting by Google is what prevents my Nexus S from being in family's future! Screw NFC or Google wallet...give me a decent camera and radios and i will be happy for a long time!!!!!!! THAT IS FUTURE PROOF. Who here uses NFC? Who in the USA uses NFC? And once bigger chains use other NFC-like technology, NFC will be dead technology.

I think the camera takes perfectly fine pictures. And I have not noticed any 4G or wifi issues since the LTE outage Verizon experienced a few weeks back.

As for NFC, most people are locked in for 20 months. I can assure you it will take off within that time frame.

You're welcome to hate on the Galaxy Nexus all you want; it doesn't mean what you say is true. I just feel bad that you will miss out on the best phone on the planet (for now...).

 

[Thai]

I think the camera takes perfectly fine pictures. And I have not noticed any 4G or wifi issues since the LTE outage Verizon experienced a few weeks back.

As for NFC, most people are locked in for 20 months. I can assure you it will take off within that time frame.

You're welcome to hate on the Galaxy Nexus all you want; it doesn't mean what you say is true. I just feel bad that you will miss out on the best phone on the planet (for now...).

Actually, i was talking about Nexus S, not GN....

 

[Thai]

do people think others really read their long winded posts?

HamakiBCN...yeah i agree...he is wordy!

 

[jamisont]

The POS camera (hardware and software) and horrid Wifi/4G eliminate it from being in my future...idiotic decontenting by Google is what prevents my Nexus S from being in family's future! Screw NFC or Google wallet...give me a decent camera and radios and i will be happy for a long time!!!!!!! THAT IS FUTURE PROOF. Who here uses NFC? Who in the USA uses NFC? And once bigger chains use other NFC-like technology, NFC will be dead technology.

can u name smartphone at that time that had better camera than nexus S?
other phones like Galaxy S, Iphone 3GS had no flash light.
only con was in camcorder mode, it supported only 480p while galaxy S supported 720p.

also nexus S was first phone with gyroscope sensor.. its now commonly used in apps and games..
the truth is Nexus S was more toward on future, maybe too far cuz it was useless at that time.

who here uses NFC? me and im sure there are bunch who got 10$ for google wallet.
and no, NFC wont be dead, its hasnt even started yet. Google launched google wallet, verizon+at&t+T-mobile is preparing to launch ISIS that uses NFC. its going to be used for all sort of payment method.
also u can use NFC for electric door lock, transfer files between devices (tough and share) etc..

 

[Thai]

That's my point...my brother's Captivate has a better camera than my Nexus S despite not having a flash!!!! My old Samsung Epic 4G had a flash and shoots better than my current Nexus S.

I bought That iPhone 4 came out before my Nexus.

 

[SeattleYanksFan]

Actually, i was talking about Nexus S, not GN....

You edited your post before I hit Quote and I never refreshed the page, because your initial post sounded like you were referring to the Galaxy Nexus not being part of your future due to its shortcomings (or I guess, those of the Nexus S).

In any event, my reply remains true, whether you were referring to the Nexus S or Galaxy Nexus, the Galaxy Nexus is a phenomenal piece of technology.

 

[Optimus]

To seattlewhateveryourname where in my post does it say I cant operate my phone. This my 5th Android device..like hell I cant use my phone. Yea Im an engineer I write software or a living. After looking through Googles menus I could see several oddly labeled and described options. It has dev options the average consumer would never touch. In fact it made it painfully obvious why manufacture skins exist. Now would I recommend a Gnex...yes...I did to another friend a few days ago and she got one...only because she owned an OG and DX and had rooted them both. But the OP is clearly a diff type of consumer.

 

[asmallchild]

if nothing else, galaxy owners are passionate about their phone and technology

not that razr owners arent but i think youll find far more compelling discussions here

 

[altimax98]

So i thought i would weigh in on this discussion being as I have both in my possession right now:

Heres some of my back story - I bought my first android and it was the Droid 1. Ive owned a HTC Thunderbolt, and a Incredible, and now have the Galaxy Nexus for me and the RAZR for my wife. I also owned a Samsung Omnia (winmo) prior.

Here are my thoughts about both phones and why I would recommend both phones with a slight edge to the RAZR.

Build Quality - I love motorola build. They are strong, well built phones that will stand the test of time. No cheap-o plastic here at all. Its thin, and a little odd to hold, but it never feels cheaply built, or that it is a childs toy. The Galaxy Nexus on the other hand is plastic. No 2 ways around it, you know it, you feel it. That said, it doesnt feel cheap at all, it is firm and no creeks or other defects (unlike my Tbolt). I do tend to hold my Nexus a little firmer, it just doesnt give that confident feel the RAZR does.

Software - Theres really no comparison here, but there are some good notes. ICS is by far the best starting point for a version of Android to date. Yes it has its issues, but so did 2.3.1 and thats why there were .7 versions. Its stable, fast, and very easy to use. I now find myself using little to no 3rd party apps to replace standard functions supported by the OS. I no longer use ADW launcher, GO SMS/Handcent, K-9, IM+, Widget Locker, GO Contacts (ICS contacts are great), GO Dialer (cm9 T9 is a must have)... Google looked to those apps and integrated a great portion of those apps into ICS and its awesome.
Moto-dont-call-me-BLUR is the best so far. I compared my parents DX and DX2 and it is way better. Motocast is great and easy to use, although i found it annoying to sync. Smart Actions will double your battery life. The RAZR has a bug where it will be on LTE and WiFi simultaniously. That will MURDER battery life. Despite the software being the best yet, it also slows down the phone and my wife commonly remarks that my nexus is way faster on normal use. Sad to say, because on paper the RAZR is a more powerful phone (i know its a diff processor, but its not pushing 4.65in 720p)

Hardware - This is a difficult one. Heres the cliffs:
--> Radio - RAZR hands down smokes my Gnex. Ill drop calls in my house, and my wife (hardly) gets LTE signal. Im frequently at no signal and she is a good 20% better at most times. Im in a fringe area, so that affects it. Make this a MAJOR deciding point before buying
--> Camera - They both suck... honestly there not much more to say
--> Screen - I prefer the Gnex.. the buttonless design is one I hope more OEM's adopt because it is beautiful. The 720p screen looks crazy good. The RAZR screen is good as well, but ive found it a bit over saturated and it tends to make things a little un-realistic. It could just be my wifes particular device.
--> Audio - Honestly this is a tie and depends on what you want. Heres why... The outter speaker and ear piece are much higher quality on the RAZR. They sound, well motorola-ish. Its a great aspect of the phone. But thats not to say the Gnex is bad, the ear piece is clearer IMO and not quite as loud, but i find myself lowering the volume down sometimes.. so its about the same. My favorite aspect of the phone is the audio over headphones.. I don't know if its hardware or software related but music sounds amazing over a headset. While using the built in EQ I'm a happy camper.. and I listen about 4 hrs or more per day streaming HQ over google music. (1gb + per day ) I don't find the Nexus really bad in loud environments but Volume+ is a must have.
--> Design - the nexus is beautiful.. the RAZR is a little awkwardly thin. But its a good decision either way. My wife is a little chunky and I like my phones to fill my hands too, so I love the feel of the Nexus. but its really a personal choice. Strictly based on eye appeal while lying on a table, the Nexus is amazing because of nothing on the front and the curved screen... everyone who has ever held my phone said the weight is perfectly proportioned and doesn't feel as big as it is. I love holding it and the ports in the bottom is a plus. My phone sits top down in my pocket so headphones point right out and it just feels right. More phones need to be like this.

So my choice is.....
Droid RAZR is better then the Nexus...
Galaxy Nexus beats the Droid RAZR...

???

I'm not a fan boy either way here. I love devices, I live Android and I love tech. I love where the Galaxy nexus is taking android and I believe that Google and Samsung built a fantastic flagship... but its not for everyone. Motorola has begun the difficult task of climbing out of a very deep hole they dug themselves when they didn't cancel the Bionic, released the Droid 3 and called the DX2 a new device. Not to mention locked boot loaders. Without motorola being bought by Google I would have put Motorola on my Kill list for 2012. The lackluster devices they have put out and reniging (sp?) On its word doesn't fly well with the community. The Android dev community is no longer a small flock of undergrounders. Google has embraced us and the OEMS motorola in particular better realize that we have the power to make or break them. (See abysmal sales of BIONIC and the huge Nexus thread and all the people who found out how great a phone it was just by us and android news sites)

You can go wrong with either device. Even though I recommend the RAZR a small bit more for most users, you couldn't pry my nexus from my cold dead hands.
Hope this helps !


Edit - the nexus WILL see more OEM support then the Droid RAZR. I promise you that. If your worried about being 'outdated' think about this. The GALAXY SIII is still about 4 months away in the UK release (if they follow what they have done in the past with the US being last) and 6 months at best from a US release. I haven't even seen rumors from anyone about carrier testing yet. The next Nexus is 12 months out.

Motorola will (most likely) announce the Droid RAZR HD at CES.. w/ICS & 4.5in S-AMOLED screen and a 12mp sensor in tow. Sadly Motorola's rush to release a product has outdated (and probably pissed off) many consumers who JUST bought the RAZR. I expect a Late Feb release for the RAZR HD, maybe earlier if its on GB and not ICS.

Quad core phones are not going to be on VZW before late 2nd quarter IMO.

 

[Sandroidfan]

Reception issue on Nexus is mostly on 4G in weak areas. Otherwise it's fine as phone and 1X/3G seems just as reliable as any other phones. 3G/4G hand-over seems ok though not as great as Rezound. Fast switching to 3G but slower to 4G reconnection. It just tends to drop to 3G more often than others. Seems it can get troubled in 3G/4G switch-over in weak areas. I think this is software fixable. Someone on other thread posted antenna signal emission factors and Nexus is just average on that.

Another good news for Nexus is that Charge, Stratosphere using similar radios seem to be doing well on 4G reception/speed/switch-over now.

In my testing at VZW stores couple of days ago, Rezound was clearly the best in 4G speed and smooth 3G/4G switch-over. Nexus and Razr were similar in data speed, radio switch-over but Razr holds 4G signal a little better right now. Interestingly Razr shows opposite behavior in 3G/4G switch-over as it's slow in shifting down to 3G but faster to 4G. I think new qualcomm MDM9600 chip containing both 3G, 4G radios is well engineered now, which is giving edge to Rezound on signal reception performance. I will check out new LG Spectrum with the same chips as Rezound when it arrives on verizon later this month.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I'm not a fan boy either way here. I love devices, I live Android and I love tech. I love where the Galaxy nexus is taking android and I believe that Google and Samsung built a fantastic flagship... but its not for everyone. Motorola has begun the difficult task of climbing out of a very deep hole they dug themselves when they didn't cancel the Bionic, released the Droid 3 and called the DX2 a new device. Not to mention locked boot loaders. Without motorola being bought by Google I would have put Motorola on my Kill list for 2012. The lackluster devices they have put out and reniging (sp?) On its word doesn't fly well with the community. The Android dev community is no longer a small flock of undergrounders. Google has embraced us and the OEMS motorola in particular better realize that we have the power to make or break them. (See abysmal sales of BIONIC and the huge Nexus thread and all the people who found out how great a phone it was just by us and android news sites)

You can go wrong with either device. Even though I recommend the RAZR a small bit more for most users, you couldn't pry my nexus from my cold dead hands.
Hope this helps !


Edit - the nexus WILL see more OEM support then the Droid RAZR. I promise you that. If your worried about being 'outdated' think about this. The GALAXY SIII is still about 4 months away in the UK release (if they follow what they have done in the past with the US being last) and 6 months at best from a US release. I haven't even seen rumors from anyone about carrier testing yet. The next Nexus is 12 months out.

Motorola will (most likely) announce the Droid RAZR HD at CES.. w/ICS & 4.5in S-AMOLED screen and a 12mp sensor in tow. Sadly Motorola's rush to release a product has outdated (and probably pissed off) many consumers who JUST bought the RAZR. I expect a Late Feb release for the RAZR HD, maybe earlier if its on GB and not ICS.

Quad core phones are not going to be on VZW before late 2nd quarter IMO.

Razr HD (or Maxx) seems like just bigger Razr with HD screen, bigger battery, but similar otherwise. If so, it won't be rival to phones like SGSIII, HTC Edge with quad core Exynos, Tegra3 processors. I wonder what's in their work for next generation phones as they normally stick with TI OMAP processors.

 

[asmallchild]

Razr HD (or Maxx) seems like just bigger Razr with HD screen, bigger battery, but similar otherwise. If so, it won't be rival to phones like SGSIII, HTC Edge with quad core Exynos, Tegra3 processors. I wonder what's in their work for next generation phones as they normally stick with TI OMAP processors.

it seems annoying theyd release the bionic, then the razr, and then the razr maxx so close to each other

 

[altimax98]

it seems annoying theyd release the bionic, then the razr, and then the razr maxx so close to each other

honestly its the only thing keeping motorola alive right now. They are trying to stay in the lime-light by releasing minor updates to newer phones and trying to keep it new. (DX>DX2, Atrix>Atrix2)

Do keep in mind that Panda hinted that a 1st/2nd quarter device from Motorola w/Vanilla ICS is on its way... if it will be a T3 or still a OMAP is not known yet.

 

[Sandroidfan]

honestly its the only thing keeping motorola alive right now. They are trying to stay in the lime-light by releasing minor updates to newer phones and trying to keep it new. (DX>DX2, Atrix>Atrix2)

Do keep in mind that Panda hinted that a 1st/2nd quarter device from Motorola w/Vanilla ICS is on its way... if it will be a T3 or still a OMAP is not known yet.

That's interesting. So Motorola is going to drop Blur, locked BL this year? Never heard this yet.

 

[confused droid]

I want to thank everybody for their responses. Now one more question, in 15 months how do you see the razr comparing to the nexus since I will be locked in to a 20 month contract?

 

[Jay3]

I want to thank everybody for their responses. Now one more question, in 15 months how do you see the razr comparing to the nexus since I will be locked in to a 20 month contract?

I do. They're pretty comparable under the hood. The Razr and HTC Rezound are both good choices right now.

I went with the Galaxy Nexus because (1) as I said, it's comparable with those phones under the hood, so should be fine for a similar lifespan; and (2) I'm a fan of the whole Android/iPhone scene. I like to follow what each knew system is trying to do. With the Galaxy Nexus, I'll have the updates to see what Google is trying to do next to improve the experience. It makes me feel like a test or focus group. It adds an element of excitement. And the screen is beautiful.

 

[sean76]

wow...some of these rants are insane!

@ the OP...Go to VZW, play with the Galaxy Nexus, and then hold you Razr and the Nexus side by side and see which one really strikes you as the one you would be happy with! Honestly, its a catch 22 on which one you'll be stricken by...especially since this is your first smart phone, and both are extremely awesome devices.

I've owned both, am a seasoned Android user, and have to say I originally had no plans to even look at the Nexus. I was pretty much hell bent on not getting a device without an SD card. Well that all changed when I picked up the Nexus a few days after it was released. The screen blew me away, the call quality was absolutely amazing, and the thought of having a pure Google phone with no issues on updates really sealed the deal for me. However, that is my opinion. Yours is what counts OP...So if its any consolation to you, what we all say is just our opinions. Take the 10 minutes and see which one does it for you...Good Luck!

 

[altimax98]

That's interesting. So Motorola is going to drop Blur, locked BL this year? Never heard this yet.

Yeah panda said it about a month or so ago... I was interested...now he was not very clear about it. He said a motorola device running ICS vanilla w/o locked boot loader... with all this talk of a Nexus Tablet it could be that, but I think it was a phone he mentioned.

As far as how future proof each device is, the Nexus will win hands down on the software side. Look at the Samsung Galaxy S. Its basicly the nexus S but it won't get ICS and the Nexus S will... motorola is no better, maybe even worse. They are pumping out so many phones that they won't waste the R&D money to update after the ICS update on the RAZR.,

 

[confused droid]

Thank you for all the replies, and so then how do you think the razr and nexus will compare in 15 months since I have a 20 month contract?

 

[asmallchild]

Thank you for all the replies, and so then how do you think the razr and nexus will compare in 15 months since I have a 20 month contract?

Hasn't this been answered already?

Nexus > Razr simply because of software updates

Is it worth switching? That's a personal decision. The vast majority of us would say yes. My personal opinion for you, a 1st time smartphone user, is no. Again, my opinion. You should try playing with the 2 devices and see if you come to a different conclusion.

 

[altimax98]

Just don't forget the biggest thing in a fringe network... Signal..

Sitting right next to each other my Nexus won't get 3G and signal is at 120dbm 99asu my wife's is at 90dbm and 15asu LTE and hold there. Mine will bounce to 90dbm and 10asu but go right back to 99 after a minute.

If your already getting low signal on your razr the nexus will not be better unfortunately