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Is the Galaxy Nexus still worth buying?

K

Kgor93

Member
I'm switching to Verizon and need a phone to use with the unlimited data plan. I was going to spend $650 for a Galaxy S4, the GSM version of which I have now, but I'm having second thoughts. I don't really need all that power. What I want is a phone with a removable battery, that's good for texting, calls, videos, tethering, and web browsing with minimal lag.

The Galaxy Nexus seems to fit that bill. It's super cheap too. I can get one for $150 or less on eBay. If I get an extended battery for $25, that's $175 tops. So what do you think, should I get it?
 
It's a great phone if you are buying one outright at that price. It might not hold it's own on say, the S4, and many will argue the SIII is better too, but you'll pay at least 2-3 times what you're about to. For that, I'd definitely jump on it. I'm almost tempted to pick up one for a spare, but I'm likely saving towards something a year down the road.

I do have a question on the side though. You said you're switching TO Verizon, but getting the unlimited data? Do you already have a plan with that om VZW, but use service primarily with another carrier? Just curious.
 
Not that I'm due for an upgrade, but none of the new phones out excite me much over my Gnex. ;)
Development is still going strong, and like you, I only use mine for a handful of purposes so I don't need the power of an S4.
 
The most recent phones obviously out do the Galaxy Nexus on specs. But if you look at the SIII/Nexus 4 time period none of them are significantly better than the Galaxy Nexus in my opinion.

I think the Galaxy Nexus is starting to show its age a little. But, as you and another mentioned above, there are no phones in this price range that are as good.
 
I like the GNEX still, and see nothing worth "upgrading to". Especially since its a vanilla android build. I think its still one of the best phones available simply because its a nexus. And I also think its the best phone available on Verizon... technically the S4 has better specs but I'll take faster updates over newer hardware.

I'd go for it, but you might want to consider a 2nd battery and a charger instead of the extended battery. 2 standard batteries are cheaper, last longer and don't add any weight or thickness to the phone.
 
I love my Nexus galaxy ...and for the record it is better then the GS4....there are to many advantages to the phone to mention. I'm just stating my opinion but I have a feeling from reading I'm not the only one that feels this way.
 
Besides the battery, it's definitely the best bang for your buck buying used/refurbed and even then, I believe it's a little underrated. Nothing like vanilla android and quick(er) updates...
 
you guys talking about quicker updates are kidding right? Unless you're rooted you're not really going to get quicker updates on the GNex on VZW.
 
Why, may I ask, are you switching to Verizon? If you want the most bang for your buck you can do better elsewhere, especially if you get am unlocked GSM GN on a plan that does not include the subsidized phone cost.
 
brainman1000 said:
Why, may I ask, are you switching to Verizon? If you want the most bang for your buck you can do better elsewhere, especially if you get am unlocked GSM GN on a plan that does not include the subsidized phone cost.
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Only way I would go back to VZW or any CDMA carrier, is if that was the only coverage options open to me. Yea LTE is fast, but get in a good coverage area for HSPA+ and you wont really notice the difference. Not to mention the battery life is much better on a GSM device, you can get it unlocked, get updates soon as google drops em (not weeks/months later after VZW etc monkeys around with em).

I still like my Gnex plenty, does everything I need it too and have plenty to spare, Yea the old girl is starting to show her age with the new youngsters on the block, but like that old fart in your group, can still hold its ground against em all. ;)
 
trophynuts said:
you guys talking about quicker updates are kidding right? Unless you're rooted you're not really going to get quicker updates on the GNex on VZW.
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Given the track record in comparison to other phone models, the Gnex sorta is a little quicker, but by no means anything to write home about. I think that was the idea though, was that being what it was, that it would get updates faster than if it were a different phone model. But we do know how VZW still takes a lot longer than ideal.

That said, I'll be on VZW a while, since the only other carrier that has coverage even close to what I've got now, is AT&T, and even then, there will be gaps where I have service, and they don't provide. Also why I haven't gone the Straight Talk route or anything, even with them having the SIII out. I'll gladly pay extra for service that I know works, where I need it to work, and keep my unlimited. Until my hand is forced, that is.
 
trophynuts said:
you guys talking about quicker updates are kidding right? Unless you're rooted you're not really going to get quicker updates on the GNex on VZW.
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While Verizon's LTE Nexus may lag behind stock Android releases for the GSM versions, its still a MUCH MUCH faster update cycle than any manufacturer skinned phone....on Verizon or any other carrier. You think the S4 will get updates before the Nexus? Especially if both are on Verizon? No way. Even on their worst update cycle, Verizon is maybe 60 days delayed over GSM Nexus updates. No manufacturer is turning around their skinned versions faster than that....and if both phones are on Verizon that skinned version needs to be "tested thoroughly" by Verizon too.

And as you pointed out, rooting the Nexus is an option and its easy and you can get super fast updates on any number of ROMS or even install Verizon leaks several weeks early.

Also, if he has unlimited data on Verizon, we are talking about buying a phone outright. No way I'd drop $650 for an S4 over a Nexus at $150. At that rate you could buy 3 nexus' and alternate them instead of buying extra batteries!!! And you'd still have $200 to spare!
 
I've been considering this myself as my contract will be up ...I forget when but I bought my Gnex first day it was released in the US, so maybe Nov/Dec. Still...I'm starting my research for my next phone and what I'm getting is nothing compares to this in terms of my willingness to spend another few hundred bucks for a minor upgrade.

I presently have a Samsung Note tablet and I like it but I don't want a small tablet in my pocket because my pockets aren't that big. That's the thing - I don't care for the gigantic size of the Note 2 - I wouldn't mind a Note type phone with a bit more umph but less physical phone and more real estate on a smaller phone surface. (The Gnex has wasted space)

My Gnex has kept pace and fast and furious with updates, the speed and ability to plug into whatever I happen to need it to plug into is still on par.

So for the time being, there isn't a phone I want because the GNex has proven to be so excellent.

What I'm hoping is someone will come out with a phone that's around the same size or a tiny bit larger which IMO is PLENTY BIG, more power amd a stylus. THAT i would pay for.
 
Tech has come a long way in the 2 years since the gnex has been released. I wouldn't consider it a minor upgrade at all

Hopefully well see another nexus this fall
 
Rxpert83 said:
Tech has come a long way in the 2 years since the gnex has been released. I wouldn't consider it a minor upgrade at all

Hopefully well see another nexus this fall
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You are probably right, but for my useage, nothing is worth my investing another bunch of big bucks for another phone when the one I presently have is just fine. That's the thing - this one is still formidable.

:party:

I would love another nexus - maybe a nexus note?

oooooo so pretty.
 
NexusTootsie said:
That's the thing - this one is still formidable.
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That's the most awesome thing you can say. Even after nearly two years, the GNex is still standing on its own against the new guys on the block.

The S4 is the first phone to come along that will make the upgrade worth it... but even that is not going to be a quantum leap upgrade. Because the GNex is JUST THAT GOOD.

But, a 5" screen with the GNex's brightness and resolution? My old eyes will welcome that.
 
I love my GNex, but if I had to criticise it, it's that it's too quiet on full volume, so it's easy to miss calls and texts when the phone is in your pocket.
 
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