Is CDMA or Verizon the reason we likely won't see another VZW Nexus phone?

[jkc120]

I really don't expect another Nexus on Verizon, let me preface this with that statement. I also fully expect to abandon Verizon and my unlimited data plan if, as I expect, the new Nexus will not be available on Verizon.

But I'm curious about the reasoning. The two big reasons I can think of are:

1. CDMA. Google came out and basically said this a while ago that they don't support CDMA. But is this moot now that the S600/S800 have built-in CDMA baseband? If Google can do a Nexus 7 with LTE that runs on all US carriers, why can't they do the same for a Nexus phone, since the device would almost certainly have a Qualcomm SOC in it with build in CDMA radios?

2. Or is it Verizon and their need to test thoroughly (so they say, some of the updates would beg to differ) and mess with the phone's pure experience and prevent things like google wallet from working with the device?

I keep telling myself there's a snowball's chance in hell of another Nexus phone on Verizon, but I can't seem to distinguish that small pilot flame of hope that when the Nexus supports LTE (which it hopefully will this time around), we may see it on Verizon.

Just though of reason 3. though I admit it's a bit farfetched - what if GE (Google Edition) phones are replacing the Nexus line of phones? If that's any indicator, Google certainly has no plans to ever have a phone on Verizon or we'd have seen a GE Galaxy S4 on Verizon.

 

[Demache]

Its a combination of the factors. But mostly Verizon. They probably thought that Verizon faffing with the updates sort of ruined the "Google experience". CDMA is a small issue to overcome in the large scale of things, although it did complicate things in the case of the Galaxy Nexus.

 

[jkc120]

Its a combination of the factors. But mostly Verizon. They probably thought that Verizon faffing with the updates sort of ruined the "Google experience". CDMA is a small issue to overcome in the large scale of things, although it did complicate things in the case of the Galaxy Nexus.

I guess we will find out, if the next Nexus is on Sprint and not Verizon!

 

[jhawkkw]

1. CDMA. Google came out and basically said this a while ago that they don't support CDMA. But is this moot now that the S600/S800 have built-in CDMA baseband? If Google can do a Nexus 7 with LTE that runs on all US carriers, why can't they do the same for a Nexus phone, since the device would almost certainly have a Qualcomm SOC in it with build in CDMA radios?

The Nexus 7 doesn't work universally across all carriers. It only works on Verizon's LTE network, not it's CDMA network. So if you don't have LTE, no data for you. Also, it doesn't support Sprint's network at all. Many people believe, myself included, that once Verizon flips the switch for VoLTE, Google will make a Nexus device that works on this Verizon service without a CDMA radio.

2. Or is it Verizon and their need to test thoroughly (so they say, some of the updates would beg to differ) and mess with the phone's pure experience and prevent things like google wallet from working with the device?

I keep telling myself there's a snowball's chance in hell of another Nexus phone on Verizon, but I can't seem to distinguish that small pilot flame of hope that when the Nexus supports LTE (which it hopefully will this time around), we may see it on Verizon.

I don't know if it's necessarily Verizon, because Sprint still hasn't update their Gnex past 4.2.1. So it seems that it's the whole CDMA network hampers the pure Google experience. But at least Sprint wasn't as controlling with Google Wallet. As I said above, VoLTE may be a Verizon Nexus' best chance.

Just though of reason 3. though I admit it's a bit farfetched - what if GE (Google Edition) phones are replacing the Nexus line of phones? If that's any indicator, Google certainly has no plans to ever have a phone on Verizon or we'd have seen a GE Galaxy S4 on Verizon.

Google has said that the Nexus program isn't going anywhere, and the GPE devices are more meant to satisfy a niche of people who want the big name phones with stock android. They aren't supported in AOSP, and actually still have to be updated by the OEM because the touchwiz/sense framework still exists in these devices.

 

[jova33]

I tell you what, if VZW gets the Nexus 5, I'm going to be mighty p-ed off that I replaced my GNex with a GS4.

 

[trophynuts]

i would bet a case of beer that VZW isn't getting the Nexus 5. I agree also that the best chance for another one will be when VoLTE is turned on. That is still a year away. I think VZW will start turning VoLTE on end of this year or beginning of next. Nexus phones usually come out in the Fall so i say at best Fall of 2014 but i think even then would be too soon.

 

[jova33]

I mean, I doubt they will. But things have changed since the Nexus 4. Andy isn't even running android anymore. LTE is the standard, even if CDMA isn't. I'm not saying we'll get the next Nexus, but it is possible.
I'm liking the Ubuntu Edge though. If there was a phone I'd ditch VZW for, that's it. 128GB is the minimum onboard storage you can get.