• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Sorry Google, But I'm not impressed with the nexus 5.

hahahahahahaha....Take it easy killa! I've been in these depths of Android land since the G1. Do you know what a G1 is? Its definitely not the first version of the G2 from LG...lol.

See your statement right there is so unthought? Who's it made for? For people who don't care to spend $400 on a phone that has a crappy speaker, crappy camera, crappy battery life, etc, etc, but comes directly from Google?

Sorry man, I've had every nexus put out and think your statement is the reason why a phone like this is made the way it is, because Google thinks its ok to half bake it because the sheep won't care. I'm not a sheep and I care, and if it costs a little bit more I will spend it. I'm not a supporter of cheaping out on a phones internals to make it cheaper. Charge me more and give me a better product.

Come on man, stop that talk... The nexus is for anyone who likes Stock android and wants timely updates, and who supports the whole nexus idea, that's me!

Woah there Mr Angry, clam yourself down.

When I buy a Nexus device, I know some of the components aren't going to be top notch which I'm willing to accept because of the price.

Furthermore, I understand this is a developer/reference device which gets the latest OS and means it is sometimes buggy.

If you've been around for a long time you should know this. As I said, if you can't accept these short comings that are to be expected of a device of this price and nature, then you should send it back and get a Moto.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrsmumbles
Upvote 0
Lol...the G2 IMO is yuck! No offense to those who like it, I'm a stock guy, always have been since the nexus one days, I just dabble in those skinned devices when I come across some good hardware. I've owned just about every high end Android phone out there and love the tech game, but I love stock!

However I'm not a rooter, I have 2 business and work god knows how many hours and just honestly have no patience for flashing and rooting and all that, tip my hat to those that are into all that, I'm just not one of those guys, what I buy is what I use...lol, I don't even use nova or any launchers from the play store.

Anyway in this day and age all these excuses are something I don't buy. The nexus 5 should have come with a good camera out of the box, software updates should not be deal breakers for a Google flagship these days, a good camera is a must have on any flagship phone these days, as is a good speaker! Seriously this speaker is something out of a $50 flip phone from 5 years ago. It's a joke! Listen I don't mean to rant, but that's just my nature when I get bent. It's all good, I wait a few days for the update (which honestly I should have had already) and we'll see if it improves some things. If not, back to a moto x until the next great android unicorn strolls in...lol

What do you want for a phone that costs $350.00 OFF CONTRACT? I mean seriously. To achieve that price point sacrifices had to be made some place.

We get you don't like the device. Apparently you didn't understand what I mentioned above. A phone with top notch speakers, camera sensor, premium exterior etc.etc. would cost over $500.00 off contract. Do research in the future before buying a product. You would've known the pros and cons of the phone and known what to expect.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrsmumbles
Upvote 0
Battery- I haven't had enough time with the phone but my reading tells me its not to dependable ...I'll see after a few days to really make a final call.

Juice Defender... it makes a big difference.

Also, switching to ART runtime (in developer options) helps some too.

Wait for the 4.4.2 update. It does make a lot of difference.
 
Upvote 0
What do you want for a phone that costs $350.00 OFF CONTRACT? I mean seriously. To achieve that price point sacrifices had to be made some place.

We get you don't like the device. Apparently you didn't understand what I mentioned above. A phone with top notch speakers, camera sensor, premium exterior etc.etc. would cost over $500.00 off contract. Do research in the future before buying a product. You would've known the pros and cons of the phone and known what to expect.


Easy bud....

You sound angry...I'm a cool cat.

First off my phone came to $440 and the money isn't an issue for me, I'd pay more for a phone that works better with out the issues I'm experiencing here.

My research? So your OK paying for a phone that has crappy speakers? Sacrificed ? What was sacrificed ? LG makes good phones and they could had not skimped on the things they did and charged the same or a little more.

As far as me not liking the phone, stop that noise...I like the phone otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it. The issues are there, they are real world issues that can somewhat be fixed with an OTA supposedly...when I get the OTA I'll see how much they fixed these problems.

My last point which you are missing...paying $349, $399, etc does not warrant a phone having short comings in key areas...look to the moto G my friend. Now that's a budget phone at $199. The nexus 5 IMO should not be looked at as a budget phone ....if you have $399 to drop on a phone then $99 more will not break the bank and if the quality is better you'd be surprised at how many peeps would spend the extra money for the better device.

Anyway let's cut this short and look at the resolution....I will wait for the update and go from there.. If it fixes things all is good over here. If not I'm back to the moto x !

See to me its still Android...I'm not on that you use that phone, I use this one! Its all Android in my eyes...meaning everyone is on the same team.
 
Upvote 0
I'm not sure if op is trolling, or is genuinely looking for answers/solutions. If trolling, ignore this... but if you are really looking for solutions, several folks have made good suggestions.

If you want to try out 4.4.2 and see if it addresses your concerns:
  • Wait for it to rollout
  • adb sideload it (you don't need root) - given that you've used Android since G1, you shouldn't have any trouble sideloading it.

With Android devices, rollout is always gradual - deal with it. That's how it has been since the first Nexus. Majority of the people get the update in a week or two. If you can't wait, you have the (Google supported) option of ADB sideload. Else, the option is to get an Apple device (any Android device will have a gradual rollout)
In this case, Google likely held back on broad 4.4.1 rollout because 4.4.2 was to be rolled out starting yesterday. I don't know!

You bought the device just recently - did you not read the numerous reviews talking about the camera quality? Why did you buy it? Just because you read somewhere that a 'yet-to-be-released' update would fix it?

(Just trying to understand your logic/though process)

Moto X is a good phone - and seems to be getting updates fairly quickly. If you are happy with that phone, get it! (why exactly did you switch to a Nexus?)

I moved from a Galaxy S4 to a Nexus 5 - I knew the shortcomings of the Nexus, knew about the camera quality and software issues, and am ok with that. That is a compromise I was willing to make.



My research? So your OK paying for a phone that has crappy speakers? Sacrificed ? What was sacrificed ? LG makes good phones and they could had not skimped on the things they did and charged the same or a little more.
Crappy? That's your opinion. I would not call it crappy - slightly underpowered, but sufficient for my use.

My last point which you are missing...paying $349, $399, etc does not warrant a phone having short comings in key areas...look to the moto G my friend. Now that's a budget phone at $199. The nexus 5 IMO should not be looked at as a budget phone ....if you have $399 to drop on a phone then $99 more will not break the bank and if the quality is better you'd be surprised at how many peeps would spend the extra money for the better device.
Which phone is perfect?? Pick out any phone, and look thru' user forums, and you will find people with complaints. No phone is perfect. Everyone makes compromises, one way or another. The key is to make compromises that one is willing to live with.


Anyway let's cut this short and look at the resolution....I will wait for the update and go from there.. If it fixes things all is good over here. If not I'm back to the moto x !
Perfect solution.
 
Upvote 0
I'm not sure if op is trolling, or is genuinely looking for answers/solutions. If trolling, ignore this... but if you are really looking for solutions, several folks have made good suggestions.

If you want to try out 4.4.2 and see if it addresses your concerns:
  • Wait for it to rollout
  • adb sideload it (you don't need root) - given that you've used Android since G1, you shouldn't have any trouble sideloading it.

With Android devices, rollout is always gradual - deal with it. That's how it has been since the first Nexus. Majority of the people get the update in a week or two. If you can't wait, you have the (Google supported) option of ADB sideload. Else, the option is to get an Apple device (any Android device will have a gradual rollout)
In this case, Google likely held back on broad 4.4.1 rollout because 4.4.2 was to be rolled out starting yesterday. I don't know!

You bought the device just recently - did you not read the numerous reviews talking about the camera quality? Why did you buy it? Just because you read somewhere that a 'yet-to-be-released' update would fix it?

(Just trying to understand your logic/though process)

Moto X is a good phone - and seems to be getting updates fairly quickly. If you are happy with that phone, get it! (why exactly did you switch to a Nexus?)

I moved from a Galaxy S4 to a Nexus 5 - I knew the shortcomings of the Nexus, knew about the camera quality and software issues, and am ok with that. That is a compromise I was willing to make.


Look at my history on this Forum, does that look like Troll history...come on!

Also I didn't read somewhere that it was rolling out in a few weeks, I read it was rolling out that day, and figured with a few days shipping time I would open it up and be asked for the update. I understand shortcomings in general my friend, however yes I've been using nexus phones for a real long time and get the compromise on the camera thing, although I disagree on that issue because they can put a real good sensor in a phone priced at $400, but that's a whole other topic. I've supported android for a long time and continue to these days. As far as the moto x, Yea its a fine phone, however I'm sure the nexus 5 will be just as fine as well after the update, and if things are fixed as I said previously I will keep it and call it a day. Like I said in my previous post....we're all on the same team here.
 
Upvote 0
You're missing the point, answers in-line below.

Also, can we get this thread locked, it's not adding any value.

Easy bud....

You sound angry...I'm a cool cat.

Well that's not how you're coming across, you sound very angry, and immature.

First off my phone came to $440 and the money isn't an issue for me, I'd pay more for a phone that works better with out the issues I'm experiencing here.

Well go and pay more for a phone that has everything you want then. The whole point is that this is a mid range priced phone, so not all of the specs will be top notch.

My research? So your OK paying for a phone that has crappy speakers? Sacrificed ? What was sacrificed ? LG makes good phones and they could had not skimped on the things they did and charged the same or a little more.

Yes we are happy. Sure we'd like better speakers, who wouldn't, but we realise we have to compromise for the price point. I'll say that again because about 10 people have said it and you're missing it "compromise for the price point".

As far as me not liking the phone, stop that noise...I like the phone otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it.

Could have fooled me.

My last point which you are missing...paying $349, $399, etc does not warrant a phone having short comings in key areas...look to the moto G my friend. Now that's a budget phone at $199. The nexus 5 IMO should not be looked at as a budget phone ....if you have $399 to drop on a phone then $99 more will not break the bank and if the quality is better you'd be surprised at how many peeps would spend the extra money for the better device.

Yes it does, it's half the price of a iPhone, an S4 an HTC One, therefore there must be shortcomings. Would you buy a Ford and then take it back because it doesn't look or ride like a Ferrari. Actually you probably would, but most wouldn't.

Anyway let's cut this short and look at the resolution....I will wait for the update and go from there.. If it fixes things all is good over here. If not I'm back to the moto x !

Please save us all and just switch back now. Not sure I can take the endless moaning on this forum as you find a new issue every week.
 
Upvote 0
Look at my history on this Forum, does that look like Troll history...come on!
That was the first thing I checked - so I was surprised by your first post in this thread... :)
I agree - not a troll (I would have not even responded if I thought it was one) :)

Also I didn't read somewhere that it was rolling out in a few weeks, I read it was rolling out that day, and figured with a few days shipping time I would open it up and be asked for the update.
With Android (even Nexus), rollouts are always gradual. That is just the way it is. But do consider the sideload option. I wasn't comfortable with it too, but it seems to work just fine (just need to get the drivers installed). Else, just wait for a few days and you should get it by then.


As far as the moto x, Yea its a fine phone, however I'm sure the nexus 5 will be just as fine as well after the update, and if things are fixed as I said previously I will keep it and call it a day. Like I said in my previous post....we're all on the same team here.
With 4.4.1 and 4.4.2, I've noticed a significant improvement in the camera. I still miss some of the features from the camera app on my S4 (slow-mo, drama shot, best shot etc), but I knew that coming in.
The speaker volume - I haven't really noticed much of a difference (others insist that there is a huge difference), but I've never really had a problem with the N5's speaker in the first place.

But yes, we are all part of the Android family ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rxpert83
Upvote 0
OK here's my take, and those who know me haven't heard me fly of the cliff in a while, but this experience is irritating to me.
Then you're easily irritated. The Nexus 5 is an amazing phone, and I could care less that you lose your cool because you didn't get an update within 24 hours when sideloading is available - and if your history with Google experience devices is as extensive as you claim, you should know how to sideload the update.

The nexus 5 is Google's flagship right? Well priced at $399 for a 32gb version?

BS...gimme a flagship for $600 without these issues, I'll pony up the other $200 for a great quality product.
But I wouldn't. And there are plenty of people who wouldn't. Google's goal is not to satisfy sean76; their goal is to provide a flagship device at an affordable price. And going to a $600+ price range will put it out of reach for a lot of people who don't have cash to throw around.

So Google is dropping this update In phases? Don't take this the wrong way but how many nexus 5's are out there?
Umm. The update doesn't come in phases because of the number of devices out there. The update comes in phases to make sure an unknown bag remains unknown until it bricks 90% of the devices out there. 4.4.1 had some bugs, which is why they released 4.4.2 instead. You can tell us why this shouldn't be the case and all updates should be 100% tested and ready, but that won't happen (ahem, Apple Maps).

You may have owned every Google/Nexus phone ever released, but that doesn't mean Google has a special responsibility to tailor the phones just for you. Nor, I should note, does it mean that you can never like another device better. You're a consumer. Whatever fits your need, go for it. But please, do it without the tantrum.
 
Upvote 0
You're missing the point, answers in-line below.

Also, can we get this thread locked, it's not adding any value.



Well that's not how you're coming across, you sound very angry, and immature.



Well go and pay more for a phone that has everything you want then. The whole point is that this is a mid range priced phone, so not all of the specs will be top notch.



Yes we are happy. Sure we'd like better speakers, who wouldn't, but we realise we have to compromise for the price point. I'll say that again because about 10 people have said it and you're missing it "compromise for the price point".



Could have fooled me.



Yes it does, it's half the price of a iPhone, an S4 an HTC One, therefore there must be shortcomings. Would you buy a Ford and then take it back because it doesn't look or ride like a Ferrari. Actually you probably would, but most wouldn't.



Please save us all and just switch back now. Not sure I can take the endless moaning on this forum as you find a new issue every week.


I'm not here to dig and fight ! You don't like the thread then don't come back. I'm not a troll and I'm not new to android. You like the phone in its current state, then so be it, don't sit there and come at me because you think I'm missing your point! I've been around long before you and get the points just fine my man. You sound way more made then me...these posts are my opinion, not yours, you want to go create a cheerleader thread about how much you like the nexus 5 then go ahead. But when someone comes in and points out some shortcomings don't go an extra mile to have them agree with your points. I don't want an S4, I don't want a note 3, I don't want any of those phones. As for the Ferrari and Ford thing ...come on man, your making something out of nothing. Are you saying Google set out to make a Ford type phone, a very common for the masses phone. Well they couldn't have fooled me because I don't see the masses with this phone. ITS A GEEK PHONE, FOR GEEKS WHO ENJOY TECH! NOT A PHONE FOR EVEY TOM, DICK, AND HARRY. I'd buy a $599 nexus right now because it would eliminate bargain shoppers like you from even looking at this phone. The nexus line is supposed to be a flag ship phone that runs stock android as it should be ran. Don't even go there with me because its priced below an over priced plastic piece of junk like a GS4....

With that said...take care and look elsewhere if you don't like it in here.
 
Upvote 0
Lets let cooler heads prevail here, and remember to attack the issues, not each other.

There has been some very good help offered in this thread. People can either take it or leave it, but arguing isnt going to get anything accomplished or change opinions.

I'd suggest sideloading the 4.4.2 update so you can decide for yourself whether or not this phone is for you.
 
Upvote 0
Lets let cooler heads prevail here, and remember to attack the issues, not each other.

There has been some very good help offered in this thread. People can either take it or leave it, but arguing isnt going to get anything accomplished or change opinions.

I'd suggest sideloading the 4.4.2 update so you can decide for yourself whether or not this phone is for you.


Agreed....this thread wasn't meant to be a food fight at all...

However feel like I'm an Android user in an Apple thread with the way some are taking this. Anyway...is what it is. Update and go from there...
 
Upvote 0
BS...gimme a flagship for $600 without these issues, I'll pony up the other $200 for a great quality product. However I just don't get the notion of people saying hey what do you expect for $399, I expect a good phone!

Might be just because I had a Nexus before, but I know the speaker is not going to be "flagship phone" level going in. I also know I'm not going to get all the other stuff I wouldn't use like a fingerprint scanner and a camera that watches my eyes while I read so it knows when to turn the page. That's why this is $350 (I got the 16GB one) instead of $700. And for that $350 I got a phone that has the features I care about. It's lightning fast. And I think the screen looks amazing.

If all that other stuff is important to you, that's why Samsung's Galaxy line is available at the higher price point.
 
Upvote 0
if you're not happy though that is great, there are PLENTY of options in the android world. and for ONCE we get a flagship phone for a good price so no i wouldn't agree that i would prefer the N5 be 600 dollars for "less bugs" the way i see it, what you are complaining to be "bugs" are just preferences once you update your phone, if you are not happy with the screen or the speaker volume still then get a HTC One.

Thats what android is all about, options :thumbup:
this phone didn't boast music listening quality speakers and for everything else the speakers are great, for the $200 that you saved, go buy yourself a bose mini, you will still spend 600 and have better sound than ANY phone on the market.
To be fair, google marketed the camera capabilities very heavily. Commercials, play store, ect all showcase the camera functionality.

https://play.google.com/store/devices
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_5_black_32gb

Google Nexus 5: I Do - YouTube

There have been hints in the open source code that google had planned on a completely new camera API including RAW shooting abilities (a first), burst shot, ect. However, it wasn't ready to go yet when the nexus 5 was being prepared for announcement, and the code was pulled. (source) (google)

The marketing concentration on the camera could be partially explained by this. It seems they were planning on having a truly mindblowing camera experience.

Vic Gundotra said:
Feb 17, 2013

+sizar adam We are committed to making Nexus phones insanely great cameras. Just you wait and see. 
https://plus.google.com/+VicGundotra/posts/GRiKrc41oGL
 
Upvote 0
Sean, I suspect what you want, which is different from many people here including myself, is in fact a Ferrari. You want the Nexus to be a truly special, high quality, premium crafted device with the software perfectly tuned, for which you are willing to pay a premium price.

I don't think the Nexus line was ever intended to be that. Google is not a hardware company, even with Moto in their portfolio. I believe the Nexus line was in fact a reaction to dealing with carriers (I suspect Verizon specifically in the early Droid days) and was intended to get new major versions of stock, vanilla Android out into developers hands on reasonably powerful hardware at an affordable price. It has also gained momentum from the growing number of people out there, like me, that don't do contracts (I spend 9 hours a day with no cellular signal).

I think your wishlist is fine and you certainly are entitled to express your opinions about the Nexus 5, but I also believe your idea of what the Nexus should be is a mismatch with reality, making it more rant than discussion. Again, just my opinion.
 
Upvote 0
Sean, I suspect what you want, which is different from many people here including myself, is in fact a Ferrari. You want the Nexus to be a truly special, high quality, premium crafted device with the software perfectly tuned, for which you are willing to pay a premium price.

I don't think the Nexus line was ever intended to be that. Google is not a hardware company, even with Moto in their portfolio. I believe the Nexus line was in fact a reaction to dealing with carriers (I suspect Verizon specifically in the early Droid days) and was intended to get new major versions of stock, vanilla Android out into developers hands on reasonably powerful hardware at an affordable price. It has also gained momentum from the growing number of people out there, like me, that don't do contracts (I spend 9 hours a day with no cellular signal).

I think your wishlist is fine and you certainly are entitled to express your opinions about the Nexus 5, but I also believe your idea of what the Nexus should be is a mismatch with reality, making it more rant than discussion. Again, just my opinion.


No rant! My original nexus devices were all pretty expensive and didn't have super high specs, also times have changed and things have advanced quite a bit over the last few years. A lot of people here are getting their panties in a twist. So let me explain.

Camera- I was not and am still not expecting a Nokia flag ship camera here. However I am expecting a decent camera inside a phone. The camera IMO has a lot to do with who is taking the pics. I take pretty good pics, give an average person an iPhone 5s and me something of a lower standard maybe a notch or two down and I can probably match them. I did a thread last year with my iPhone 5 vs the nexus 4, pics were in the same league believe it or not. However with the nexus 5, I'm sorry we should all not have to sit around waiting for an update to make our cameras usable. In the state that its in, its not good at all to me, its actually very very poor. I will save complete final judgment for when I receive the OTA.

The speaker is just wow, how can I say it very bad. The moto x is not a super high end device and it basically blows the nexus 5 out of the water, not a little bit, but a lot. So for this we are waiting on an update to see if it can be fixed at all. I'm not expecting a bose system here, just something decent and on par with some other devices.

The battery needs a little bit of time, but from my first day and a half with it I'm having flashbacks of older phones with less then average batteries. But let's save that for after the update and after a week of use.

The updates- This is a nexus and I completely think everyone on this forum who has a nexus 5 should have gotten the update yesterday or today. No hokey pokey. No phases, no small batches, everyone! As someone stated, Google pumped up this camera quite a bit, and if a software update supposedly fixes it, I think everyone who owns one should have gotten the update ASAP...that's my opinion though. Some say what's a week or two, I didn't buy a nexus to wait a week or two, I bought it to have updates right away. And again, would I be so hard pressed if this update wasn't such a drastic fix? Absolutely not, if this was just a new version and the camera, etc came out of the box as it should, this thread would most likely not exist.

Those as my points, agree with them or not, they are just my points. No Ferrari's here, just maybe a nice middle of the road Benz would be cool...lol
 
Upvote 0
Agreed....this thread wasn't meant to be a food fight at all...

However feel like I'm an Android user in an Apple thread with the way some are taking this. Anyway...is what it is. Update and go from there...

That's what happen when you put down a product that a lot of us are very happy with but again you are entitled to opinion.If I was having the problems that your having I would just returned it.
 
Upvote 0
No rant! My original nexus devices were all pretty expensive and didn't have super high specs, also times have changed and things have advanced quite a bit over the last few years. A lot of people here are getting their panties in a twist. So let me explain.

Camera- I was not and am still not expecting a Nokia flag ship camera here. However I am expecting a decent camera inside a phone. The camera IMO has a lot to do with who is taking the pics. I take pretty good pics, give an average person an iPhone 5s and me something of a lower standard maybe a notch or two down and I can probably match them. I did a thread last year with my iPhone 5 vs the nexus 4, pics were in the same league believe it or not. However with the nexus 5, I'm sorry we should all not have to sit around waiting for an update to make our cameras usable. In the state that its in, its not good at all to me, its actually very very poor. I will save complete final judgment for when I receive the OTA.

look at comparison pics of the iphone 5s and Nexus 5 and you will be surprised as to which ones belong to which phone, yes the Nexus 5 camera can be slow but the update fixes that

The speaker is just wow, how can I say it very bad. The moto x is not a super high end device and it basically blows the nexus 5 out of the water, not a little bit, but a lot. So for this we are waiting on an update to see if it can be fixed at all. I'm not expecting a bose system here, just something decent and on par with some other devices.

maybe yours has glue blocking the speakers, there have been reports of that causing the speaker to sound super low and muffled, the speaker on mine while isn't the best is better then my past phone the GNEX, but you are right it could be a lot better

The battery needs a little bit of time, but from my first day and a half with it I'm having flashbacks of older phones with less then average batteries. But let's save that for after the update and after a week of use.

stop streaming HD videos and playing intensive games 24/7 and you might be able to last a day easily. I very rarely am under 40% by the time im getting ready for bed and screen time is usually 3-4 hours. I've easily went 2 days before when my use was lower.

The updates- This is a nexus and I completely think everyone on this forum who has a nexus 5 should have gotten the update yesterday or today. No hokey pokey. No phases, no small batches, everyone! As someone stated, Google pumped up this camera quite a bit, and if a software update supposedly fixes it, I think everyone who owns one should have gotten the update ASAP...that's my opinion though. Some say what's a week or two, I didn't buy a nexus to wait a week or two, I bought it to have updates right away. And again, would I be so hard pressed if this update wasn't such a drastic fix? Absolutely not, if this was just a new version and the camera, etc came out of the box as it should, this thread would most likely not exist.

my Nexus 7 got the updates yesterday my Nexus 5 didn't, yes it is annoying but not going to make me cry about it, go get a S4, HTC ONE, LG G2 and you will be crying you don't even have 4.4, or even 4.3 yet. I said this in a previous thread and I'll say it again.

Buying a Nexus device is like buying VIP tickets, you get them to skip the lines of General Admission, however you still find yourself waiting in a line much shorter, with other VIP holders. so you are getting updates way before everyone else, but are waiting in a short line with other Nexus holders"


Those as my points, agree with them or not, they are just my points. No Ferrari's here, just maybe a nice middle of the road Benz would be cool...lol

if it really bugs you that much go get another phone and I look forward to your future threads on when will I get 4.4????? the Nexus 5 is already on 4.5!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: mrsmumbles
Upvote 0
Battery life is all about what you do when you're using the phone, what the phones doing when you aren't using it, and the environment that the phone is it.

You've been around the block a few times, so I'll save the bit about wifi, brightness, sync, ect

A few tips that are important to the nexus 5/android 4.4+ in general:

-Location: turn it off when not in use or at least to either device only or battery saving
-Settings>wifi> advanced: turn off scanning always available
-App Ops: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colortiger.appopsinstaller. Allows you to disable an apps ability to hold the device awake, disable their ability to use location services, ect. Be careful what you use it with.

I've gotten 7 hours of screen on time - with over 19 hours off the charger & a little more than 10% of my battery still remaining.

Rooting and having a custom kernel helps, but there are definitely steps to take to improve battery life out of the box without superuser permissions
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones