Nexus 5 worth picking up at this point?

ShinobiMuramasa · May 21, 2014

I was planning on getting the Nexus 5 some time back, but then rumors of the Nexus 6 started popping up. With it now looking like the Nexus 6 won't see a release, would the Nexus 5 be worth picking up this year with other phones like the Moto X+1 on the horizon? Is it likely that the Nexus 5 will get the 4.5 or 5.0 update?

I'm thinking I'll wait until Google's Conference next month for the final word and to see if the Nexus 5 will get a price cut. I want to get a new phone this year, otherwise I would wait to see what the Android Silver starting line up will be. But if the Nexus 6 really isn't going to be released, I figure it would be likely that the Nexus 5 would get a price cut.

badutahboy · May 22, 2014

ShinobiMuramasa said:
I was planning on getting the Nexus 5 some time back, but then rumors of the Nexus 6 started popping up. With it now looking like the Nexus 6 won't see a release, would the Nexus 5 be worth picking up this year with other phones like the Moto X+1 on the horizon? Is it likely that the Nexus 5 will get the 4.5 or 5.0 update?

I'm thinking I'll wait until Google's Conference next month for the final word and to see if the Nexus 5 will get a price cut. I want to get a new phone this year, otherwise I would wait to see what the Android Silver starting line up will be. But if the Nexus 6 really isn't going to be released, I figure it would be likely that the Nexus 5 would get a price cut.

The nexus 5 is barely 6 months old. It was announced on Oct 31st. The rumors about the nexus line going away have been around since before the Nexus 7 tablet even existed. There have been 3 phones and 2 tablets (and a revision of the N7) since that rumor started. In short, it's not a credible rumor.

Unless you really want a phone that's already been announced, the N5 is still a worthwhile investment. Don't expect Google to announce a new Nexus phone at I/O. That's not what they've done historically. We won't know about the Nexus 6 until Sept/Oct.

Edit: And yes, it's safe to assume the N5 will be updated to 4.5 or 5.0. Unless a complete revision of Android to HTML5 specs or 64 bit architecture comes out, the N5 should receive updates for another 18 months or more.

BynoUK · May 22, 2014

I wouldn't be concerning myself over a Nexus 6 yet, the N5 is a great phone that will see further updates.

Ultimately it's up to you but waiting for a new phone is a game you could play forevermore, if you like the look of the Nexus 5 go for it, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Rxpert83 · May 22, 2014

There will always be a better phone on the horizon. The nexus 5 is a great device, and will likely receive updates from Google for the next 1.5 years

mogelijk · May 22, 2014

I think it is also worth pointing out, at this time last year, there were all sorts of rumors with the Nexus 5. On top of the rumor there would be no Nexus 5, we even had, almost exactly a year ago, the head of LG Europe claiming that they were not going to be building the Nexus 5.

I suspect the current rumors are more of the same. Google seems to keep a tight lid on information about a new Nexus device, including if there even is one, until they are ready to release the information.

GuitarG20 · May 22, 2014

If you continue to wait till the next best thing comes out, you'll likely stay waiting forever, since something better is always on the horizon. If you need a new phone, or really want one, the nexus 5 is still a great device. it's fast and has good battery life.

If you don't need a new phone or want to wait, then by all means wait for the next generation. That's pretty much all there is to it

chukka63 · May 22, 2014

If you can live with the phone you currently have i personally would wait to see what android silver brings as i've had a few issues with my N4's and both N5's and am quite interested to see which company's go with android silver.
The N5 is very smooth and fast but i feel it just falls short of what i want.

mogelijk · May 22, 2014

I'm also reminded how last year, it seems about this same time, we heard rumors of how there were going to be 5 different Nexus devices released; that various vendors like Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola, and HTC would all be making a Nexus device. It's possible that Google looked at that last year and decided to postpone things a year, renaming the project Silver.

OTOH, I think we also have to consider the idea that Silver is going to be something closer to giving an official name and rules for "Google Play Edition" devices, and that while these may be "Nexus like" (at least in the way the Play devices have generic Android and get quicker updates), they may have much higher price tags (like the current Play Edition of devices). In fact, it is interesting to me that the companies that were rumored to be making "Nexus" devices at this time last year have all made a Google Play Edition device -- it seems that may be what the truth of those rumors were.

badutahboy · May 22, 2014

mogelijk said:
I'm also reminded how last year, it seems about this same time, we heard rumors of how there were going to be 5 different Nexus devices released; that various vendors like Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola, and HTC would all be making a Nexus device. It's possible that Google looked at that last year and decided to postpone things a year, renaming the project Silver.

OTOH, I think we also have to consider the idea that Silver is going to be something closer to giving an official name and rules for "Google Play Edition" devices, and that while these may be "Nexus like" (at least in the way the Play devices have generic Android and get quicker updates), they may have much higher price tags (like the current Play Edition of devices). In fact, it is interesting to me that the companies that were rumored to be making "Nexus" devices at this time last year have all made a Google Play Edition device -- it seems that may be what the truth of those rumors were.

Good points.

I would assume that Google would not align with multiple manufacturers in an attempt to force low priced devices to market. That doesn't seem to align with any vision they've ever stated. However, the "Play Edition" philosophy is one I think DOES work.

In fact, I've been surprised for quite a while that Google hasn't created a requirement for it's OEM's to push updates within a specific timeframe with a requirement for an optional interim AOSP ROM update if they can't get their customized ROM's update ready by the required date.

vandyman · May 22, 2014

I say get the N5 because the price is right! It's the best value right now.
There are other nice devices out there but they are twice the price of a N5.

On another note, I picked up the Gnex when it first came out and used it for two years until the N5 was released.

Rxpert83 · May 22, 2014

badutahboy said:
Good points.

I would assume that Google would not align with multiple manufacturers in an attempt to force low priced devices to market. That doesn't seem to align with any vision they've ever stated. However, the "Play Edition" philosophy is one I think DOES work.

In fact, I've been surprised for quite a while that Google hasn't created a requirement for it's OEM's to push updates within a specific timeframe with a requirement for an optional interim AOSP ROM update if they can't get their customized ROM's update ready by the required date.

The problem in that scenario is the optional AOSP update wouldn't be usable without a complete wipe of the device, which most consumers won't want.

My pie in the sky dream, is a device that gives the user the option on first boot whether to boot an AOSP or Skinned ROM. However, there are huge issues with that implementation as well. Not likely to ever happen

ShinobiMuramasa · May 22, 2014

Thank you very much for your detailed responses everyone. I'm definitely leaning toward the Nexus 5 since I want to get a new phone soon. I just don't want to get it and then a price cut happen right after...but that's the risk you take with these things.

badutahboy · May 23, 2014

Rxpert83 said:
The problem in that scenario is the optional AOSP update wouldn't be usable without a complete wipe of the device, which most consumers won't want.

My pie in the sky dream, is a device that gives the user the option on first boot whether to boot an AOSP or Skinned ROM. However, there are huge issues with that implementation as well. Not likely to ever happen

I don't see this as a problem, because Joe Consumer is generally surprised when his phone tells him an update is available. The AOSP update scenario would be for those of us who don't want to wait 9 months for a Kit Kat sense ROM, but who want the stability of a ROM with drivers from the manufacturer, or who don't want to risk voiding their warranty by rooting and installing a custom ROM.

Mostly what it would be is Google preventing fragmentation by holding their OEM's feet to the fire in regard to updates.

I agree with your pie in the sky dream. I think a vanilla vs skinned choice would be absolutely ideal. Let Google keep a giant driver repository (like microsoft) and anyone who chooses AOSP effectively has a google phone, with updates direct from Google, rather than their manufacturer or carrier.

darthlinux · Jun 6, 2014

I picked up at Nexus 5 6 months old for

aninguh · Jun 7, 2014

I picked up a new one yesterday.. Its awesome...

Caesars · Jun 7, 2014

I am not activity using mine atm, but it's still worth the price point. The only real issue I could coney is that the tmobile g2 is only 400 atm I'm assuming all networks are selling it for that price now (not positive tho) and it's the clear winner.

zipred · Jun 13, 2014

Of all the current models I have (S5, HTC M8, Note 3) I still enjoy my Nexus 5 the best.

Oh sure I'd like slightly better battery life, but that's easily compensated for by a variety of options. Of far greater benefit is the overall performance, especially the speed and reliability.

Now that Google is moving on to Silver, I just bought another new Nexus 5 to insure that if something happens to my original I'll have a spare ready. Usually I'm an early adopter, but this Nexus 5 is exceptional.

Perhaps one of the best features is how ideally it interfaces via Bluetooth with my cars audio/nav/phone system. I don't even remove it from my pocket. Just jump in the car, the Bluetooth connects and it resumes playing right where it did via my home theater setup. It's really terrific.

Between the compact size and gorgeous display I'm very happy with my Nexus 5.

Nexus 5 worth picking up at this point?

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