Just to give my impressions for any others who may be on the fence, between the Thunderbolt and Galaxy Nexus.
First off, my Thunderbolt has been problem free, so any issues users may have with their own phones may obviously play a larger factor in the decision to stay or switch. I also have a stock unrooted Bolt, so rooted users may already have improvements in certain areas over mine to compare to. Also, while some of what I am about to say will be factual, my own opinions will also come out, so keep that in mind too
Comparo:
Screens... In most settings, you actually won't notice that the GNex has a larger screen, due to the "home" row being visable. It isn't until you are running a full-screen video that they disappear (and other apps will as well, I'm sure). With them visable, the screens are almost identical in size. What you WILL notice, is the quality of the screen on the GNex being so much more vivid and brighter than the TBolt. While noticeable at most levels that I could tell, it's definitely the case at full brightness, especially in sharpness of text. Some people might not really notice it unless sitting side by side, but once you play with the GNex for a while, you'll notice it going backwards.
Snappiness...processor and phone speed "feel". This is obviously a win for the GNex, since it just has a newer, faster, doubled up processor. Plus whatever they do behind the scenes with ICS and everything else, it is noticeably quicker in feel than the Bolt. Not that the Bolt is a slouch, but it's 8 months old. I've had no issues with either lagging, either on stock UIs or using launchers. Just the GNex is quicker.
Volume...People have been saying that the GNex is suffering from a volume issue for many things. While I can't say for sure that it's THAT big a difference, I have noticed that it is somewhat quieter in volume than the Bolt in many things. But, look at the speaker. The Bolt is a bit better in this capacity, at least for now. There's talk that a software fix may address the quality of the sound and volume out of the Nexus.
Signal Strength...documented by many that the signal strength on the GNex is a little weaker than other phones, Bolt included. My bolt has had no issues with fringe areas. I haven't hit those same areas with the GNex yet, but this is another one that people are hoping for a software fix for. In "normal" areas, I've seen no noticeable difference in usable signal.
Fit and Finish.. The Bolt definitely feels heftier, as it should, being as it weighs over an ounce more. Some people like the sturdy feel to it, and believe that the GNex would feel cheaply made by comparison. I have to disagree. Even though it's light, I still get a sense of decency from it, and feel comfortable having it in hand. Means my arm won't get as much of a workout on long phone calls I guess.
Camera...The bolt has more MPs...the GNex is just...dayum. The ability to shoot virtually as fast as you can hit the shutter button is impressive (even if it loses a little focus). The screen definitely shows the sharpness of camera pics. I haven't had good weather to try, but if the video is anywhere like the Fascinate was, it'll be easily more than adequate for almost anyone using it. So unless you have a need to get a well-lit environment, lock your phone to a stand, and take a picture you intend to blow up ridiculously large, you aren't going to notice the difference between them.
Battery...GNex, hands down. Just the numbers itself, stock for stock batteries, the GNex is an 1850, the Bolt was a George Costanza-Shrinkaged 1400! So that's a plus. Also, with having the screen down to 50% brightness, it's still great looking, and lasts a while.
There's really no comparing the ICS to GB between them stock, so I won't even bother. There are things to get used to, like the menu options, and such, but most Android users migrating over, will be fine with it. Just takes some getting used to. Users new to Android are going to have a learning curve to start with, so they'll be learning the new ICS techniques anyway.
Personal opinions...I really wish we had removable memory. I mean, I know we get 32GB worth internal which should be plenty. But I still like having the option to back things up to a card, as a safety net. I miss my kickstand. I know there are cases that have it, but...I still miss it.
The not having to root to get rid of the VZW stuff is sooo refreshing tho!
There are some other ones that some people may care about:
Thunderbolt Pros:
* Ability to talk and surf on 3G networks - I know it's slow, but it CAN be done. If I remember correctly, it's also the ONLY phone Verizon has that can sufk while talking on the 3G network without being wifi connected for the data side.
* Kickstand. Nuff said.
* Higher MP camera on the rear. For what it's really worth.
* Feels "sturdier"
Thunderbolt Cons:
* Bloatware unless you root
* Older model, so new tech is passing it in some ways.
* Heavier phone, some people may like lighter phones.
* Some users have had repeated issues (Granted this happens with every phone, so..take it for what it's worth)
GNex Pros:
* Screen quality.
* Better Battery Life (than the Thunderbolt..mileage may vary)
* Lighter
* Pure Google - Faster Updates
* No Bloatware
* ICS out of the box
GNex Cons:
* No MicroSD slot
* HDMI requires an adapter (but at least it's an option)
* Some people may think it feels "cheaper"
* Smaller Camera Megapixel rating (pictures are still stunning tho)
* Not all apps compatible with ICS yet, and some at all..like Verizon's Visual Voicemail not an option on a stock Nexus. I for one actually liked having it, and had no problem paying 3 bucks for it..
GNex Cons that may be fixed (thereby possibly being a non-issue for some)
* Signal Strength issues
* Volume Issues
All in all, I am very happy with the Nexus, though it's only been a day. I still have my Bolt in reserve, and don't think I'll be selling it off, even though it would pretty much cover the cost of the Nexus. It's never given me a bit of trouble, and there's still an adjustment period for the newness.
EDIT: Just to add an update after a few days of solid use:
I know a lot of people are complaining about signal strength in 4G areas, and a lot less about 3G only areas. I haven't been in a 4G market with mine since I got it, but I have had no change in USABLE signal on this phone, from my Thunderbolt, and all the other phones I've had. Regardless of what the "bars" show, I've had no dropped calls, or cutting in or out, or anything like that. Again, that's in a 3G only area. And again, rumor has it a fix is in the works for the rest.
Battery life has been fine, better than my bolt with similar use. This morning, 5 hours on, I've had this thing on a bunch, done a fair amount of texting, and I'm only down to 70%. And I keep my screen on 100% brightness, because hey, it's a gorgeous screen
To revisit the volume issues, it's really only watching some videos that I've noticed it being much different than other phones. Otherwise, it's plenty loud enough in every other aspect. Some have mentioned ringing being low with the stock tones. I can't say that I've seen that in my case.
Sadly, there haven't been moments yet where I've thought "damn, wish I was still on the Bolt". It was a great phone, it STILL is a great phone.
First off, my Thunderbolt has been problem free, so any issues users may have with their own phones may obviously play a larger factor in the decision to stay or switch. I also have a stock unrooted Bolt, so rooted users may already have improvements in certain areas over mine to compare to. Also, while some of what I am about to say will be factual, my own opinions will also come out, so keep that in mind too
Comparo:
Screens... In most settings, you actually won't notice that the GNex has a larger screen, due to the "home" row being visable. It isn't until you are running a full-screen video that they disappear (and other apps will as well, I'm sure). With them visable, the screens are almost identical in size. What you WILL notice, is the quality of the screen on the GNex being so much more vivid and brighter than the TBolt. While noticeable at most levels that I could tell, it's definitely the case at full brightness, especially in sharpness of text. Some people might not really notice it unless sitting side by side, but once you play with the GNex for a while, you'll notice it going backwards.
Snappiness...processor and phone speed "feel". This is obviously a win for the GNex, since it just has a newer, faster, doubled up processor. Plus whatever they do behind the scenes with ICS and everything else, it is noticeably quicker in feel than the Bolt. Not that the Bolt is a slouch, but it's 8 months old. I've had no issues with either lagging, either on stock UIs or using launchers. Just the GNex is quicker.
Volume...People have been saying that the GNex is suffering from a volume issue for many things. While I can't say for sure that it's THAT big a difference, I have noticed that it is somewhat quieter in volume than the Bolt in many things. But, look at the speaker. The Bolt is a bit better in this capacity, at least for now. There's talk that a software fix may address the quality of the sound and volume out of the Nexus.
Signal Strength...documented by many that the signal strength on the GNex is a little weaker than other phones, Bolt included. My bolt has had no issues with fringe areas. I haven't hit those same areas with the GNex yet, but this is another one that people are hoping for a software fix for. In "normal" areas, I've seen no noticeable difference in usable signal.
Fit and Finish.. The Bolt definitely feels heftier, as it should, being as it weighs over an ounce more. Some people like the sturdy feel to it, and believe that the GNex would feel cheaply made by comparison. I have to disagree. Even though it's light, I still get a sense of decency from it, and feel comfortable having it in hand. Means my arm won't get as much of a workout on long phone calls I guess.
Camera...The bolt has more MPs...the GNex is just...dayum. The ability to shoot virtually as fast as you can hit the shutter button is impressive (even if it loses a little focus). The screen definitely shows the sharpness of camera pics. I haven't had good weather to try, but if the video is anywhere like the Fascinate was, it'll be easily more than adequate for almost anyone using it. So unless you have a need to get a well-lit environment, lock your phone to a stand, and take a picture you intend to blow up ridiculously large, you aren't going to notice the difference between them.
Battery...GNex, hands down. Just the numbers itself, stock for stock batteries, the GNex is an 1850, the Bolt was a George Costanza-Shrinkaged 1400! So that's a plus. Also, with having the screen down to 50% brightness, it's still great looking, and lasts a while.
There's really no comparing the ICS to GB between them stock, so I won't even bother. There are things to get used to, like the menu options, and such, but most Android users migrating over, will be fine with it. Just takes some getting used to. Users new to Android are going to have a learning curve to start with, so they'll be learning the new ICS techniques anyway.
Personal opinions...I really wish we had removable memory. I mean, I know we get 32GB worth internal which should be plenty. But I still like having the option to back things up to a card, as a safety net. I miss my kickstand. I know there are cases that have it, but...I still miss it.
The not having to root to get rid of the VZW stuff is sooo refreshing tho!There are some other ones that some people may care about:
Thunderbolt Pros:
* Ability to talk and surf on 3G networks - I know it's slow, but it CAN be done. If I remember correctly, it's also the ONLY phone Verizon has that can sufk while talking on the 3G network without being wifi connected for the data side.
* Kickstand. Nuff said.
* Higher MP camera on the rear. For what it's really worth.
* Feels "sturdier"
Thunderbolt Cons:
* Bloatware unless you root
* Older model, so new tech is passing it in some ways.
* Heavier phone, some people may like lighter phones.
* Some users have had repeated issues (Granted this happens with every phone, so..take it for what it's worth)
GNex Pros:
* Screen quality.
* Better Battery Life (than the Thunderbolt..mileage may vary)
* Lighter
* Pure Google - Faster Updates
* No Bloatware
* ICS out of the box
GNex Cons:
* No MicroSD slot
* HDMI requires an adapter (but at least it's an option)
* Some people may think it feels "cheaper"
* Smaller Camera Megapixel rating (pictures are still stunning tho)
* Not all apps compatible with ICS yet, and some at all..like Verizon's Visual Voicemail not an option on a stock Nexus. I for one actually liked having it, and had no problem paying 3 bucks for it..
GNex Cons that may be fixed (thereby possibly being a non-issue for some)
* Signal Strength issues
* Volume Issues
All in all, I am very happy with the Nexus, though it's only been a day. I still have my Bolt in reserve, and don't think I'll be selling it off, even though it would pretty much cover the cost of the Nexus. It's never given me a bit of trouble, and there's still an adjustment period for the newness.
EDIT: Just to add an update after a few days of solid use:
I know a lot of people are complaining about signal strength in 4G areas, and a lot less about 3G only areas. I haven't been in a 4G market with mine since I got it, but I have had no change in USABLE signal on this phone, from my Thunderbolt, and all the other phones I've had. Regardless of what the "bars" show, I've had no dropped calls, or cutting in or out, or anything like that. Again, that's in a 3G only area. And again, rumor has it a fix is in the works for the rest.
Battery life has been fine, better than my bolt with similar use. This morning, 5 hours on, I've had this thing on a bunch, done a fair amount of texting, and I'm only down to 70%. And I keep my screen on 100% brightness, because hey, it's a gorgeous screen
To revisit the volume issues, it's really only watching some videos that I've noticed it being much different than other phones. Otherwise, it's plenty loud enough in every other aspect. Some have mentioned ringing being low with the stock tones. I can't say that I've seen that in my case.
Sadly, there haven't been moments yet where I've thought "damn, wish I was still on the Bolt". It was a great phone, it STILL is a great phone.
And honestly, if you are happy with your bolt, there aren't any HUGE reasons to upgrade, other than ICS, straight from the G-men updates, and the better screen. And that's really only a selling point if you're on a stock bolt with no intentions of rooting (which is me...I never rooted, nor plan to). The other reason...it's new, and sometimes that's enough for some people. I know I got hooked on "ooooh shiny-itus".
