Is Galaxy Nexus still the best Android phone?

Stilian · 31-01-2013, 00:58

I know the Google Galaxy Nexus has been on the market for quite some time but I think it is still among the best in class. I myself am using the Nexus and I am very pleased with its performance. Of course now there are phones with faster processors, better cameras and other stuff but I think if we consider these devices only as capable phones rather than small computers you will agree the Nexus does the job best - fast, responsive, great screen, good battery... I have tried plenty of the new devices out there (not all though) and even though some of them are pretty good I don't think they are worth upgrading over the Galaxy Nexus.
I'd be glad if any of you shares a different point of view that I might have missed. Thanks

swordman · 31-01-2013, 01:03

Not sure I would say the Nexus was the best android phone even when released to be honest. Depends what you are looking I suppose .... certainly the best value phone there is without doubt.

Hugh_ · 31-01-2013, 01:08

The best value Android phone right now is the Nexus 4 direct from google. Yes it's discounted but its great value and definately worth £280.

Stilian · 31-01-2013, 01:11

I think value is the key point when buying mobile devices of all kinds and there is one big reason for that - the need of upgrading them with the new more recent models

I myself am not buying this cheap marketing trick too often, I get new stuff only when and if I need it.

rosetech · 31-01-2013, 05:53

Its a interesting question - which I have been thinking about too as I have the Galaxy Nexus.

Honestly I dont have a reason to upgrade as I am perfectly happy with the GNEX. If you dont have a GNEX then the obvious choice is the nexus 4 which is nice but I will wait and see what happens at Google I/O before going for an upgrade.

Dai13371 · 31-01-2013, 05:56

Heard the 5 is round the corner, if not its an offering from Moto that many are waiting for.

paulyoung666 · 31-01-2013, 06:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh_

The best value Android phone right now is the Nexus 4 direct from google. Yes it's discounted but its great value and definately worth £280.

And available again , just ordered one to replace my iPhone 5 that I have only had for 2 weeks ....

Stuart_h · 31-01-2013, 08:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

Not sure I would say the Nexus was the best android phone even when released to be honest. Depends what you are looking I suppose .... certainly the best value phone there is without doubt.

This.

I have a galaxy nexus and love it. I chose it at the time for a number of reasons but not because it had the fastest chip or most mp camera ....... Because it didn't.

There is never a best phone..... Just a best phone for you

AdamCleland · 31-01-2013, 08:10

You can't write off Samsung's offerings when discussing what the 'best' phone is.

paulyoung666 · 31-01-2013, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamCleland

You can't write off Samsung's offerings when discussing what the 'best' phone is.

agree there , the big reason i didnt go for a s3 against an n4 was the colour choices of the s3 , i mean come on , pebble blue

Stuart_h · 31-01-2013, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

agree there , the big reason i didnt go for a s3 against an n4 was the colour choices of the s3 , i mean come on , pebble blue

yep.... call me old fashioned or dull but i want my phones black or grey

finbaar · 31-01-2013, 19:48

Pedantic head on, No the GNexus is not the best An droid phone, only the second best now the n4 is out. That because all the rothers ane not An droid they are touchwiz, sense etc. Back in reality however, as much as I love my GNexus it is showing it's age now and I will get a N4 as soon as the custom ROM scene hots up. Hopefully the devs will be able to get there hands on them and start working their magic.

Zack06 · 31-01-2013, 20:18

I think the Nexus 4 IS the best Android phone experience wise. It has the perfect balance of software and hardware.

Stilian · 03-02-2013, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack06

I think the Nexus 4 IS the best Android phone experience wise. It has the perfect balance of software and hardware.

Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone.

Zack06 · 03-02-2013, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilian

Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone.

It's very good. Google has designed the smartphone in partnership with LG so it's different to standard LG devices. I have a Nexus 4 and I think it truly is the current Android flagship. Can't believe how far things have come since I had the Nexus One.

Anika Hanson · 03-02-2013, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilian

Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone.

I have 2 LG LCD TV's and they have been performed well. One is over 5 years old and still going strong.

pi r squared · 03-02-2013, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilian

I have tried plenty of the new devices out there (not all though) and even though some of them are pretty good I don't think they are worth upgrading over the Galaxy Nexus.

I think you're asking two very different questions here - "is the Galaxy Nexus the best Android phone?" and "is any phone worth upgrading to from a Galaxy Nexus?".

To the first, the answer is clearly no - considering both it and the Nexus 4 are running exactly the same software and the Nexus 4 is largely the same price but has better hardware (camera, processor, screen resolution), it's hard to argue that it's not a better phone. To the second, well, that's a subjective decision. The difference between the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4 isn't enough, really, to warrant an upgrade if the Nexus 4 was priced "correctly" (ie. in the region of £500, as the Galaxy Nexus was initially) - certainly, if it was that price, I'd have stuck with the Galaxy Nexus. However, at discounted price, it was still worth upgrading (for me) to the Nexus 4 despite the somewhat incremental improvements in hardware. For others, it may not be...

Step666 · 03-02-2013, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anika Hanson

I have 2 LG LCD TV's and they have been performed well. One is over 5 years old and still going strong.

Their phones are a very different proposition.

They have a justified reputation for unreliability and shoddy software updates. Also, until relatively recently the bulk of their offerings were budget models.
That and there's other little touches like only offering a 12 month warranty which count against them.

Zack06 · 04-02-2013, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Step666

Their phones are a very different proposition.

They have a justified reputation for unreliability and shoddy software updates. Also, until relatively recently the bulk of their offerings were budget models.
That and there's other little touches like only offering a 12 month warranty which count against them.

That doesn't apply here as Google controls the updates for the Nexus 4.

Step666 · 04-02-2013, 00:35

I was talking generally.

Certainly being a Nexus device addresses one of LG's issues but the rest still apply - I've seen quite a bit of anecdotal evidence about mediocre battery life, significant over-heating and other issues and you're still stuck with just a 12 month warranty which is all but unforgivable nowadays.

Zack06 · 04-02-2013, 00:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Step666

I was talking generally.

Certainly being a Nexus device addresses one of LG's issues but the rest still apply - I've seen quite a bit of anecdotal evidence about mediocre battery life, significant over-heating and other issues and you're still stuck with just a 12 month warranty which is all but unforgivable nowadays.

They don't sound like widespread issues, I've had good experiences with LG stuff in the past, those issues seem specific to certain models. The Nexus 4 seems well made, and I think the partnership has been good for LG in the long run.

Step666 · 04-02-2013, 00:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack06

They don't sound like widespread issues, I've had good experiences with LG stuff in the past, those issues seem specific to certain models.

With the Nexus4 maybe not, it's just a few things I've stumbled across but generally, yes, there are a lot of issues.
It's not just the odd model or two, they have had quite widespread reliability issues which is in part why their handsets are quite difficult to come by in the UK. I'm pretty certain some of the UK networks don't sell them any more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack06

The Nexus 4 seems well made, and I think the partnership has been good for LG in the long run.

They definitely seem to be stepping up their game and I believe that the models they've sold in the US the past couple of years have generally been better than the ones over here.
But as other posters have said, I would be wary of LG still - the Nexus4 was the first LG handset in a long time that I looked twice at but limitations of the device as well as supply issues have lead me to hold off for the new range of Android handsets that will be reaching the market soon.

Stilian · 04-02-2013, 16:44

Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sh**t (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that.
So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made...

Zack06 · 04-02-2013, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilian

Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sh**t (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that.
So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made...

I've had a Galaxy Nexus and I have a Nexus 4 right now and the latter is better, so no.

Stiggles · 04-02-2013, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilian

Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sh**t (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that.

You have no doubt about that?

In fact, i think from personal experience that its their TV's which are pish.

Quote:

So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made...

No, we cant all agree with that. I have the N4, no battery issues, no build quality issues and so far its superb.

31-01-2013, 00:58	#1
Stilian Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 148	Is Galaxy Nexus still the best Android phone? I know the Google Galaxy Nexus has been on the market for quite some time but I think it is still among the best in class. I myself am using the Nexus and I am very pleased with its performance. Of course now there are phones with faster processors, better cameras and other stuff but I think if we consider these devices only as capable phones rather than small computers you will agree the Nexus does the job best - fast, responsive, great screen, good battery... I have tried plenty of the new devices out there (not all though) and even though some of them are pretty good I don't think they are worth upgrading over the Galaxy Nexus. I'd be glad if any of you shares a different point of view that I might have missed. Thanks

31-01-2013, 01:03	#2
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	Not sure I would say the Nexus was the best android phone even when released to be honest. Depends what you are looking I suppose .... certainly the best value phone there is without doubt.

31-01-2013, 01:08	#3
Hugh_ Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 906	The best value Android phone right now is the Nexus 4 direct from google. Yes it's discounted but its great value and definately worth £280.

31-01-2013, 01:11	#4
Stilian Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 148	I think value is the key point when buying mobile devices of all kinds and there is one big reason for that - the need of upgrading them with the new more recent models I myself am not buying this cheap marketing trick too often, I get new stuff only when and if I need it.

31-01-2013, 05:53	#5
rosetech Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,058	Its a interesting question - which I have been thinking about too as I have the Galaxy Nexus. Honestly I dont have a reason to upgrade as I am perfectly happy with the GNEX. If you dont have a GNEX then the obvious choice is the nexus 4 which is nice but I will wait and see what happens at Google I/O before going for an upgrade.

31-01-2013, 05:56	#6
Dai13371 Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ammanford, South Wales Posts: 7,911	Heard the 5 is round the corner, if not its an offering from Moto that many are waiting for.

31-01-2013, 06:47	#7
paulyoung666 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8,151	Quote: Originally Posted by Hugh_ The best value Android phone right now is the Nexus 4 direct from google. Yes it's discounted but its great value and definately worth £280. And available again , just ordered one to replace my iPhone 5 that I have only had for 2 weeks ....

31-01-2013, 08:06	#8
Stuart_h Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,474	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman Not sure I would say the Nexus was the best android phone even when released to be honest. Depends what you are looking I suppose .... certainly the best value phone there is without doubt. This. I have a galaxy nexus and love it. I chose it at the time for a number of reasons but not because it had the fastest chip or most mp camera ....... Because it didn't. There is never a best phone..... Just a best phone for you

31-01-2013, 08:10	#9
AdamCleland Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 657	You can't write off Samsung's offerings when discussing what the 'best' phone is.

31-01-2013, 18:38	#10
paulyoung666 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8,151	Quote: Originally Posted by AdamCleland You can't write off Samsung's offerings when discussing what the 'best' phone is. agree there , the big reason i didnt go for a s3 against an n4 was the colour choices of the s3 , i mean come on , pebble blue

31-01-2013, 18:57	#11
Stuart_h Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,474	Quote: Originally Posted by paulyoung666 agree there , the big reason i didnt go for a s3 against an n4 was the colour choices of the s3 , i mean come on , pebble blue yep.... call me old fashioned or dull but i want my phones black or grey

31-01-2013, 19:48	#12
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Pedantic head on, No the GNexus is not the best An droid phone, only the second best now the n4 is out. That because all the rothers ane not An droid they are touchwiz, sense etc. Back in reality however, as much as I love my GNexus it is showing it's age now and I will get a N4 as soon as the custom ROM scene hots up. Hopefully the devs will be able to get there hands on them and start working their magic.

31-01-2013, 20:18	#13
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	I think the Nexus 4 IS the best Android phone experience wise. It has the perfect balance of software and hardware.

03-02-2013, 20:57	#14
Stilian Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 148	Quote: Originally Posted by Zack06 I think the Nexus 4 IS the best Android phone experience wise. It has the perfect balance of software and hardware. Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone.

03-02-2013, 21:06	#15
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	Quote: Originally Posted by Stilian Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone. It's very good. Google has designed the smartphone in partnership with LG so it's different to standard LG devices. I have a Nexus 4 and I think it truly is the current Android flagship. Can't believe how far things have come since I had the Nexus One.

03-02-2013, 21:39	#16
Anika Hanson Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: UK Posts: 14,219	Quote: Originally Posted by Stilian Honestly, no matter how good it is on paper I don't think I can trust LG smartphone. I have 2 LG LCD TV's and they have been performed well. One is over 5 years old and still going strong.

03-02-2013, 22:02	#17
pi r squared Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,185	Quote: Originally Posted by Stilian I have tried plenty of the new devices out there (not all though) and even though some of them are pretty good I don't think they are worth upgrading over the Galaxy Nexus. I think you're asking two very different questions here - "is the Galaxy Nexus the best Android phone?" and "is any phone worth upgrading to from a Galaxy Nexus?". To the first, the answer is clearly no - considering both it and the Nexus 4 are running exactly the same software and the Nexus 4 is largely the same price but has better hardware (camera, processor, screen resolution), it's hard to argue that it's not a better phone. To the second, well, that's a subjective decision. The difference between the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4 isn't enough, really, to warrant an upgrade if the Nexus 4 was priced "correctly" (ie. in the region of £500, as the Galaxy Nexus was initially) - certainly, if it was that price, I'd have stuck with the Galaxy Nexus. However, at discounted price, it was still worth upgrading (for me) to the Nexus 4 despite the somewhat incremental improvements in hardware. For others, it may not be...

03-02-2013, 23:56	#18
Step666 Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,274	Quote: Originally Posted by Anika Hanson I have 2 LG LCD TV's and they have been performed well. One is over 5 years old and still going strong. Their phones are a very different proposition. They have a justified reputation for unreliability and shoddy software updates. Also, until relatively recently the bulk of their offerings were budget models. That and there's other little touches like only offering a 12 month warranty which count against them.

04-02-2013, 00:21	#19
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	Quote: Originally Posted by Step666 Their phones are a very different proposition. They have a justified reputation for unreliability and shoddy software updates. Also, until relatively recently the bulk of their offerings were budget models. That and there's other little touches like only offering a 12 month warranty which count against them. That doesn't apply here as Google controls the updates for the Nexus 4.

04-02-2013, 00:35	#20
Step666 Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,274	I was talking generally. Certainly being a Nexus device addresses one of LG's issues but the rest still apply - I've seen quite a bit of anecdotal evidence about mediocre battery life, significant over-heating and other issues and you're still stuck with just a 12 month warranty which is all but unforgivable nowadays.

04-02-2013, 00:50	#21
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	Quote: Originally Posted by Step666 I was talking generally. Certainly being a Nexus device addresses one of LG's issues but the rest still apply - I've seen quite a bit of anecdotal evidence about mediocre battery life, significant over-heating and other issues and you're still stuck with just a 12 month warranty which is all but unforgivable nowadays. They don't sound like widespread issues, I've had good experiences with LG stuff in the past, those issues seem specific to certain models. The Nexus 4 seems well made, and I think the partnership has been good for LG in the long run.

DS Forums

Is Galaxy Nexus still the best Android phone?

04-02-2013, 00:56	#22
Step666 Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,274	Quote: Originally Posted by Zack06 They don't sound like widespread issues, I've had good experiences with LG stuff in the past, those issues seem specific to certain models. With the Nexus4 maybe not, it's just a few things I've stumbled across but generally, yes, there are a lot of issues. It's not just the odd model or two, they have had quite widespread reliability issues which is in part why their handsets are quite difficult to come by in the UK. I'm pretty certain some of the UK networks don't sell them any more. Quote: Originally Posted by Zack06 The Nexus 4 seems well made, and I think the partnership has been good for LG in the long run. They definitely seem to be stepping up their game and I believe that the models they've sold in the US the past couple of years have generally been better than the ones over here. But as other posters have said, I would be wary of LG still - the Nexus4 was the first LG handset in a long time that I looked twice at but limitations of the device as well as supply issues have lead me to hold off for the new range of Android handsets that will be reaching the market soon.

04-02-2013, 16:44	#23
Stilian Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 148	Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sh**t (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that. So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made...

04-02-2013, 16:46	#24
Zack06 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 27,438	Quote: Originally Posted by Stilian Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sht (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that. So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made**... I've had a Galaxy Nexus and I have a Nexus 4 right now and the latter is better, so no.

04-02-2013, 16:57	#25
Stiggles Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dundee, Scotland Posts: 9,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Stilian Sorry LG lovers but LG phones are sh**t (unlike most of their TVs), I have no doubts about that. You have no doubt about that? In fact, i think from personal experience that its their TV's which are pish. Quote: So as a conclusion we can all agree that the Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android device ever made... No, we cant all agree with that. I have the N4, no battery issues, no build quality issues and so far its superb.