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Google Nexus 4 Review

anandtech.com

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Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#41

Post by emehrkay »

k2xl wrote: post #20

So I've been looking at reviews of Nexus 4 all week. I have had IPhone for the past few years (3g then 4). I want to switch, but I don't know if Nexus 4 is the one to switch to... I don't quite understand the differences between Android versions of S3 and Note 2, but apparently this has a vanilla android version. What is the best choice? S3? Note 2? Nexus 4? What advantages do each one have over the other?

I've never had an Android phone, but from what I understand, the Nexus line are the phones that gets the OS updates when they are released. The other guys have to go through either the carrier or the manufacturer or, sometimes, both before an OS update reaches the phone.

If I were looking to make the switch, it would be this phone.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#42

Post by alec »

k2xl wrote: post #20

So I've been looking at reviews of Nexus 4 all week. I have had IPhone for the past few years (3g then 4). I want to switch, but I don't know if Nexus 4 is the one to switch to... I don't quite understand the differences between Android versions of S3 and Note 2, but apparently this has a vanilla android version. What is the best choice? S3? Note 2? Nexus 4? What advantages do each one have over the other?

I have a Galaxy Nexus, last year's version of the Nexus 4. One thing I value about it is the Google/non-carrier-controlled experience, which I expect is similar to what you've had with an iPhone. There's not vendor crap on it and it gets updated by Google when there's a new release; apparently Android 4.2 is on the way. Non-Nexus devices have had some difficulty getting updates due to carriers or phone manufacturers.

Updates are nice because they extend the useful life of the phone.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#43

Post by tupuli »

Kerrick wrote: post #34
nilsbunger wrote: post #31

In the US, what's the best kind of cellular service plans to get if you come in with an unlocked phone? I would love to get out of the 2-year contract thing. But I have this vague understanding that a lot of the prepay, mvno, or non-contract plans don't give access to parts of the big guys networks (like roaming relationships).

Straight Talk and Net 10 Sim are both great. You buy a SIM card, and then every month pay $45-50 for unlimited service. I think they use AT&T's network.

I've been using Straight Talk for a few months now with no regrets. The Nexus 4 is a good match for Straight Talk since LTE isn't available on the network (ST only provides HSPA+).

Note, the data plan isn't truly unlimited. AFAICT the company will simply terminate your account if you regularly exceed 2GB/month.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#44

Post by ygra »

Maakuth wrote: post #32
peeters wrote: post #28

I've already decided I'm buying this phone, but I have to ask: Why should I care about wireless charging? I can't see this feature enriching my life in the slightest. Ok, it looks cool sitting there. But docks look cool too. Is it more convenient? I would argue no (saves maybe two seconds of effort per charge). Is it more portable? Definitely not. Is this only hyped up because of the "coolness" factor?

I think the manufacturers are trying to make restaurants, public transport and maybe even office furniture companies to add those charging surfaces everywhere. That way your phone would pick up some power here and there.

I wonder how much that would increase lost phones on public transport ;-)

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#45

Post by Peaker »

peeters wrote: post #28

I've already decided I'm buying this phone, but I have to ask: Why should I care about wireless charging? I can't see this feature enriching my life in the slightest. Ok, it looks cool sitting there. But docks look cool too. Is it more convenient? I would argue no (saves maybe two seconds of effort per charge). Is it more portable? Definitely not. Is this only hyped up because of the "coolness" factor?

My micro-usb cables are dying at about 1 per month.

Getting high-quality cables around here is pretty difficult.

I'd really love to toss away the cables (maybe keep 1 emergency one in my portable bag).

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#46

Post by phishphood »

peeters wrote: post #28

I've already decided I'm buying this phone, but I have to ask: Why should I care about wireless charging? I can't see this feature enriching my life in the slightest. Ok, it looks cool sitting there. But docks look cool too. Is it more convenient? I would argue no (saves maybe two seconds of effort per charge). Is it more portable? Definitely not. Is this only hyped up because of the "coolness" factor?

I have a Samsung Galaxy 1 at the moment and after 2 and 1/2 years of poking usb thingy into the receiving port it came undone. Not completely, but it takes a fair amount of jiggling and negotiations to get the juice flowing.

Wireless charging makes a lot of sense, I am going to buy one as soon as it becomes available

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#47

Post by Einherji »

martythemaniak wrote: post #4

I'm glad to see Anand focus so much on the price in the conclusion. A lot of the other reviews talked at length about lack of LTE etc, but that misses the point of this phone. While it may disappoint many people who just want the best at any price, you can't ignore the fact that the N4 is half the price of other phones in its class. The price really is the killer feature of this phone. I suspect there is lots of dema…

I agree completely. With the N4 google is finally making good on their initial mission with the Nexus line, that is, to get rid of the carrier subsidies nonsense. With a phone that is $349 off contract, this can really save people a good deal of money on phone contracts to. As for the lack of LTE, there is a good reason for that as well, as the N4 seems specifically aimed at T-mobile customers. T-mobile offers some of the best cellular deals for off contract phones, and if the other big carriers see customers flocking to T-mobile they will hopefully be pressured to lower their prices as well. I think it's great that Google is putting pressure on the carriers to get rid of the outdated on-contract model.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#48

Post by rplnt »

ConstantineXVI wrote: post #26
rplnt wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We can also see that there's no connection in the lack of up-to-date Android on Motorola phones.

The carriers get as much blame in Android's update SNAFU as the OEMs (and Google, by inaction[0]); the VZW Galaxy Nexus demonstrates this. [0] While Google could have taken a stronger stance on Android re: updates, I don't think they've ever been in a good position to do so. Early days, carriers would have balked and Android would die; now, they'd just fork and Android becomes the next BREW.

In my case the OEM is to blame as it is only company I can associate my phone with (bought it without a contract in a store). So it probably depends from whom you bought the phone and under what conditions.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#49

Post by alanctgardner2 »

abhigupta wrote: post #35
martythemaniak wrote: post #4

I'm glad to see Anand focus so much on the price in the conclusion. A lot of the other reviews talked at length about lack of LTE etc, but that misses the point of this phone. While it may disappoint many people who just want the best at any price, you can't ignore the fact that the N4 is half the price of other phones in its class. The price really is the killer feature of this phone. I suspect there is lots of dema…

I am curious, in US, most carriers don't offer any discount for bringing your own device. So, how does spending $349 on Nexus vs buying a subsidized iPhone for $200 going to save anyone money or makes Nexus a better deal?

If you want to upgrade before the end of your term you typically pay back a prorated amount of your subsidy. So your free $600 iPhone costs $400 after one year, or $200 after two years. For a user who upgrades every 18-24 months, this device is almost cheaper than that fee by itself.

At least here in Canada, we also have a few niche players (WIND, Mobilicity) who differentiate themselves with slightly lower costs than the big three, but no subsidy on phones. In this case, I can buy a $300 Nexus 4 and switch, saving about ~$35 a month on my bill. My prorated subsidy from Telus is $14 a month, so I still save $21 a month over buying a subsidized phone. Even the iPhone, which is very heavily subsidized, doesn't cover the price differential between these carriers and the big three.

In conclusion: find a small, regional carrier that doesn't offer subsidies, save big money.

Re: Google Nexus 4 Review

#50

Post by cyclinghacker »

peeters wrote: post #28

I've already decided I'm buying this phone, but I have to ask: Why should I care about wireless charging? I can't see this feature enriching my life in the slightest. Ok, it looks cool sitting there. But docks look cool too. Is it more convenient? I would argue no (saves maybe two seconds of effort per charge). Is it more portable? Definitely not. Is this only hyped up because of the "coolness" factor?

I like the concept, but I often use my phone while charging (in bed or at work). In these instances I'd want a cable.
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