I so wanted to get this phone, I've watched this video 6 times now... I think I am hoping that one time it will change, but no matter how hard I try I can't ignore your advice. Thanks for the review Steve, I suppose I should look on the bright side, you have saved me from making a very costly mistake!
Very good review, Steve. I do agree in many ways with you.. It is an attractive device in many ways, and but is expensive and some hardware are not top notch. Oh well, glad I have the SGS2.
I feel your and everybody elses pain Steve when it refers to battery life, with the new media centric OS's and the high demand for internet use, 1500-1800 mAmph simply isn't enough. Oh I love how my E72 can last me throw 5 days
My question is, what is NFC, and how will it actually be of a significant benefit to a user? Wouldn't transferring items like photos be easier via e-mail or Bluetooth?
And how did you update to ICS on your Nexus S Steve, I can't get mine to. I get "no updates available"
@aznfratboy re:NFC, it's a convenience thing, killer feature is contactless payments, coming in due course. See my "NFC Primer" over on All About Symbian.
Re: ICS: Google for "Nexus S ICS update" and you'll find the manual instructions.
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
I think Nexus is neither here nor there - it's too big to be portable but too small to be a tablet. Media consumption? Battery too small. Media creation? Cam is average except video.
Like you said, streaming is good if there is good 3G. I have pretty good 3G all the time but streaming sucks battery like there's no tomorrow. And manufacturers still have yet to address that. What if I'm overseas? I can't be standing next to a WiFi point all the time!
Great review. Despite me loving my Galaxy Nexus, I still have to say this phone isn't for everyone. Mainly because although they don't bother me, but the few shortcomings that the video mentioned would bother most other users. SD card being the most significant one.
However I have to say, the point of getting a Galaxy Nexus isn't because of the hardware, but the software and the direct support from Google that only the Nexus line of phones enjoys. Also to use Android as Google intended it to be.
Vaau. That was my reaction after i saw all the flaws of the GNex and realized that its priced at 500e. I dont think the GNex is even worth to consider buying let alone actually buying it.
Even though i love the nexus range and the posibilitiy to have vanilla android by default.
Anyway, i always enjoy watching your shows Steve, keep up the great work.
i kind of miss symbian in a way. long battery life, nokia maps, expandable memory, usually good cameras on nokia phones... when I travel I can't "just" use data, the roaming is killing me. I also do not know whether I will find a plug to charge it inbetween flights etc... in some kind, we are going backwards, aren't we?
@stevelitchfield believe it or not I knew that the GNex will not satisfy my needs, but I always wanted a nexus device and now I'll keep it till the next android OS update. ;)
Hi Steve, I actually gave into the hype, sold my SGS2 and bought a GNex. It's only now that I see what a marvelous device the SGS2 was.
There is only 3 and a half things I like about the GNex: the pure Google experience, the beautiful notification LED, much better sound output via headphones and the HD screen, but I hate that it's pentile.
I really miss the great 8mpix camera and the card slot from the SGS2. Also SGS2 felt faster than Gnex does.
A pretty fair review, although I don't see why you get so hung up on the whole amoled black theme thing. Lets face it, it is easier to read black text on a white background, it's why books are printed on white paper :-)
Oh and you can set Camera to Macro in the focus mode settings.
@kdude112233 Err.... do we? Really? Given that I love my Nexus S.... The Galaxy Nexus would have been a stunning must-buy at £300, but at nearly £500 it's hard to overlook its shortcomings....
Hi Steve, I totally agree with your hardware rant, but after using ICS I feel thats its such a huge leap ahead of Gingerbread, that the hardware shortcomings can be forgiven, plus updates direct from google and the lovely SAMOLED HD screen make it a pleasure to use.
Thanks Steve long time. Galaxy nexus the best Android phone out now, I know gs2 has abetter hardware but galaxy it's an amazing phone. If you want increase the volume download volume+ from Android market , micro mode what I came to galaxy nexus has touch to focus like iPhone for micro mode I don't know exactly just check it because I don't own the phone right now, I own sgs2. :)
Yes, I think I can agree with what you said about the Galaxy Nexus :-) But who knows, maybe the maximum volume can be increased with a future update (I heard some people already did something like that and from what I heard the speaker's quality itself should be rather good). But it is definitely not a phone for everyone.
I've never been a fan of the appearance of Android phone, but have to say this one looks attractive. Other than a few Samsung phones, usually they all look the same.
Well Steve I agree about the speaker-its far too quiet on full volume but I am getting used to it now and havent missed a call etc. However its amazingly fast and beats the SGS2 for web browsing etc and the screen is fantastic. Overall I am very happy with the Galaxy Nexus.
Samsung are never going to let pure android phones be better than there version of android with touched. Look what happened with the nexus S as soon as it was launched a higher speced galaxy came to market with saying touch wiz.
I so wanted to get this phone, I've watched this video 6 times now... I think I am hoping that one time it will change, but no matter how hard I try I can't ignore your advice. Thanks for the review Steve, I suppose I should look on the bright side, you have saved me from making a very costly mistake!
magicsteviej 6 days ago
I completely agree with your review...IMO the Galaxy Nexus is a decent phone...overrated IMO..the only thing that is saving it is ICS...
1. Crappy camera.
2. No SDcard support.
3. Crappy GPU.
4. Low speaker.
I got the Galaxy Note and it is in insane phone..
You should review the Note...
pachinko1972 3 weeks ago
@pachinko1972 The Note review is filmed. Just editing it now 8-)
stevelitchfield 3 weeks ago
@pachinko1972 its not ICS that is saving the Galaxy Nexus, its Google's support.
phantomjn 3 weeks ago
I want to see a comparison between Samsung Galaxy SII and Motorola Razr. Please Steve. At least give us a Razr´s review. ;)
novenario 3 weeks ago
@stevelitchfield Great review! Thanks.
Maradovitch 3 weeks ago
Very good review, Steve. I do agree in many ways with you.. It is an attractive device in many ways, and but is expensive and some hardware are not top notch. Oh well, glad I have the SGS2.
bheetebrij 3 weeks ago
''Disco.....a disco''......think I will give the Galaxy Nexus a rather large plastic miss!
redshovel 3 weeks ago
I feel your and everybody elses pain Steve when it refers to battery life, with the new media centric OS's and the high demand for internet use, 1500-1800 mAmph simply isn't enough. Oh I love how my E72 can last me throw 5 days
My question is, what is NFC, and how will it actually be of a significant benefit to a user? Wouldn't transferring items like photos be easier via e-mail or Bluetooth?
And how did you update to ICS on your Nexus S Steve, I can't get mine to. I get "no updates available"
aznfratboy 3 weeks ago
@aznfratboy re:NFC, it's a convenience thing, killer feature is contactless payments, coming in due course. See my "NFC Primer" over on All About Symbian.
Re: ICS: Google for "Nexus S ICS update" and you'll find the manual instructions.
stevelitchfield 3 weeks ago
Steve, try NoLED app for your GSII. It basically does what Sleeping Screen is doing on S^3.
krisqz 4 weeks ago
ios
valdeze 4 weeks ago
i agree about the xenon flash. that's all I'm waiting for to upgrade. whether it be android wp7 or even Los.
valdeze 4 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
Chris
MotorSportsFan46 4 weeks ago
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
Chris
MotorSportsFan46 4 weeks ago
Hi Steve, as usual you have given us a well reasoned and balanced review.
The G Nexus is another example of those phones I love to hate, a flagship that has been spoilt for a ha'puth of tar. A flagship should have the best of everything thrown at it, it should be an example of what is possible and hang the expense. Maybe then it would have been worth £500. Instead it is only notable for its shortcomings.
Your rant is Xenon, mine is flagship devices that have compromise designed in.
Chris
MotorSportsFan46 4 weeks ago
I think Nexus is neither here nor there - it's too big to be portable but too small to be a tablet. Media consumption? Battery too small. Media creation? Cam is average except video.
Like you said, streaming is good if there is good 3G. I have pretty good 3G all the time but streaming sucks battery like there's no tomorrow. And manufacturers still have yet to address that. What if I'm overseas? I can't be standing next to a WiFi point all the time!
okl1970 4 weeks ago
Disco, disco!! Lol
waitesy01 1 month ago
Amazing review thanks.
DrFurb 1 month ago 3
Great review. Despite me loving my Galaxy Nexus, I still have to say this phone isn't for everyone. Mainly because although they don't bother me, but the few shortcomings that the video mentioned would bother most other users. SD card being the most significant one.
However I have to say, the point of getting a Galaxy Nexus isn't because of the hardware, but the software and the direct support from Google that only the Nexus line of phones enjoys. Also to use Android as Google intended it to be.
phantomjn 1 month ago
@phantomjn
I've got one and I love it also (upgraded from HTC Desire).
The only thing that bothers me and I agree with the review is the annoyingly quiet speakers.
lilacfloyd 3 weeks ago
Vaau. That was my reaction after i saw all the flaws of the GNex and realized that its priced at 500e. I dont think the GNex is even worth to consider buying let alone actually buying it.
Even though i love the nexus range and the posibilitiy to have vanilla android by default.
Anyway, i always enjoy watching your shows Steve, keep up the great work.
jack65439872 1 month ago
Love that space background. But who the HECK is ever going to use that for anything? Weird! Probably the work of the YTS guy/girl..
Eagerly awaiting your review of the Galaxy Note.
andylarge2m 1 month ago
i kind of miss symbian in a way. long battery life, nokia maps, expandable memory, usually good cameras on nokia phones... when I travel I can't "just" use data, the roaming is killing me. I also do not know whether I will find a plug to charge it inbetween flights etc... in some kind, we are going backwards, aren't we?
irgendwerjoker 1 month ago 2
Glad i'm not the only one who wasn't in love with the phone.
Shawshank00 1 month ago
@stevelitchfield believe it or not I knew that the GNex will not satisfy my needs, but I always wanted a nexus device and now I'll keep it till the next android OS update. ;)
MaTiCeKDS 1 month ago
Hi Steve, I actually gave into the hype, sold my SGS2 and bought a GNex. It's only now that I see what a marvelous device the SGS2 was.
There is only 3 and a half things I like about the GNex: the pure Google experience, the beautiful notification LED, much better sound output via headphones and the HD screen, but I hate that it's pentile.
I really miss the great 8mpix camera and the card slot from the SGS2. Also SGS2 felt faster than Gnex does.
Anyway, a great review and an honest opinion!
MaTiCeKDS 1 month ago
@MaTiCeKDS That'll teach people to wait until they've seen my reviews 8-)
stevelitchfield 1 month ago 5
A pretty fair review, although I don't see why you get so hung up on the whole amoled black theme thing. Lets face it, it is easier to read black text on a white background, it's why books are printed on white paper :-)
Oh and you can set Camera to Macro in the focus mode settings.
ratkat41 1 month ago
@ratkat41 Books are printed on white paper because paper is naturally white and colourizing it in black would cost a shitload. LOL
DrizzztGR 1 month ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Its so obvious here that Steve Litchfield is downplaying the Galaxy Nexus as much as possible....Nd we all know the reason behind that !! :)
kdude112233 1 month ago
@kdude112233 Err.... do we? Really? Given that I love my Nexus S.... The Galaxy Nexus would have been a stunning must-buy at £300, but at nearly £500 it's hard to overlook its shortcomings....
stevelitchfield 1 month ago 9
Hi Steve, I totally agree with your hardware rant, but after using ICS I feel thats its such a huge leap ahead of Gingerbread, that the hardware shortcomings can be forgiven, plus updates direct from google and the lovely SAMOLED HD screen make it a pleasure to use.
shohid1234 1 month ago
Thanks Steve long time. Galaxy nexus the best Android phone out now, I know gs2 has abetter hardware but galaxy it's an amazing phone. If you want increase the volume download volume+ from Android market , micro mode what I came to galaxy nexus has touch to focus like iPhone for micro mode I don't know exactly just check it because I don't own the phone right now, I own sgs2. :)
stevenojops 1 month ago
Yes, I think I can agree with what you said about the Galaxy Nexus :-) But who knows, maybe the maximum volume can be increased with a future update (I heard some people already did something like that and from what I heard the speaker's quality itself should be rather good). But it is definitely not a phone for everyone.
Arjoma92 1 month ago
the phone companies tries to put too much of everything in just one single device. that's why things sometimes messes up. (my point of view)
namos12345 1 month ago
nice review and good point about the sdcard
Trillville43 1 month ago
I've never been a fan of the appearance of Android phone, but have to say this one looks attractive. Other than a few Samsung phones, usually they all look the same.
kesterwww 1 month ago
Yes!At least someone who saw the flaws in this phone.Faith in humanity:restored.Respect Steve.Also change the year in the outro.
MrMVPAssassin 1 month ago
Well Steve I agree about the speaker-its far too quiet on full volume but I am getting used to it now and havent missed a call etc. However its amazingly fast and beats the SGS2 for web browsing etc and the screen is fantastic. Overall I am very happy with the Galaxy Nexus.
freddyboy37 1 month ago
Samsung are never going to let pure android phones be better than there version of android with touched. Look what happened with the nexus S as soon as it was launched a higher speced galaxy came to market with saying touch wiz.
fe55ter97 1 month ago
Definitely sets the standard for 2012 smartphone. I think the LG Nitro HD is better.
namos12345 1 month ago