• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

***Official Galaxy Nexus Pre-Release speculation thread**

Status
Not open for further replies.
PowerCosmic said:
Good morning, fellow droidaholics.. . . . .

4)CES is in the beginning of January. This will be the moment of truth. You can get your Galaxy Nexus in November or you can wait a mere 3 months to see if 28nm devices truly are only a few months away.. . . . .
-Android devices using the next generation of micro-architecture (28nm) will undoubtedly be showcased at CES in January.
Click to expand...


Great post, PowerCosmic. I would agree with you except that personal preference has a lot of weight in my decision, obviously. If I thought "Man, that Nexus is FUGLY!" or "I hate that processor speed!", etc., I'd wait. But I think this phone is simply stunning.

Also, I'm willing to bet that Verizon probably won't be allowing another pure Android, direct-from-Google-updated phone in a long time, if ever. I'm getting off the train here and will be content for the next two years, at least. :D
 
PowerCosmic said:
In summation:
-It takes about 1.5 years for a new micro-architecture to come along.
-The first major Android devices with the "current" micro-architecture (45nm) were released about a year ago.
-The Galaxy Nexus uses this architecture and is being released next month.
-Android devices using the next generation of micro-architecture (28nm) will undoubtedly be showcased at CES in January.

Again, I'm not advocating the waiting game. I'm saying that by looking at the past we can observe cycles. One cycle is on it's way out and a new one should be starting up in the next few months. It's my personal preference to drop ~$300 on the bleeding edge.

AnandTech - Qualcomm's New Snapdragon S4: MSM8960 & Krait Architecture Explored
Click to expand...

krait is due in 1H of 2012. so who knows when we'll see the phone. we might not even get any hard dates until MWC in feb. so just keep that in mind. you could easily be looking at 6+ months

also, just saw this. AnandTech - ARM & Cadence Tape Out 20nm Cortex A15 Test Chip

but that's 2013
 
jaydotelloh said:
Yea, if the pricing is $199/16GB and $299/32G i would go for the 16GB option. All my music is in the cloud and I'm living with 16gb now, so i wouldnt be worried.
Click to expand...

I'm just hoping it's the 32GB version that is $299, and not the 16GB model.

I'd still spring for the 32GB version just for the sake of taking HD videos, but I'm not so sure if it was $399.

Not really even sure why 16 more GB would cost $100 like Apple charges. Memory prices are much cheaper than that.
 
HanSolo said:
Great post, PowerCosmic. I would agree with you except that personal preference has a lot of weight in my decision, obviously. If I thought "Man, that Nexus is FUGLY!" or "I hate that processor speed!", etc., I'd wait. But I think this phone is simply stunning.

Also, I'm willing to bet that Verizon probably won't be allowing another pure Android, direct-from-Google-updated phone in a long time, if ever. I'm getting off the train here and will be content for the next two years, at least. :D
Click to expand...

Nice to see you're still with us Han! You did a bit of vascillating the past few days and I wasn't sure if you'd be pleased with the outcome.
 
PowerCosmic said:
Good morning, fellow droidaholics. When I made my post last night suggesting that we're on the tail end of 45nm processors there were some other considerations going on my mind that I failed to mention. Deepest apologies. Let's get to it, shall we?

1)The OG Droid used a 65nm OMAP3430 and was released October 2009. The Droid 3 uses a 45nm OMAP4430 and was released on July 2011. So using these reference points we see that it takes ~1.5 years for a device to come along that incorporates a smaller processor. You can do your own research and perhaps you'll find better reference points but I think you'll find that this leap in technology is still somewhere around 1.5 years. This should also sound familiar to those who watch advances in desktop processors as well.

Now, the natural conclusion here is: "Well, PowerCosmic, you're saying that Texas Instruments' 45nm processor is relatively new to market. Wouldn't that mean that they're not going to put out a 28nm processor for quite some time?"

Sadly, for TI, that's true but I'm actually not trying to focus on Texas Instruments here. Those are just concrete examples to illustrate the time span it generally takes before a smaller architecture comes along. The fact of the matter is TI is pretty far behind the curve. That OMAP4460 in the Galaxy Nexus may be new to end users but the 45nm technology in general is pretty darn old.

2)Qualcomm has been ~1 year ahead of the curve. The first major device to use their 45nm processor was the Dezire Z/G2 in November 2010. So when Qualcomm says that they have 28nm processor coming in H1 of 2012 they're probably not kidding. Qualcomm claims in several articles to already have sent this technology to phone manufacturers.

3)There's not really any other large advances in micro-architecture on the horizon. Oh sure, there's claims that we might see 4 cores by the end of 2012/beginning of 2013 but as far as processors getting smaller, 28nm is it; certainly for the remainder of 2013 (as illustrated above).

4)CES is in the beginning of January. This will be the moment of truth. You can get your Galaxy Nexus in November or you can wait a mere 3 months to see if 28nm devices truly are only a few months away.

In summation:
-It takes about 1.5 years for a new micro-architecture to come along.
-The first major Android devices with the "current" micro-architecture (45nm) were released about a year ago.
-The Galaxy Nexus uses this architecture and is being released next month.
-Android devices using the next generation of micro-architecture (28nm) will undoubtedly be showcased at CES in January.

Again, I'm not advocating the waiting game. I'm saying that by looking at the past we can observe cycles. One cycle is quite clearly on it's way out and the new cycle should be starting up in the next few months.
That's all I have to say on this for now. ICS looks cool, the connectivity sure is neat, but if I'm going to spend that much money I'm personally going to wait for refreshed hardware.

Here's a useful chart that kind of summarizes my point rather neatly:
AnandTech - Qualcomm's New Snapdragon S4: MSM8960 & Krait Architecture Explored
Click to expand...


I'll just refer back to my post 2 pages back, again:

Don S said:
This is good advice .. to a point.

Perhaps a more important way of assessing when to buy is not related to specs at all (gasp !), but to what affect the improvements in hardware 6 months down the line could possibly have in that user's actual, real world day to day use of the phone.

Just saying that there will be this new CPU chip or new GPU or screen or <whatever> 6 months from now means next to nothing to me. The decision process should be:
-What do I use the phone for most of the time? (Answer is X, Y , Z)
- Will those (X Y Z) apps/uses likely be affected in ANY significant REAL WORLD WAY by some slightly upgraded hardware 6 months from now? Will it be noticeable in any real world way?

I think, with where the high end hardware is right now, the answer in most cases will be no for most users. There will be edge cases that will argue that they really can perceive how much faster a dual core 1.5 chip is over a dual core 1.2 chip in application X. Well, then they should wait and wait :-). For the vast majority of folks, my guess is that the difference in various hardware 6 months out, compared to hardware that is out there now may be imperceptible in many apps we use in real world use and that playing the waiting game is mostly not worth it ...

Just my 2 cents ..
Click to expand...
 
Don't get me wrong, I want this phone. If I could go to the store today and get it I would; however, I'm almost convinced a 'Galaxy Nexus 2' will come out by the Spring with updated hardware: 1.5 GHz, bigger battery, etc. Bottom line, I don't want another Android device that is skinned with MotoBlur, TouchWiz or (incredible) Sense. I want a pure, Android experience out of the box, so I think I'll either stick with my Incredible and wait it out some more or jump on this as soon as its released. Also, the fact that it isn't getting ICS ported to it is a plus. It was built FOR ICS versus it being built on a different version and then later getting the upgrade (which always causes delays, bugs and errors given my experience).
 
Travillion said:
Nice to see you're still with us Han! You did a bit of vascillating the past few days and I wasn't sure if you'd be pleased with the outcome.
Click to expand...

I couldn't be more pleased with it. I understand that the Verizon LTE version will be a tad bit thicker, but I don't mind that at all. I love the design and look of the phone, and that OS is totally amazing. In my opinion it blows iOS out of the water.

I think I was worried that we wouldn't get it to Verizon, or that it would be a crippled device, but all the evidence I've seen has shown otherwise. I'm really excited about it, and I'll be there on day 1, my face pasted to the glass before the store opens. :D
 
I was so hoping that last night was going to be the end of my living in this forum. I only wanted to know when I could give Verizon my money. Last night I was like a kid at Christmas and today I feel like that poor kid that got nothing but socks and the promise of something great coming eventually.
 
xtop said:
krait is due in 1H of 2012. so who knows when we'll see the phone. we might not even get any hard dates until MWC in feb. so just keep that in mind. you could easily be looking at 6+ months
Click to expand...

I realize this. Realistically we probably are looking at 4-6 months before a Krait device hits shelves. But then I've stuck with my Droid Incredible since April 2010 and I'm willing to wait a little longer if it means skipping an entire micro-architecture and going straight to 28nm. I just personally can't justify paying that much money for hardware that's been around for a year already. 28nm boasts too much savings on space, power, and heat for me to ignore. If I bought a Galaxy Nexus I just know from my experiences with the Inc that I would need an extended battery. Something's gotta give. Either hardware needs to get smaller or batteries do and as far as I know, only one of those things is happening H1 2012--Krait.
 
AppsRUs said:
Don't get me wrong, I want this phone. If I could go to the store today and get it I would; however, I'm almost convinced a 'Galaxy Nexus 2' will come out by the Spring with updated hardware: 1.5 GHz, bigger battery, etc. Bottom line, I don't want another Android device that is skinned with MotoBlur, TouchWiz or (incredible) Sense. I want a pure, Android experience out of the box, so I think I'll either stick with my Incredible and wait it out some more or jump on this as soon as its released. Also, the fact that it isn't getting ICS ported to it is a plus. It was built FOR ICS versus it being built on a different version and then later getting the upgrade (which always causes delays, bugs and errors given my experience).
Click to expand...
The trend between the Nexus One, S, and Galaxy Nexus is that they are released 10-12 months apart. There will not be a new Nexus until Fall/Winter 2012.
 
I'm glad you're happy about it! Sorry about not going in to your IRC party.

I know some of the specs announced were a little different,but I'll tell you the 4 things that were inaccurate from my point of view,and you can share it with the gang.

1. Battery was 1850 on the device I used. 2. It was running at 1.5 GHz. 3. It definitely had an 8MP rear camera. 4. It was thicker than the 9mm,but I'm not sure of the exact measurement.

Now,between me and you,I saw the device back in late July. So yes,things might have changed since then. Obviously they decided to underclock the OMAP,probably to squeeze some more battery life out of it. I'm not sure what happened with the 8MP camera,but I could see them going lower in order to save more juice.

Either way,I hope you guys are happy with what's coming. I've read a couple of posts worrying about Verizon getting it,and that is not an issue. Verizon will definitely be getting this,and last time I heard it was November 3. That's about two weeks old,though. I've seen that it's been moved to the 10,and that is conceivable,but I haven't heard about it.

Hope you love this thing. I know I did. Android 4.0 is super smooth,fast. It's like liquid. You'll be thrilled. I'm definitely getting one,and paying full price for it.

Listen,I probably won't be in touch as much anymore. Things are still very tightened down around here,and with other devices coming down the pipeline,I don't want to draw any attention to myself or my coworkers.

I just wanted to share what I knew about the Nexus because I loved it so much,and you guys are a great group.

Take care!
 
cereal killer said:
Still no OFFICIAL confirmation from Verizon :(
Click to expand...


This is official enough for me.

Screen-Shot-2011-10-18-at-11.33.09-PM.png


Verizon-Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-LTE-system.jpg

gnexusss.jpg


These three images are from official sources. You'll get your press release soon enough, CK. But the sky isn't falling.
 
I'm with Han on this one. I'm jumping off the train at the Nexus station because:

(a) It's an awesome and (virtually) future-proof device.
(b) My OG Droid will NOT wait until next year to retire.
(c) Verizon may never allow this again. They want way too much control.

This may be the best shot ever at getting an unlocked, bloatware-free, top-of-the-line Nexus device on Big Red. My only hope is that so many people jump on Nexus and forsake RAZR that Verizon gets the message that we will put our money where we will, not where they want us to... and start allowing more super-awesome phones like this in the future.
 
HanSolo said:
Great post, PowerCosmic. I would agree with you except that personal preference has a lot of weight in my decision, obviously. If I thought "Man, that Nexus is FUGLY!" or "I hate that processor speed!", etc., I'd wait. But I think this phone is simply stunning.

Also, I'm willing to bet that Verizon probably won't be allowing another pure Android, direct-from-Google-updated phone in a long time, if ever. I'm getting off the train here and will be content for the next two years, at least. :D
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. I'm shocked that Verizon is allowing a non-bloatware Android smartphone on their system in this day in age with all their new special Verizon apps we all love so much. While I would have really liked a better processor, I'll take pure Android and be happy with it for at least 1.5 to 2 years.

Also, with hardware acceleration on board, I'm hoping that this won't get laggy once we all load it up. My only concern about having the 45nm processor is the battery life. I'm praying that it is better than my Incredible. Then again, I'm already surrounded by a billion micro usb cables strategically placed all over the place thanks to monoprice :)
 
Steven58 said:
. . . . . Now,between me and you,I saw the device back in late July. . . . . . .with other devices coming down the pipeline. . . . . .
Click to expand...

This squares up with what CK has been saying about different people seeing different devices. He/she/it probably didn't see the final build.

And the fact that he/she/it is sticking with the Nexus even though he/she/it knows of other devices coming down the pipeline, that says a lot. The Nexus is it!

Thank you Love Tunnel!!! :D:D:D


The_Chief said:
I'm with Han on this one. I'm jumping off the train at the Nexus station because:

(a) It's an awesome and (virtually) future-proof device.. . . .
Click to expand...


Excellent point. I don't see the Galnexusaurus being outdated until the OS starts being optimized for quad-cores, and I doubt that comes within the next two years.
 
The_Chief said:
I'm with Han on this one. I'm jumping off the train at the Nexus station because:

(a) It's an awesome and (virtually) future-proof device.
(b) My OG Droid will NOT wait until next year to retire.
(c) Verizon may never allow this again. They want way too much control.

This may be the best shot ever at getting an unlocked, bloatware-free, top-of-the-line Nexus device on Big Red. My only hope is that so many people jump on Nexus and forsake RAZR that Verizon gets the message that we will put our money where we will, not where they want us to... and start allowing more super-awesome phones like this in the future.
Click to expand...

I agree. Another thing that is comforting (and say what you want about Apple) is that if I buy a Nexus device and love it, I may just wait an entire year to upgrade much like folks who love the iphone are forced to do that. I won't have to worry about the latest and greatest, and my wallet won't be hit every 6-8 months because I'm trying to always get "the best". I guess I'm getting too old to keep playing that game. I just want a device that gives me an awesome experience, that will keep the software updated, and looks, feels, and works great. I think the Galaxy Nexus will do that for me.
 
I'm with everyone who doesn't want verizon bloating this thing to death, but don't look over the fact google said a part of ICS will be the ability to delete any app, even gmail or market. Bloat will(read should) > be easily removed
 
eyetek said:
I was under the impression that Beam was a function of NFC, so any phone in the future that has NFC will be able to Beam.
Click to expand...

It is a function of NFC insomuch as it requires that technology (hardware wise), but "Beam" itself is part of the software of ICS.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom