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quantumrand
Android Expert
Tempted to buy one, just got rid of my HTC Desire, looking for something a little newer...
Very tempting the Nexus S is. Hmm will i be downgrading? OR is it the right move to make
The Nexus S is definitely an upgrade over the Desire, and even so over the Desire HD. There are a few points where the Nexus S loses out when compared to today's latest phones, but the only significant shortcoming is the lack of a dual core processor.
Personally, I don't think multi-core processors are going to be relevant until the end of the year, but if you expect to keep your Nexus S for two years, you might find it starting to get stale in that second year.
A lot of people argue that the Pure Google experience of the Nexus S greatly outweighs its lack of a dual-core processor. I agreed with this fact back when dual-core phones were still several months away, but now that you can actually get one today, I'd say it's a fairly even trade off. And if you're willing to root your phone and install a custom ROM, those dual core phones can be nearly as pure as the Nexus S.
Phones available today or in the near near future that might be as good as or better than the Nexus S: Motorola Atrix, Droid Bionic, Optimus 2X, and Galaxy S2. Personally, I think the Nexus S still holds a small overall advantage over all of these, but it's definitely a close race.
To comment on above. The pure Google experience outweighs any dual core. The sole fact you have streamlined no bloatware pure android with direct access to Google updates and problem reporting. Add the ability to sideload and free mobile hot spot there is nothing else like it. When the ATT 3G version arrives I am probably making the switch back
Remember hardware CAN NOT beat software
Remember hardware CAN NOT beat software
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fangorious
Guest
The downside of pure vanilla Android is all the multimedia extras you get on Sense or TouchWiz. No touch-to-focus or manual focus or zoom in the camera (can probably buy a camera app that offers them). No 720p h264 video recording. No extra hardware accelerated video codecs. No built-in DLNA (there are DLNA apps in the market but I've had pretty limited results with them).
Updates are faster with stock, no extra bloatware with stock, but non-stock does offer some extra polish that some people would be disappointed to miss out on.
Updates are faster with stock, no extra bloatware with stock, but non-stock does offer some extra polish that some people would be disappointed to miss out on.
xxartixx
Newbie
Thanks for the insightful info, although i don't know a few of the words you guys are coming out with. I might wait for a while to get this as its quite expensive for my liking. I'm having withdrawal symptoms though as i shipped off my desire this afternoon having sold it on ebay 
So what are the good things about the phone?
So what are the good things about the phone?
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fangorious
Guest
So what are the good things about the phone?
Great screen, very fast hardware, mobile hotpsot & USB tether, OS updates/patches are direct from Google so all the integration with Google services works exactly as it's supposed to (for example the Galaxy S has their own calendar which by default puts new events locally on the phone and you must manually put them on your Google Calendar). Being the official dev phone it should have the best app compatibility. Excellent support from the modding community at XDA and Cyanogen.
NFC is still in it's infancy in the US but it has potential to be a big plus. I read about an app that uses the NFC chip to inventory mass transit fare cards. Google is installing a bunch of POS terminals in San Francisco and NYC, presumably to let you pay with Google Checkout by tapping your Nexus S.
quantumrand
Android Expert
Make sure everything is working. Check the screen thoroughly for for any dead pixels or touchscreen issues. Connect it to your computer and make sure it holds a steady, stable connection (might want to check the debug mode connection as well). Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth act as expected, and keep an eye out for any strange glitches or bugs that don't appear to be software related.
It's much much easier to exchange a faulty phone at the store than to go through the long, exaggerated warranty process.
Drhyde
Android Enthusiast
It doesn't curve that much, but it is certainly unique.
chrlswltrs
Extreme Android User
Best phone I have ever owned.
My previous phones are Droid X, Droid, Omnia II, Eris, iPhone 3GS, iPhone...
My previous phones are Droid X, Droid, Omnia II, Eris, iPhone 3GS, iPhone...
StarMenace
Android Enthusiast
Same here...
Godfather13
Android Enthusiast
This phone is now coming out on Sprints network. Is it the same as the one you all have or is it a more "upgraded" version?
I have a Hero now rooted with Froyo, but the Nexus S looks very tempting. Just wish it had an LED flash with the camera. (minor complaint)
I have a Hero now rooted with Froyo, but the Nexus S looks very tempting. Just wish it had an LED flash with the camera. (minor complaint)
Drhyde
Android Enthusiast
If you're talking about the Nexus S, then yes it does have a LED flash for the rear camera.
Godfather13
Android Enthusiast
Ah, you're right. I look at some pictures and I guess just didnt pay attention that the circle right next to the big lense was the flash. Ok, well great then. I like it even more now
Ah, you're right. I look at some pictures and I guess just didnt pay attention that the circle right next to the big lense was the flash. Ok, well great then. I like it even more now
plus this will be the first nexus phone to have 4g service. hence nexus s "4G"
big bonus!
and you will be able to rest easy knowing that google will supply the updates.. and not samsung. REALLY BIG BONUS!!
yes especially when the battery lasts for 5 hours
Godfather13
Android Enthusiast
I take battery criticism with a grain of salt. When the Hero came out everyone also complained about its battery life, but mine was fine. Same with the EVO. There's 2 guys at my work who complain about their EVO battery and 3 others who have no issues. Its all about usage and how often you have your phone checking for email, weather, facebook updates, etc. If you set everything right you can get more out of your battery. Just my $.02