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Cons about the Galaxy Nexus

1

123kid

Newbie
I lost my phone so I'm in the market for a new one. I don't need the newest or best products and I like to be future proof and was going to buy a 2011 Xperia or Live with Walkman since they received ICS but with all the negatives surrounding the update, JB being in the air right now and all the unforgivable and unexcusable crap on updates on phones that aren't Nexus I have decided to get a Nexus phone because I don't need to update phones every year and like to be able to keep my phone for as long as I want and still get the latest updates and you can get the Galaxy Nexus pretty low right now for the quality the phone has.

Having said that, I have seen some negatives

Negatives I have seen so far are:

No SD slot so no expandable memory

Not one of the best cameras (so they say)

No USB storage (I don't really get that so if someone can elaborate on that for me that would be great. One thing I saw was that because of that I couldn't connect my phone to my car and listen to the music stored on it through my car speakers, is this true? if so, is there any workaround?)

Can you please name all the negatives even if they are just your opinion and if you could give some examples on some I would really appreciate it. Thanks a lot.
 
Have you read through the red stickies that are near the top of this forums page? There is a ton of information there, from FAQ
 
Well sounds like you have the GSM, so some of the signal issues that VZW folks see won't be an issue. The pros far outweigh the cons, even with me having a VZW version. Regarding what you said, I think the USB thing is for file transfers, the Nexus uses MTP, and not everyone is thrilled with it. However it shouldn't affect any 3.5mm or bluetooth connection to your car, so I don't see your music playback being affected.
 
Besides the battery life (sigh, haven't read enough about this "con"), I love my GN - even if it is on Verizon. Still get good service with Big Red, and I haven't experienced nearly the problems that some people have. I enjoy being able to customize the phone to my heart's content, and it was fun having things that the fruit fanboys and the sheeple had to wait a YEAR for (and they're still waiting for NFC from what I hear)!

Sure, better things may be out there, but I've enjoyed been able to push the envelope before everybody else (and still am). You know what they say - if you want "the latest and greatest" phone, you'll never get it because something always comes out right after you buy yours!

Must have not got enough sleep last night - the negativity is starting to get to me :)!
 
There are different (more) cons for the Verizon/Sprint LTE versions. The GSM version has fewer issues. Mainly, you CAN buy directly from Google and get immediate updates directly from Google. Whereas VZW and Sprint owners either need to wait for the carrier release or root and install a leak.

The battery life isn't great, especially for the LTE versions when running on LTE. Its just a big power hog...especially on these early chipsets with separate 3G and LTE chips. Newer devices that combine the 2 into one are supposed to be much more efficient. The huge screen uses a lot of juice too, but that's a tradeoff you have to choose. One of the biggest problems for the Verizon version at least is reception. Its not the best, and as a result, many users report poor battery life as the phone boosts its signal and hunts for better towers. This shouldn't be a problem on the GSM version.

Honestly, though I haven't used one, the GSM version doesn't seem to have nearly the amount of complaints as the LTE version.
 
The GSM version is spot on when compared with that terrible Vzw version. But honestly the camera is just light years behind what's available now, and will most likely be on the next Nexus. If I was in the market I wouldn't take plunge this late in the game. Either hold out, or opt for a GS3 and root it.

Unless specs mean nothing to you and you just want the quickest possible updates...
 
sean76 said:
The GSM version is spot on when compared with that terrible Vzw version. But honestly the camera is just light years behind what's available now, and will most likely be on the next Nexus. If I was in the market I wouldn't take plunge this late in the game. Either hold out, or opt for a GS3 and root it.

Unless specs mean nothing to you and you just want the quickest possible updates...
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I would prefer better specs but I'm getting an unlocked phone and I don't want to spend $600 on an unlocked GS3 nor do I need a GS3 or the specs it has. Plus, because how Samsung is, the GS3 will most likely not see future updates besides maybe the next Android update and I don't like to update phones "just 'cause" or for non necessity reasons and updating from a GS3 to a newer phone a year later or maybe sooner just so I can get the latest update when the GNexus and even the Nexus S will get them isn't the smartest thing nor the most consumer friendly. Until other companies start getting their act together with updates and stay true to the Android update alliance I think all my Android phones will be Nexus because if I don't want to update phones I still get one of the best phones on the market and future proof with guaranteed future Android updates.

Interesting how you say to wait until the next Nexus, I was going to because although I don't need nor want to spend high prices for a phone as we speak, since the Nexus 7 was released at $200 maybe the next Nexus (or at least one of them, according to the five Nexus phones rumor) will also be cheap unlocked, but there is no guarantee yet there will be a budget priced Nexus or a release date so unless shown that I shouldn't purchase it (this thread could make it or break it for me) it looks like I will buy a GNexus.
 
As was stated, you have to be careful about listening to what is wrong with the Nexus because there are two different versions -- the GSM (i9250) and the CDMA (i515, used by Verizon and Sprint).

These really are two very different phones, to the point that the i515 is slightly thicker than the i9250, the i515 uses a microSIM and the i9250 a standard SIM, even the batteries are shaped differently between the two phones.

The GSM, i9250, does not have most of the issues that the CDMA, i515, does. The GSM version does not have the radio issues the Verizon people complain of, it has better battery life, etc.

As was mentioned, the file transfer is a bit different (technically) though once set up people don't typically see a difference. This is largely because of the lack of SD card that is typically used for transferring files, so when connected to a PC, Google wanted to ensure the OS files were protected. Most people, other than possibly needed to manually download a driver for the phone, have no problems connecting it to their PC. I hear different things about the camera; many complain about the camera only being 5 megapixel, while there are some that claim the Nexus camera is better than it is given credit for.

I have the GSM i9250 and have been very happy. I have no major complaints, especially with Jellybean.
 
Battery life is my only real gripe, albeit a big one. Wish Samsung made these things less plasticy (SG3 is worse). Camera is decent, not as bad as it gets slammed for.
 
mogelijk said:
As was stated, you have to be careful about listening to what is wrong with the Nexus because there are two different versions -- the GSM (i9250) and the CDMA (i515, used by Verizon and Sprint).

These really are two very different phones, to the point that the i515 is slightly thicker than the i9250, the i515 uses a microSIM and the i9250 a standard SIM, even the batteries are shaped differently between the two phones.

The GSM, i9250, does not have most of the issues that the CDMA, i515, does. The GSM version does not have the radio issues the Verizon people complain of, it has better battery life, etc.

As was mentioned, the file transfer is a bit different (technically) though once set up people don't typically see a difference. This is largely because of the lack of SD card that is typically used for transferring files, so when connected to a PC, Google wanted to ensure the OS files were protected. Most people, other than possibly needed to manually download a driver for the phone, have no problems connecting it to their PC. I hear different things about the camera; many complain about the camera only being 5 megapixel, while there are some that claim the Nexus camera is better than it is given credit for.

I have the GSM i9250 and have been very happy. I have no major complaints, especially with Jellybean.
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I agree the Camera is not that bad, not as bad as it gets slammed for.
 
I think most people above got this right. I have the GSM version (using it on T-mobile's $30 a month 5GB monthly4G plan - ditched Sprint for it), and I absolutely love it. Battery life can be an issue, although it rarely is with me. But if it is with you - it will be with most smartphones, get a portable charger and you will be much happier (and can use that on multiple devices).

Camera: It is actually pretty good for most things. Yes, it's 5MP, but pixels aren't everything. In low lights, my GN takes better pictures than my friends' iPhone 4S's.

Data Speed: One may consider this a con. On the GSM unlocked version, it supports HSPA+ 21, but neither T-mobile's 42 MBPS HSDPA network, nor AT&T's LTE. That being said, unless you are an avid gamer, do you really need LTE speeds? T-mobile's HSPA+ 21 consistently gives me 7-10 MBPS connection, which is excellent for really anything other than super duper gaming.

Basically the only con for this that it doesn't have the latest and greatest hardware (still beats the iPhone 5 on most specs though, haha). But Jellybean really makes this thing fly. I don't think you will regret it.
 
I've been using it since launch, and the only cons are mediocre camera, poor battery life, and the speaker sound is not loud.

Everything else, good. The flash card doesn't matter at all.
 
I'd buy the GSM GNex again today if mine disappeared and I had my money back. The only real complaint I have is the speaker is too quiet.

Battery life for me is excellent, though I don't use the phone a lot. It will generally go two days on a charge, with me texting a bit and doing some web surfing. The screen is the battery hog, so if you have the screen on a lot, the battery will suffer greatly. But it is lighting up a lot of pixels...
 
123kid said:
How long does the battery last?

Also, what does the no USB mass storage mean exactly? I have no idea.
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Basically it just handles file transfers between phone and PC via usb differently. Its not even something noticeable in the functionality. The only issue is that the drivers for your PC are sometimes iffy. Once you get the right driver installed, file transfers are drag and drop just like you are used to. There is no practical difference from a user standpoint once the correct drivers are installed on your PC.
 
My only complaint thus far is battery life while on 3G which is mainly caused by my having poor signal at work. They are working on upgrades to towers in my area, so I'm hoping that my signal quality improves once the upgrades are complete. In areas with upgraded towers and 4G LTE, I can pull some ridiculous download speeds...over 20 megs down with Sprint. I tried it out this morning and I was literally getting 3.5 megabytes/second download speed. Insanely faster than my wifi.

Couple that in with the insane amount of kernels/roms to play with and the beautiful screen and aesthetic appeal of the device, it will keep me entertained for a long time.
 
123kid said:
How long does the battery last?
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Depends on how you use it. Standby time (especially with data off) if your in a decent signal area is relatively decent. You could easily make it 24 hours on a single charge. (I left mobile data off at work today, and after 9 hours, my battery was still at 75%).

However, actually USING the phone is a different story. On average I've seen, people usually get between 3-4 hours of screen-on time, meaning 3 hours total with the screen being on, mainly because of the screen being a HUGE battery hog. So yeah, if you aren't going to be near a power source for awhile, don't spend your time goofing off on the phone.

However, provided your phone is reasonably healthy (no hardware defects or rogue apps in the background) your battery life shouldn't be a major concern. At least, it won't die from sitting in your pocket.
 
aurora40 said:
The screen is the battery hog, so if you have the screen on a lot, the battery will suffer greatly. But it is lighting up a lot of pixels...
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You probably already know this, but for those who do not;

The lighter the colors are on the screen, the more it eats the battery. This is one of the reasons custom rom users are so hot to use inverted gapps (Google apps with black backgrounds and light colored text). I've found that if I use extremely dark themes (including wallpaper, or just solid black wallpaper) that my battery will last that much longer.
 
Demache said:
Depends on how you use it. Standby time (especially with data off) if your in a decent signal area is relatively decent. You could easily make it 24 hours on a single charge. (I left mobile data off at work today, and after 9 hours, my battery was still at 75%).

However, actually USING the phone is a different story. On average I've seen, people usually get between 3-4 hours of screen-on time, meaning 3 hours total with the screen being on, mainly because of the screen being a HUGE battery hog. So yeah, if you aren't going to be near a power source for awhile, don't spend your time goofing off on the phone.

However, provided your phone is reasonably healthy (no hardware defects or rogue apps in the background) your battery life shouldn't be a major concern. At least, it won't die from sitting in your pocket.
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I would Kill for 3 hours on time. I am luck to get 1.5. I do three charges per day at least. Totally sucks IMO. Still love the phone though.
 
vasilator said:
I would Kill for 3 hours on time. I am luck to get 1.5. I do three charges per day at least. Totally sucks IMO. Still love the phone though.
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If you can't get more than 1.5hrs of screen on time there is something going on. Either you have brightness cranked way up or you've got other things draining battery. Its hard to say without knowing what a normal day is for you in terms of WiFi use, 3G/4G, GPS use, talk time, signal strength, etc. Most people should be able to get 2-3 hours screen on time and still get through a whole day (at least 12 hours).
 
The person taking the picture has more to do with the outcome than the camera they're using. Having a steady hand and taking multiple exposures helps a great deal with the camera. Taking action shots or high contrast photos with this camera does not always work out very well, but standard outdoor shots like landscapes under favourable lighting produces decent shots, I've found.
 
darty said:
The person taking the picture has more to do with the outcome than the camera they're using. Having a steady hand and taking multiple exposures helps a great deal with the camera. Taking action shots or high contrast photos with this camera does not always work out very well, but standard outdoor shots like landscapes under favourable lighting produces decent shots, I've found.
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This is my belief: If you find that you are taking pictures on the go frequently, and the Galaxy Nexus isn't cutting it, go buy an actual camera. It doesn't have to be an SLR, just a normal, decent, pocket-able point and shoot.

And voil
 
Some have had horrific luck with their GNex. I've only experienced one issue, which I'm pretty certain was the result of the carrier network, rather than my handset as leaving it sit overnight fixed the problem.

I don't have any battery complaints. The only time I really run out of battery is with an hour long GPS. I get 3-4hrs of screen time and 24hrs on the extended battery which is all I need.

External volume isn't good by any metric. That's probably my biggest gripe. Also, the antennas should have been better. Camera is adaquate, but expect to get some blurry shots.

But I wouldn't recommend this phone at this late of the game. It's almost a year old and there are better options being released. Unless the $49 price is the sole reason.
 
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