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I need an unbiased opinion

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wrhatt

Newbie
As the title says, I need an unbiased opinion to make a wise decision. I currently have the Galaxy Nexus. It loses its data connection and locks up I
 
Would be hard to go back to gingerbread now for me.

Id stick it out as updates will surely address most problems.

However its hard to have an unbiased opinion as ive never so much as held a razr.
 
Right now, Nexus is a little sluggish in 3G/4G hand off at times and data connection could be lost while it completes hand off. I don't think putting it in 3G mode for running/driving with GPS defeats purpose of 4G phone because you don't really need 4G connection for GPS map and its battery will take big hit with both 4G, GPS on. OTA fix for this seems just around the corner, so you might want to test it at least before swapping out for other phone.
 
wrhatt said:
As the title says, I need an unbiased opinion to make a wise decision. I currently have the Galaxy Nexus. It loses its data connection and locks up I’m told because (Verizon tech) I’m driving between 3G and 4G signals. No emails get through when it happens which I must have as the ones I receive are time sensitive. Also Google maps has trouble locating the GPS satellites to locate my position though I have the GPS tool box app. Verizon said to lock it in 3G which I said defeats the purpose of spending $300 on a 4g phone. So now Verizon is offering to replace the Nexus with a Motorola Razr (not the Maxx). Here’s where I need the unbiased opinion; would you take the Razr or keep the Nexus and hope a future update corrects the problem? I'm also going to post this question in the Razr section. Thank you for your help.
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A lot of users with the 4.0.4 update, say that it fixes a lot of bugs, and the switch of 3G and 4G are noticeably faster.
GPS, im not sure. my GPS is pretty much flawless.
 
Tough to ask for an unbiased opinion on here. I've read before that one should never buy a phone for what they expect it can do in the future but should only buy one for what it offers now...

My biased opinion: Keep the Nexus b/c some great feedback has been going around about the 4.04 update. I'd see if I could get your phone swapped out b/c (if nothing else) GPS should be a quick lock. I'm sometimes in disbelieve on how fast it connects (coming from a Droid Charge).
 
mikepic said:
Tough to ask for an unbiased opinion on here. I've read before that one should never buy a phone for what they expect it can do in the future but should only buy one for what it offers now...
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That's some solid advice right there ^

While I cannot comment on the 3G-4G handoff, because I have never used 4G in my life, I will say that I owned the RAZR before my Galaxy Nexus and I really didn't care for it for a number of reasons. Personally I wouldn't part with your Galaxy Nexus until you have thoroughly played with the RAZR in store and decided you want to make the switch.

Of course that's just my personal opinion. I've been on the fruit phone for the past year so my record may be tarnished but I can assure you I had a long list of Androids before the iPhone. :o

Good luck with your decision! :D
 
It's all about the "handoff" issue right now -- 3G and 4G are two entirely different radios. This problem will get smoother and smoother as they (1) send out software updates; and (2) build out their network.

I would almost guarantee this is why Apple doesn't have a 4G phone out. This kind of stuff drives them crazy and they just wall it off.

But it's sort of fun to be on the cutting edge as the blazing 4G continues buildout. The main thing is to know it's not some sort of unique Galaxy Nexus lemon thing. It's an inherent challenge as the whole nation converts over.
 
Don't know what your time constraint is on the offer but you should wait and see how 4.0.4 meets your expectation. I'm sure there will be something in the Razr that you won't like. Its the nature of gadgets. But if that happens there is always the possibility that you regret the switch.

Initially, I switched from sprint to VZ and I thought the same thing. Well why am I paying all this extra money for the phone and pricier VZ data plan if I can't use 4G. But realistically I keep my phone on 3G and when I actually surf the web or download anything more than a few megs, I switch to 4G. I did it more to save battery than because the 4G connection sucks.

I don't know if Razr people have the same issue though so you probably want to make sure thats fine.
 
mikepic said:
Tough to ask for an unbiased opinion on here. I've read before that one should never buy a phone for what they expect it can do in the future but should only buy one for what it offers now...
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Good advice. Does Google have a good track record of fixing problems on their own phone?? What does history tells us? Does Samsung have a good history of fixing problems aftersale?? Well, from where i am sitting, history does NOT favor Google fixing any major issues with their own phone...same for Samsung. There are major issues on Nexus S that Google has chosen to completely ignore (piss poor radios, reboots, poor camera, etc.)...instead, they make a new phone in its place.

But, i have been told by this forum members that Galaxy Nexus is "different" from Google's prior phones...but does history repeat itself?? :confused:
 
I would get it swapped out. Who knows that might solve all of the issues. If not that then, like everyone else said, the update might fix it. If it still is giving you problems after all of that you could always go with the razr.
 
desmond82 said:
Here is some food for thought:

This Is Why Your Verizon Galaxy Nexus (Or Other 4G LTE VZW Phone) Is Losing Its Data Connection
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This is a great article. And after using the RAZR, G Nex and Rezound..I saw that all 3 can have data issues. Seems like all LTE phone on Verizon can have data issues right now.

Like from the article I also noticed this with all 3:
The severity of the problem can depend on your device. Some devices are more likely to re-attempt authentication immediately, and ten or fifteen seconds later, you're good to go. Some won't - and have to be forced to re-authenticate by switching in and out of airplane mode. Some won't even respond to that, and have to be powered on and off. Our speculation in regards to the varying severity is that it more than likely depends on how aggressive the phone's battery conservation software is. If a device loses connection, it may think it's in a "fringe" coverage zone and stop attempting to reconnect to the network to avoid wasting battery. It could also be that the device's software is just poorly written to deal with such regular failed attempts to get network authentication.
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And out of all 3...my RAZR was the least annoying with data issues. Noticed how I said least annoying. So it wasnt and isnt perfect for data issues. My Rezound has to be rebooted to fix issues at times. My G Nex just wasnt as strong in bad reception areas as the other 2. In all honesty I dont know which was more annoying, my G Nex or Rezound, since I never had to reboot my G Nex for data issues. And for the time I had it...my G Nex wasnt really having data issues, it just wasnt as strong for phone and 4G reception as others I compared it to.

My RAZR got better with updates, my Rezound really didnt, and my G Nex 3G got better with 4.0.3 radios. Thats where my experience ends with the G Nex tho, at 4.0.3.
 
blacknsb said:
I would get it swapped out. Who knows that might solve all of the issues. If not that then, like everyone else said, the update might fix it. If it still is giving you problems after all of that you could always go with the razr.
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This would be my suggestion too. I'm on my third Galaxy Nexus (first had blown speaker, second rebooting issue) and I'm amazed at the differences between them in things like signal strength and locating GPS. Not sure why each phone isn't identical but they just aren't. It sounds like your phone is not working as it should so it might be cause for getting it replaced.

Also, I agree with what others have said about not waiting and hoping the problem is fixed down the road. You paid a lot of money, you should have a phone that works now.
 
Yeah, I installed the 4.0.4 radios the other day (Feb 7th) and it appears that the changes/differences are trying to address these 3G/4G switching issues.

I'm guessing the OP is not rooted, but if you were willing to simply unlock your bootloader (would wipe your current setup (apps, data, SD card, etc.), though), you could flash the new 4.0.4 radios and see if this helps you.

You wouldn't have to root, by the way, just flash the new radios...

Bear in mind that these are not "official" radio updates since there has been no 4.0.3 or 4.0.4 OTA, so all due cautions and disclaimers remain in-force.

Also want to give a shout-out to desmond82 for the link to that excellent article--very nice and thanks!

Cheers!
 
I think many issues with the GN will be resolved shortly by the next update....assuming they are 'bugs' and your device doesn't have any specific problems. The GPS thing sounds like it could be a problem that is specific to your device. Have you tried going to a VZW store and comparing its GPS performance to the in store demo or one of the employee's phones? I think there is an app called like GPS sensor or something like that. It displays the number and location of satellites your phone is locked in to. Perhaps you can compare it and see if there's a physical problem with yours.

As for the Razr, I would consider it a downgrade. The OS is a step back, the screen is far worse, and Motoblah is well, blah. My wife has it and I can't stand when I have to do anything with her phone. Plus it is LOADED with crapware from both Motorola and Verizon...and I've read that some of it can't even be removed through rooting.

I'd hold onto the GN once you've confirmed yours isn't a lemon.
 
Tim K said:
I think there is an app called like GPS sensor or something like that.
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I have a GPS status app that helps the GN lock on. I typically use the mapping program 4 times a day with 8-10 addresses at a time. Of those 4 times using it, it will fail once. So when it won
 
scary alien said:
Yeah, I installed the 4.0.4 radios the other day (Feb 7th) and it appears that the changes/differences are trying to address these 3G/4G switching issues. I'm guessing the OP is not rooted, but if you were willing to simply unlock your bootloader (would wipe your current setup (apps, data, SD card, etc.), though), you could flash the new 4.0.4 radios and see if this helps you. You wouldn't have to root, by the way, just flash the new radios...Bear in mind that these are not "official" radio updates since there has been no 4.0.3 or 4.0.4 OTA, so all due cautions and disclaimers remain in-force. Also want to give a shout-out to desmond82 for the link to that excellent article--very nice and thanks! Cheers!
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I understood the part where you said thank you to desmond82. :o
 
wrhatt said:
I understood the part where you said thank you to desmond82. :o
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LOL, no worries :) ;).

I'm betting the 4.0.4 OTA will be along pretty soon...hopefully, there changes in said OTA will solve or at least help with some of the issues you are experiencing.

Updates for the a Nexus device like our should not suffer extended delays like we see on other devices (which is one of the primary reasons for getting a Nexus device--at least for me).

Cheers!
 
I have my RAZR now. As of right now, my Rezound dropped data. I toggled airplane mode, mobile data...now its stuck in 1x.

While my RAZR is on 4g. Speed tests on my RAZR is 6mbps, so the area is kinda weak for reception.

So they all can have data issues. I say whatever phone you have, if it doesn't have severe data issues, consider yourself lucky.
 
Moving thread to the VZW Galaxy Nexus sub forum
Reason: Thread is specific to the VZW Galaxy Nexus and other VZW related phones

thanks for understanding.
 
The early batches of nexus from november~december seem to have some bad units unfortunately. I think Samsung should have done better QC on it, but it seems better from January on. I got mine a month ago in Jan and it seems to work fine other than slow 3G/4G hand off sometimes, GPS is pretty good too.

So like someone said, test yours against other nexus at VZW store, and if yours seems obviously worse try to swap with newer nexus if possible. Like many said, looks like updates coming soon will address radio hand-off issue and bring overall speed improvement.
 
I just used the Nexus for the last 3 days and while overall I liked it. I just switched back to my RAZR. I really liked some of the features of ICS and the screen was a little better than the RAZR. I have much better reception, data switches(especially with the latest update), much better battery life, and overall ease of use with the RAZR. I was sitting in a restaurant tonight with them side by side and I had no trouble browsing the internet on the RAZR and the Nexus was slower pulling up pages and failed a few times on 4g.
 
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