Is anyone else just a little bit underwhelmed by Nexus S?

[Essex]

IMO...This phone is doomed! First off, Google what are you thinking? Yes T-Mobile is OK, I agree on that, the prices are good and the coverage is OK. However, they would not be a good choice for a supposedly Android Flagship home. To me that's like going to a 4th place team, because in the mobile world they are the number 4 carrier, so why even go with them? Did u guys not learn from the Nexus 1? Second...bad enough u went with number 4, but this device wont even run on they're Newer supposedly 4G network...WTF? And to really top it all off you cut off expanded memory, and don't include an SD card slot? That to me is insane!

I'm definitely a Galaxy S Fan, I have the Fascinate and I must say its a really good device, for the exception of having no Froyo love! But all in all its a great phone. Throw Gingerbread on my phone and you have an even better device then the newer Nexus IMO...its all about the network as well, Verizon stomps on Tmo....ohh well, another wasted idea if ya ask me, keep your contoured screen Samsung...And get on the ball with sending the phones that put you back on the map some updates...

Rant much? Lemme start by agreeing with your first point, that T-Mobile may not have been the best choice of carrier. I'm on Sprint, I'm happy with Sprint, and I am not switching carriers just to get the Nexus S. So in that sense, the Nexus S sales will necessarily be limited to customers already on T-Mobile, and those intrepid few who are willing to switch carriers just for this phone. But, you are presuming that Google had a choice of carriers. I have no proof of this, but I think that the Nexus S is on T-Mobile because it was the only carrier that would let Google release a pure version of Android. That is, a phone with a Wi-Fi hotspot, tethering, VOIP calling, and no carrier bloat. Kinda like how AT&T lets Apple do its thing with the iPhone.

So, it does suck that those of us who aren't on T-Mobile won't be able to enjoy this device, but that doesn't mean that the Nexus S will flop. While the lack of "4G" compatibility is disappointing, there is demand for this device regardless of its specs or carrier.

As to you second point, that your Captivate would be better than the Nexus S if it had Gingerbread is just silly. Not trying to be a jerk, but your Captivate doesn't even (officially) have 2.2! The difference between the Galaxy line and The Nexus S is simple; automatic OS updates from Google. Can your Captivate make the same claim (without root)? No. So please just stop with the "this Nexus S isn't better than my Galaxy phone because my Galaxy phone has better specs/is on a better network/has a removable microSD card" arguments. Such arguments are disingenuous, to say the least. My sister is on T-Mobile and I am purchasing the Nexus S for her, not the Vibrant. Why? Because the Nexus S is the better phone than the Vibrant! Nine months from now, the Vibrant (and your beloved Captivate) will be nothing more than a memory, as Samsung will have new phones that it will be hyping up (and not supporting), while the Nexus S will probably be rocking Honeycomb. Thus the Nexus S is NOT the same as your Captivate.

This phone is superior to the Galaxy line of phones because Google, not Samsung, is in charge of the software and software updates. This phone is superior to the Galaxy phones because it will get the latest Android OS within weeks after release, whereas the Galaxy line will be replaced and forgotten by Samsung's latest and greatest hardware sometime in 2011...

 

[sean76]

Rant much? Lemme start by agreeing with your first point, that T-Mobile may not have been the best choice of carrier. I'm on Sprint, I'm happy with Sprint, and I am not switching carriers just to get the Nexus S. So in that sense, the Nexus S sales will necessarily be limited to customers already on T-Mobile, and those intrepid few who are willing to switch carriers just for this phone. But, you are presuming that Google had a choice of carriers. I have no proof of this, but I think that the Nexus S is on T-Mobile because it was the only carrier that would let Google release a pure version of Android. That is, a phone with a Wi-Fi hotspot, tethering, VOIP calling, and no carrier bloat. Kinda like how AT&T lets Apple do its thing with the iPhone.

So, it does suck that those of us who aren't on T-Mobile won't be able to enjoy this device, but that doesn't mean that the Nexus S will flop. While the lack of "4G" compatibility is disappointing, there is demand for this device regardless of its specs or carrier.

As to you second point, that your Captivate would be better than the Nexus S if it had Gingerbread is just silly. Not trying to be a jerk, but your Captivate doesn't even (officially) have 2.2! The difference between the Galaxy line and The Nexus S is simple; automatic OS updates from Google. Can your Captivate make the same claim (without root)? No. So please just stop with the "this phone isn't better than my Galaxy phone because my Galaxy phone has better specs/is on a better network/has a removable microSD card."

This phone is superior to the Galaxy line of phones because Google, not Samsung, is in charge of the software and software updates. This phone is superior to the Galaxy phones because it will get the latest Android OS within weeks after release, whereas the Galaxy line will be replaced and forgotten by Samsung's latest and greatest hardware sometime in 2011...

So you don't want to sound like a jerk, we'll then try getting it right which phone I have big shot, who said I have a captivate? I have a Fascinate buddy. Second, yes the Nexus one was not a hit, and this one most likely wont be either. Why u ask Mr I don't want to sound like a jerk...because yes it doesn't use 4G when the G2 does, yes it doesn't offer a micro SD slot, and yes the specs are very minimal when compared to the vibrant as far as hardware goes and whats under the hood. Yes Google is in charge of updates, but the underground world will have Gingerbread of some sort for the Galaxy line the day after the Nexus drops on the 16th. A la XDA...they can keep they're front facing camera also.

And maybe you have been sleeping for some time, but 2011 And CES is right around the corner and duel core devices that make this newer nexus look like child's play will be available shortly. And yes, as I stated network plays a key roll, and Verizon's LTE will most likely be crushing what's around them with newer more advanced toys from HTC, LG, Moto, and probably the next Galaxy S line...Enjoy your yesteryear EVO with Its old snap dragon and very old LCD Screen, and ofcourse battery hogging wimax service...

 

[Shawnz]

So you don't want to sound like a jerk...Enjoy your yesteryear EVO with Its old snap dragon and very old LCD Screen, and ofcourse battery hogging wimax service...

FWIW, 'the underground' has Gingerbread running on the Evo RIGHT NOW.

This doesn't need to be a pissing contest. You know this is the best thing ever for Galaxy phone owners. Your phone may go off contract waiting for a Samsung sourced update.

 

[Essex]

@Sean76

See, you and I represent different sides of the same Android coin. Heads is the software; Tails is the hardware. Personally, I value having the latest software more than having the best hardware. For people like me, the Nexus S is not underwhelming. (This is why I love my "underpowered" EVO. Because HTC and Sprint make sure that it gets updated with bug fixes and new firmware. Also, I am quite sure that HTC will be announcing the EVO 2 within the next 6 months. I'll upgrade to the EVO 2 when its available. No worries here.) For folks like you, who would apparently rather have the latest and greatest hardware, I can understand the disappointment with the Nexus S.

Also, there are many Android users who don't want to bother with XDA just to get the latest version of the OS. What about Android users that don't WANT to go "underground" just to get the latest Android OS? Well, the Nexus S is for them. It is what it is.

And again, I apologize if I came off like a jerk. I just don't want folks to come in here and incorrectly conclude that the Nexus S is no different than the Galaxy line of phones just because the specs are similar. That's all.

 

[sean76]

@Sean76

See, you and I represent different sides of the same Android coin. Heads is the software; Tails is the hardware. Personally, I value having the latest software more than having the best hardware. For people like me, the Nexus S is not underwhelming. (This is why I love my "underpowered" EVO. Because HTC and Sprint make sure that it gets updated with bug fixes and new firmware. Also, I am quite sure that HTC will be announcing the EVO 2 within the next 6 months. I'll upgrade to the EVO 2 when its available. No worries here.) For folks like you, who would apparently rather have the latest and greatest hardware, I can understand the disappointment with the Nexus S.

Also, there are many Android users who don't want to bother with XDA just to get the latest version of the OS. What about Android users that don't WANT to go "underground" just to get the latest Android OS? Well, the Nexus S is for them. It is what it is.

And again, I apologize if I came off like a jerk. I just don't want folks to come in here and incorrectly conclude that the Nexus S is no different than the Galaxy line of phones just because the specs are similar. That's all.

No offense taken at all Essex! I understand what your saying, it is a tug o war with software and hardware when it comes to Android. I'm for one a fan of Samsungs Galaxy S hardware...I like that the phones are light, and have really nice Super Amoled screens. I also happen to think the camera and video are really good on all the Galaxy phones, the epic and Fascinate even more so because of the flash that's present on the device. However, software and the word Samsung are like oil and water. They just don't mix right now! Me and a lot of Samsung owners are stuck on 2.1 and not to happy about it, however I still really like my Fascinate. LOL...I have it running with Launcher pro, beautiful widgets, and some tweaks here and there, and its keeping me pretty satisfied right now. That is until vzw brings the heat in 2011...

But in the end its OK cause were all on the same page with one important thing...We all Love and support Android!

 

[dark4181]

Yea, I was very disappointed.. I'll wait for the Nexus Deuce

 

[SirKronan]

Yea, I was very disappointed.. I'll wait for the Nexus Deuce

I'm not so much disappointed as a little surprised about some things and not surprised about others.

Because of Google's "open" attitude, and the fact that the previous Nexus had expandable memory (similar to all current Galaxy S devices), I was surprised not to find an expandable memory option on the Nexus S. That becomes less surprising when we consider that many users are perplexed and annoyed somewhat by the inconsistency of the user experience between Android devices. If Apple does one thing well across all their lines of hardware, it is to provide an extremely consistent, predictable, and easy to use experience out of the box for every user. This provides an experience with a vast list of pro's and con's, already compared at length with debates and discussions relating to Android vs. iOS.

In addition, I'm certain the curved screen adds to the cost of the device. Perhaps sacrificing the circuitry and port necessary for a memory card helped offset this extra cost. This business is, by the way, still about one thing only: making money.

I was not surprised to see the new Galaxy S as the platform. The processor is efficient and powerful, and the super AMOLED screen seldom ceases to impress. People are blown away consistently by the screen on my Fascinate.

I am surprised that it does not include BT 3.0 or HSPA+.

I am not surprised they kept the 5 MP camera (at least as far as we can tell) and added a flash. The front facing camera for 4G and wifi video conferencing is also nice. I am excited to see more of these devices hit the market. I don't know if this is a feature I will ever use, but I know a lot of people who would love to have this feature on their phones. With relatives in the military, sometimes they don't know when they'll be able to video chat with the family, and it will be nice for the spouse at home to not need to be on the computer when the military family member is available for some video chat from their assignment.

And for anyone wondering about the camera, I don't know for certain what camera they will put in the Nexus S, but I would assume it's going to be similar to the one in the other Galaxy S devices. Even at 5 MP its photos outclass the 8MP images from both the Incredible and the Droid X.

We'll see how this device does. 2.3 will definitely make it appeal to some, and I don't think it's completely disappointing as Google's new flagship "stock google experience" phone. Are some aspects of it disappointing? Yes. But as a whole, it will still appeal to many. Not everyone will ever need more than 16GB of internal storage.

 

[kcs7272]

This phone doesn't even have a ****ing microsd card slot.

What an epic failure.

I love the iphone's sd card slot it is so easy to get to, I just flip......Uh wait the iphone has no sd card slot! Wow! It must be an epic failure too huh? That's okay at least the iphone has a great notification light and system!

I love the way the light is all like......Uh, oh oh. no notification light and the notification system is intrusive! WHAT!?!?!?!? It took Apple 4 incarnations of its super phone to add a flash to the camera!!?!?!?!?? LOL just teasing

 

[tylerdurdin]

I love the iphone's sd card slot it is so easy to get to, I just flip......Uh wait the iphone has no sd card slot! Wow! It must be an epic failure too huh? That's okay at least the iphone has a great notification light and system!

I love the way the light is all like......Uh, oh oh. no notification light and the notification system is intrusive! WHAT!?!?!?!? It took Apple 4 incarnations of its super phone to add a flash to the camera!!?!?!?!?? LOL just teasing

 

[kcs7272]

Just trying to point out that I do not feel the Nexus S is an "epic fail"

 

[juztshaun]

Coming from a Nexus One I dont find the phone to be underwhelming at all. It has all the top of the line specs currently available for a phone and its stock android. I could live with no sd slot if it improves performance overall.

 

[frenzy757]

I dont think the NS is an epic fail by any means.

Its a bit disappointing sure that its not blowing anyone away spec wise, but maybe this is Google saying that the software needs to catch up....if that is the approach they are taking I am all for it.

I dont think Google rushed this out...they usually know what they are doing.

I think this phone says a few things:

1) 4g is not mainstream yet...even the Epic has to use a 4G option which eats MORE battery to use...right now its just not here for 2011

2) They are betting on the cloud instead of constantly expanding memory slots

3) NFC is something they are looking to invest in - makes sense to me as a search company they would want NFC everywhere

4) Software is not to the point to really take advantage of constantly increasing specs...software optimization I think is on the top of their minds right now...and it should be. They need to get Android 2.3 as clean and efficient as possible before things start getting really out of whack when they get back into the spec wars (I guess 2012 we will see a major spec battle). Right now they might be relying on specs to pick up the slack where software inefficiencies lie...thats not a good way to do things so they are taking a step back and cleaning everything up before a major feature/spec push.

IMO not an epic fail, just Android is at a different place and they have their goals for 2011

 

[SirKronan]

I dont think the NS is an epic fail by any means.

Its a bit disappointing sure that its not blowing anyone away spec wise, but maybe this is Google saying that the software needs to catch up....if that is the approach they are taking I am all for it.

I dont think Google rushed this out...they usually know what they are doing.

I think this phone says a few things:

1) 4g is not mainstream yet...even the Epic has to use a 4G option which eats MORE battery to use...right now its just not here for 2011

2) They are betting on the cloud instead of constantly expanding memory slots

3) NFC is something they are looking to invest in - makes sense to me as a search company they would want NFC everywhere

4) Software is not to the point to really take advantage of constantly increasing specs...software optimization I think is on the top of their minds right now...and it should be. They need to get Android 2.3 as clean and efficient as possible before things start getting really out of whack when they get back into the spec wars (I guess 2012 we will see a major spec battle). Right now they might be relying on specs to pick up the slack where software inefficiencies lie...thats not a good way to do things so they are taking a step back and cleaning everything up before a major feature/spec push.

IMO not an epic fail, just Android is at a different place and they have their goals for 2011

Excellent points. I'm still disappointed because it takes away an option for the end user, but you're right on the money, in my opinion. Google has been betting on the cloud for some time now, and there must be merit to it. Look at microsoft's new cloud ads. They're all about the cloud all of a sudden, too.

 

[Bnice]

I think the nexus s is a good phone, the specs are right with most phones out. I give Google some credit for the small attention to details, the download managing and the light at the top and bottom of the screen show me they care. This might not be a big deal for many but sometimes it's the little things that counts.

 

[Mostly Harmless]

16gb is a lot of memory for me, yes you wont be able to share stuff on mem card but as it is internal emory it will provide the highest data transfer rate about the processor

if a google flagship phone launching now has a 1ghz hummingbird processor, that does mean that better processors still a few months to go.
its a great choice for people upgrading after a long time(like me from bb bold 9000!)
it has an awesome display unlike the desire hd, its 4inches which is nor too small and nor too huge..its a phone which i dont buy half heartedly
i already pre ordered nexus s and im very exited, id rather choose plain OS user interface without any 'skins' and get updates early than having dual cores and getting an old update, or not getting any

the phone ive heard is blazing fast, what else would you require processor power?

Better processors are a month away. The LG Optimus has been officially announced running a dual core Tegra 2 chip. It is due out next month in Korean first.

LG Optimus 2X: first dual-core smartphone launches with Android, 4-inch display, 1080p video recording -- Engadget

I am willing to bet that there will be an abundance of Tegra 2 phones debuting in just a few weeks at CES 2011. Dual Core processors are here and there performance is pretty amazing (look at the benchmark in the attached link, and that's running software that isn't optimized yet). The only thing I want to see is how well the battery holds up on these devices (they are said to be more efficient then the single cores).

As to the "what else would you require processor power?" comment, it reminds me of an article one of my professors had us read during my first year in college. It was an article from the 90's written by a computer expert at the time. This so called expert basically said there was no reason for computers to have anymore then a few hundred bytes of space, or a processor faster then a few hundred mhz (might have been even less than that) because the future doesn't have any need for it.

Dual cores are coming for a reason I am sure we will find out during the next year what the reason is. Dual cores are going to allow better games, faster processing of apps (which means we should see better apps), etc.....

The NS looks like a great phone, but it was outdated before it came out. The NS with a dual core, now that is a different story.

 

[vapor311]

the lg optimus 2x released 2 days ago in asia.

vs an SGS

this phones amazing.

http://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-O...-again-shows-off-its-HDMI-out-prowess_id15321

 

[SirKronan]

the lg optimus 2x released 2 days ago in asia.

vs an SGS

this phones amazing.

LG Optimus 2X battles a Samsung Galaxy S again, shows off its HDMI-out prowess - Phone Arena

The Hummingbird plus power GPU has enough guts to power an HDMI out. The Droid X does it fine with a lesser GPU. The Tegra 2 is amazing, don't get me wrong, but Carriers and even Samsung has, in my opinion, held back some of the potential the Galaxy S platform could have. It's probably to balance out the cost of the device. You can only pack so much in. Hopefully the next galaxy phones will have a hi-def output. I'm taking a look at that LG now though. Thanks for the link.

Edit: Holy frak. Do want. Always been an LG fan. I think I'm gonna have to hang onto that third line for upgrade purposes after all ...

 

[SirKronan]

I'm not sure I understand the hype behind the Nexus S either. Why would you get a phone without a memory expansion slot?

Well it's google's "pure" phone. It's still good hardware, with their flagship OS. Should be solid, stable, and all around a good device. The OS and curved screen make it unique. If it performs well, manages tasks well even bone stock, and gets good battery life, a lot of people will be buying exactly the device they need. You and I are probably "enthusiasts" or at least phone enthusiasts. We know there could be more. And we want it.

 

[raqball]

I'm not sure I understand the hype behind the Nexus S either. Why would you get a phone without a memory expansion slot?


----------------------
Nexus S Cases

Because everyone is not you.... I have never in my life needed more than 16GB.... I have never even came close to filling up a 8GB card....

That's me, I can see that people may need or want more.....

Each person is different... I am more than happy with the amount of space provided and will never come close to exceeding it...

People tend to try and cram what they want in a phone down others throats... In the end, it's for each person to decide what they want and don't want... What they can live with and or without...

 

[Sphagnum]

I'm a pretty techy guy, but I've never needed more than 6-8gb on a phone. That's a LOT of MP3s and that's pretty much all I need on there that takes up significant space. So a phone with 16 gigs and no expandable SD slot is perfectly fine with me and MOST people. If it helps the boot speed and such, I'm all for it and so are most people.

Just curious, what would you need more than 16 gigs for? Honestly, unless you're carrying video porn around in your pocket, I can't think of a reason you'd need more than 16 gigs on your phone. I'm honestly curious...

 

[BumbleBbee]

I'm a pretty techy guy, but I've never needed more than 6-8gb on a phone. That's a LOT of MP3s and that's pretty much all I need on there that takes up significant space. So a phone with 16 gigs and no expandable SD slot is perfectly fine with me and MOST people. If it helps the boot speed and such, I'm all for it and so are most people.

Just curious, what would you need more than 16 gigs for? Honestly, unless you're carrying video porn around in your pocket, I can't think of a reason you'd need more than 16 gigs on your phone. I'm honestly curious...

I've got a bunch of videos on my phone....but not porn. LOL I use my phone when I'm on the treadmill and also when I'm stuck out with the kids. I have a bunch of movies on mine. Between pics and other files I carry around and my movies, I usually use up about 14GB on my 16GB card, and that is with my rotating movies on/off of it

 

[Sphagnum]

Lol, unless I've got a 10" tablet phone, I'm can't imagine watching much of anything on it outside of a short YouTube clip... Maybe it's just me!!

Thanks for answering though, maybe more people are like you than I realize.

 

[BumbleBbee]

Lol, unless I've got a 10" tablet phone, I'm can't imagine watching much of anything on it outside of a short YouTube clip... Maybe it's just me!!

Thanks for answering though, maybe more people are like you than I realize.

LOL A tablet would be nice, but just inconvenient. it's nice to have the movies available on a device I always keep within reach I have the Samsung Fascinate with the 4" Super AMOLED display. It works quite well for the purposes that I mentioned So convenient!

 

[SirKronan]

LOL A tablet would be nice, but just inconvenient. it's nice to have the movies available on a device I always keep within reach I have the Samsung Fascinate with the 4" Super AMOLED display. It works quite well for the purposes that I mentioned So convenient!

I hear you there. It really comes in handy to catch up on TV series, or watch reruns while on the go. And having such sharp screens on smartphones these days, you can get a relatively good TV viewing experience holding it up fairly close, provided the eyesight is good! I've watched whole episodes on mine, and even watched chunks of movies during breaks or waits. The 4" form factor is really perfect for a phone/PDA pocket device.

Although I can see myself having a tablet as they are becoming more capable and cheaper. Look at the color nook and the new creative Android tablet??? WOWCHEAP. And they are pretty capable portable media devices, for sure.

 

[BumbleBbee]

I hear you there. It really comes in handy to catch up on TV series, or watch reruns while on the go. And having such sharp screens on smartphones these days, you can get a relatively good TV viewing experience holding it up fairly close, provided the eyesight is good! I've watched whole episodes on mine, and even watched chunks of movies during breaks or waits. The 4" form factor is really perfect for a phone/PDA pocket device.

Although I can see myself having a tablet as they are becoming more capable and cheaper. Look at the color nook and the new creative Android tablet??? WOWCHEAP. And they are pretty capable portable media devices, for sure.

I do a lot of catching up on TV with mine too. I use the tv.com app a lot I spend a lot of time in the Verizon stores and have played with the Galaxy Tab. It is beautiful!!! I love it! The only problem is that I wouldn't carry it around all the time since it doesn't fit in my pocket. The Fascinate is awesome. I just put Matrix Revolutions on it and it looks SO good.