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Two big questions for you:
1) How long are you expecting to use this <$200 phone?
2) What sort of user are you? (Okay, this is actually a multi-part question...) How important are various variables (heh) like performance, camera quality, battery life, OS updates, durability, etc to you?
I've had a N4 since they came out (~November 2012, if I remember correctly?), and I'm still using that as my daily driver. I was briefly tempted to upgrade to the N5 (and again with the N6), but for now (at least) I continue to be pretty happy with the N4 - particularly since it has been confirmed to receive the 5.0 Lollipop update.
That said, it does have some obvious drawbacks when compared with newer devices. The camera can be kind of slow to do much of anything (launching, auto-focusing, and snapping pictures), and the quality may leave a bit to be desired. The battery life isn't anything to write home about. And while the phone doesn't generally lag when performing day-to-day tasks, some more intensive games may lag or stutter.
Honestly, if you're looking to get ~2+ years out of a sub-$200 device, my strongest recommendation would be for the Moto G, which can be had new for ~$180. Moto G (2nd Gen.)
1) How long are you expecting to use this <$200 phone?
2) What sort of user are you? (Okay, this is actually a multi-part question...) How important are various variables (heh) like performance, camera quality, battery life, OS updates, durability, etc to you?
I've had a N4 since they came out (~November 2012, if I remember correctly?), and I'm still using that as my daily driver. I was briefly tempted to upgrade to the N5 (and again with the N6), but for now (at least) I continue to be pretty happy with the N4 - particularly since it has been confirmed to receive the 5.0 Lollipop update.
That said, it does have some obvious drawbacks when compared with newer devices. The camera can be kind of slow to do much of anything (launching, auto-focusing, and snapping pictures), and the quality may leave a bit to be desired. The battery life isn't anything to write home about. And while the phone doesn't generally lag when performing day-to-day tasks, some more intensive games may lag or stutter.
Honestly, if you're looking to get ~2+ years out of a sub-$200 device, my strongest recommendation would be for the Moto G, which can be had new for ~$180. Moto G (2nd Gen.)
OcalaFlGuy
Android Expert
I've had a N4 for a year now. Were something to happen to it, it would be at the top of the short possible replacement option list.
Mine is the last generation, was only 3 months old when I got it and still had it's factory screen protector on. It also came with a Rinke Fusion case and has been in that since day 1. It's still pristine and is all I need in a phone.
Bruce in Ocala, Fl
Mine is the last generation, was only 3 months old when I got it and still had it's factory screen protector on. It also came with a Rinke Fusion case and has been in that since day 1. It's still pristine and is all I need in a phone.
Bruce in Ocala, Fl
2prevail
Android Enthusiast
The nexus 4 is a great phone but buying it for 2015 isn't too smart. That will be the phones 3rd year which honestly might mean lollipop will be it's last update set. If you know how to install custom Roms the Dev community may allow the device another year or two worth of updates (with minor to big delays). If $200 is the limit, get a moto g. If the additional features are what you want with first wave updates, get a nexus 5 on eBay
JeffDenver
Newbie
If it was a choice between a Moto G or a Nexus 4...I'd pick the Moto G. It probably has better-everything, and it has LTE support. The only thing better about the Nexus is the RAM.
That being said, the Nexus 4 is awesome. I have Lollipop on mine right now and it is as smooth as my Nexus 7-2013 and Nexus 5.
JeffDenver
Newbie
A 2013 Moto X will feel like a modern phone. It will be better than either the G or the Nexus 4. It will have better-everything.
+1 to that
I know this thread has been dormant for a while, but it is April 2015 and I'm considering the same thing. My Nexus 5 screen broke and I need something reliable to get me through until Fall 2015 when the next Nexus is released. I found a Nexus 4 16GB in great condition for $120 and it comes with the official Nexus wireless charger, which is a great added bonus. I could sell my N5 on eBay for $80-$100 I'd guess. Is this a good call? Is the N4 the right phone to get me through the next 6 months? I would think receiving Lollipop makes it a good choice. Thanks!
The N4 remains my favorite phone so far. Sure, it's got flaws and shortcomings, but it's the only Android phone that has served me so well for so long.
PS: mine totally has LTE - assuming you're on T-Mobile and they have Band-4 coverage in your area.
PS: mine totally has LTE - assuming you're on T-Mobile and they have Band-4 coverage in your area.
Oh wow forgot about the lack of LTE. I can't use T-Mobile unfortunately since they aren't able to transfer my phone number. Not willing to give that up. I suppose for GPS, web browsing, news reading and the occasional Google Play Music streaming, even AT&T's 3G should suffice.
