Pros/Cons of HTC Rezound vs. Galaxy Nexus

[TxGoat]

Hey TxGoat...you've got to see this. Check out this thread...I made a comment over there even with the fact I'm getting the GN myself.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...-nexus-store-meetup-thread-2.html#post3596477

I'd rather stay on this side of sanity if possible. I never get too carried away with fanboism of any type. It just seems a little too alien to me. People across the globe fight for their day to day existence, and we fight over the virtues of a "pure google experience". I can kinda see why some races and cultures hate our society sometimes.

 

[RottnJP]

... People across the globe fight for their day to day existence, and we fight over the virtues of a "pure google experience". I can kinda see why some races and cultures hate our society sometimes.

Damn, ain't that the truth.... In some countries their kids die of dysentery for lack of clean water to drink, and we're like, "Dude, this sucks I have to pay $.99 to get rid of the pop-up after my Angry Birds game!"

My older son the other day was grumpy he had to clean his room after playing for hours on end, and he flops down on his bed, gets all melodramatic, and says, "Daddy, my life is so hard!"

...I want to start an exchange program between upper middle class kids with loving parents, and inner city kids with crack whore single moms. We give the poor kids a week of love, bed-time stories, 3 squares a day, Lego's out the wazoo, and the upper middle class kids get to see what a "hard life" really is.

 

[Medion]

Thanks for the info. This is going to be a really tough decision for me. I'm in love with the screen of the Rezound and the camera quality... but I've had 2 units now and BOTH run extremely hot... even with routine web browsing (no games). I'm not sure if its just my luck, but that's how they seem to run. Also, my current unit now has a rather creaky stock battery cover (the salesperson really yanked it when putting in my sim & sd card). So... now I'm stuck with the decision of getting another Rezound to try again (and fix the creak)... or go with a Nexus (assuming next week is the week... since my best buy 30 days are up a week from tomorrow). Decisions! I'm suprised how on the fence I am with this.

My intent was to clear up the massive misconception surrounding the GPU in the Nexus. A lot of armchair QBs, so to speak, keep slamming it because it has the same name as the version released over 18 months ago (even though it's been massively overclocked since). However, the GPU on the Rezound is no slouch. Just because it's not as fast as one product doesn't mean it's not fast. I mean, would you consider a Viper slow just because it lost a drag race against a Veyron?

If the GPU is the main issue, let me assure you that between the SGS2, Rezound, Nexus, and RAZR, whatever you decide will be a behemoth for a long time to come (in smartphone years). You'll be planning your next upgrade before either begins to lag in modern games.

 

[Dagr]

My intent was to clear up the massive misconception surrounding the GPU in the Nexus. A lot of armchair QBs, so to speak, keep slamming it because it has the same name as the version released over 18 months ago (even though it's been massively overclocked since). However, the GPU on the Rezound is no slouch. Just because it's not as fast as one product doesn't mean it's not fast. I mean, would you consider a Viper slow just because it lost a drag race against a Veyron?

If the GPU is the main issue, let me assure you that between the SGS2, Rezound, Nexus, and RAZR, whatever you decide will be a behemoth for a long time to come (in smartphone years). You'll be planning your next upgrade before either begins to lag in modern games.

I've read some of that... and its hard to swim through the facts & misconceptions (so thanks for the candor).

With the Rezound, i'm just not understanding the heat issues I'm having. I feel silly for taking it back for exhchanges or trying another, but it just doesn't seem right (I'm kicking up over 108+ degrees just from browsing and downloading apps...). Having the back door be creaky on me now just sets me off a little more (I'm not THAT OCD I swear!! lol). Overall, my experience with the phone over the last few weeks has been very positive as far as running my apps with ease & the clarity of the screen (and I do actually like beats). All that said, I'm tired of the bloat, and really would love an ICS experience that doesn't force me to use an overlay from a hardware company. That always has just seemed like a strange concept to me coming from the iphone world. Still, no regrets here that I've jumped to android.

 

[TheXFactor]

I've read some of that... and its hard to swim through the facts & misconceptions (so thanks for the candor).

With the Rezound, i'm just not understanding the heat issues I'm having. I feel silly for taking it back for exhchanges or trying another, but it just doesn't seem right (I'm kicking up over 108+ degrees just from browsing and downloading apps...). Having the back door be creaky on me now just sets me off a little more (I'm not THAT OCD I swear!! lol). Overall, my experience with the phone over the last few weeks has been very positive as far as running my apps with ease & the clarity of the screen (and I do actually like beats). All that said, I'm tired of the bloat, and really would love an ICS experience that doesn't force me to use an overlay from a hardware company. That always has just seemed like a strange concept to me coming from the iphone world. Still, no regrets here that I've jumped to android.

Have no heat issues or creaky back on my Rezound. Know it doesn't help much. But to consider the mass manufacturing, there will always be duds.

Coming from an iPhone 4 myself, trying to overlook the bloat on this phone too. It's not a major factor, but a temping reason to go the Nexus. Worry about a few things on the Nexus which I find to be not an issue with the HTC.

3G voice and data on the HTC, not on the Nexus. Big deal to some, not to others. Camera, display and speaker volume are issues that concern me on the Nexus. It's a wait and see for now.

 

[wsettle]

I've read some of that... and its hard to swim through the facts & misconceptions (so thanks for the candor).

With the Rezound, i'm just not understanding the heat issues I'm having. I feel silly for taking it back for exhchanges or trying another, but it just doesn't seem right (I'm kicking up over 108+ degrees just from browsing and downloading apps...). Having the back door be creaky on me now just sets me off a little more (I'm not THAT OCD I swear!! lol). Overall, my experience with the phone over the last few weeks has been very positive as far as running my apps with ease & the clarity of the screen (and I do actually like beats). All that said, I'm tired of the bloat, and really would love an ICS experience that doesn't force me to use an overlay from a hardware company. That always has just seemed like a strange concept to me coming from the iphone world. Still, no regrets here that I've jumped to android.

108 degrees is NOT hot. That is a normal (and a few degrees low) when the phone is running full tilt.

Where did you get the information that 108 was hot?

 

[pragmatous]

I think I'm digging the Nexus now. I really like the thinness of it and I like how the phone is slightly curved.

My concerns for no micro-sd was pretty much tossed when it was announced that verizon is getting the 32GB phones. If it was 16 I wouldn't bother I think 16 is too small. I have 10 gigs of music alone on my current droid incredible. I'm not worried about app storage as the largest app is 50MB. At least for now.

 

[TxGoat]

I think I'm digging the Nexus now. I really like the thinness of it and I like how the phone is slightly curved.

My concerns for no micro-sd was pretty much tossed when it was announced that verizon is getting the 32GB phones. If it was 16 I wouldn't bother I think 16 is too small. I have 10 gigs of music alone on my current droid incredible. I'm not worried about app storage as the largest app is 50MB. At least for now.

I figured 32GB to be plenty, but then I dumped 2 720p movies (and believe me, you'll want 720p content if the screen looks like that of the Rezound's) 2 standard definition movies and I also have about 10 GB of music currently on the phone. I'd probably put more music (I think I have more like 20 gigs) but I have to manage my storage space even with 32 GB. If you do cloud computing or will have access to an external HD then it should be fairly easy to manage all that data on 32 GB. I still wonder why they decided to go with fixed media on the phone.

 

[pragmatous]

I wondered that too and my guess would be it was needed to keep the phone thin maybe and the cost down? I mean the phone has some serious technology behind it. From my understanding you can plug a hard drive to the phone so maybe the thinking was "why bother with micro sd?". I wonder if it can power the drive too. That would be awesome.

I wouldn't plan on keeping movies on my phone anyway plus I plan to buy the asus transformer prime to watch movies on anyway. Whenever that comes out. I cancelled my pre-order because I'm an idiot and heard rumors it was delayed until next year. Whatever I can wait.

I figured 32GB to be plenty, but then I dumped 2 720p movies (and believe me, you'll want 720p content if the screen looks like that of the Rezound's) 2 standard definition movies and I also have about 10 GB of music currently on the phone. I'd probably put more music (I think I have more like 20 gigs) but I have to manage my storage space even with 32 GB. If you do cloud computing or will have access to an external HD then it should be fairly easy to manage all that data on 32 GB. I still wonder why they decided to go with fixed media on the phone.

 

[zazan]

Thank for the storage advice guys.

To get back on topic for a second I thought of one major advantage for the Rezound: its available and proven!

My wife, for example, has been waiting for one of the "imaginary - soon to be released" phones from Verizon since mid November. She is getting more and more frustrated with the delays and mis-information, especially from Verizon stores.

Meanwhile I have had an awesome phone for the last three weeks. If and when it gets ICS it may be even better who knows. Even so every day this still surprises me with new functions and capabilities.

 

[Dagr]

108 degrees is NOT hot. That is a normal (and a few degrees low) when the phone is running full tilt.

Where did you get the information that 108 was hot?

Well, in another thread it seemed to be hotter than most. That number was from very light use, not full tilt. When I run full tilt I'm up around 118 degrees... which is getting really close to the 120 number (that's the overheat cutoff right?).

I often see around 108-110 when I'm simply browsing and downloading. If that's normal & I shouldn't worry, then great. I do know its darn hot to have in your hand (or pocket) at those temps though. (Though I still despise my creaky back cover argh!)...

 

[leroybrute]

Well, in another thread it seemed to be hotter than most. That number was from very light use, not full tilt. When I run full tilt I'm up around 118 degrees... which is getting really close to the 120 number (that's the overheat cutoff right?).

I often see around 108-110 when I'm simply browsing and downloading. If that's normal & I shouldn't worry, then great. I do know its darn hot to have in your hand (or pocket) at those temps though. (Though I still despise my creaky back cover argh!)...

I think the reason we feel the heat more is from the curved etched back. Putting more heat into center of palm. opinion. My bionic running at 115 to 124 degrees feels as hot as 108 on my Rezound. Kind of weird! But my droid x2 has run as high as 133 degrees. That sucker runs really warm.
The web (data) and screen really use up battery on these phones especially lte.
Anyways I don't think the rezound runs any hotter than others. I have heard the razr runs pretty warm also. If I am not mistaken it should go into cool down mode around 125.? Don't quote me but I thought I read that somewhere. Might have been here.?

 

[RottnJP]

Where are you guys getting the temp reading from?

 

[Dagr]

Where are you guys getting the temp reading from?

I use the Battery Indicator app that runs in the system tray... it gives your battery % and temperature in C or F. Pretty simple app (which is what I was looking for to show battery %).

 

[leroybrute]

I like battery circle. Not circle battery. 2 different apps. Battery circle stays in the status bar.

 

[ckar]

Well...sent my $50 Rezound back to Costco last week (I got in on the Black Friday deal that they had) due to a faulty ear speaker. The new one will be here tomorrow. Hopefully it performs as well as I hope it will. I'll be reading the initial impressions from the launch date owners of the Nexus, and making my final decision while I put my Rezound through it's paces.. To Nexus or not to Nexus...seems like a common dilemma around here! I am an original Dinc owner, and really do love Sense. However, if the Nexus gets glowing reviews in all of my key points (call quality, battery life, build quality), I may be plunking down an extra $250....

 

[SamXp]

So I just got back from my one hour with the Galaxy Nexus. Here are my impressions:

Screen:
Loaded this picture on both phones:
http://gnoted.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/wallpaper_seven_001_by_fabioalves.jpg

If I get reeeal close, I can see the screen door effect on the Nexus pentile display. With the display cranked up to full brightness, though, the pixels bleed into one another enough
that it goes away. The colors are definitely more vibrant on the Nexus. I've grown used to the Rezound, though, so it actually looks more natural and the Nexus looks a bit oversaturated. I like both, though. The screen wouldn't be a decision maker either way, for me.
Unless the Pentile offered significant better battery life. That'd be impressive. Time will tell on that.
Result: Tie

Size:
The soft buttons are nice. Without them, the screen is exactly the same height as the Rezound. When they go off, there's a little more display! The overall size is slightly taller/wider, but it is SO nice how thin it is!!! That is what stood out more than anything. It felt so good in hand. The Rezound feels like a brick in comparison. The Razr is too thin. The Nexus is just right.
Result: Nexus Wins

Camera:
The instant shutter is ridiculous. They weren't lying about that! Wondering how much of that is ICS. Same with autofocus on video. The hardware on the Rezound can do it, but once you're recording, the Rezound doesn't autofocus. Wondering if that'll change with ICS.
The colors on the Nexus are saturated enough, but the pictures it takes are even more saturated. The Rezound camera is definitely better.
Result: Rezound Wins

Speedtest:
Installed the speedtest app and got 32mbps down and 19mbps up! Got nervous for a second since that's the fastest LTE test I've ever run. The radio on the Nexus is supposed to be nice. Fired up my phone and matched the speed test. Smart move on Verizon to give such a strong signal at their store!
Result: Tie

Graphics:
The things that cause slight hesitation (wouldn't call it lag) on the Rezound do the same on the Nexus. Window animations, press home, switch to another app, and it's going to stutter, no matter how powerful the phone is.
The Browser is SO nice, though. SO smooth.
While a page is loading, it still scrolls smoothly. This is what Gina Trapani was talking about in that article on Android lag. Dedicated hardware acceleration rocks! ICS will bring that to the Rezound, though, so we'll say:
Result: Google ICS wins

Memory:
Can't go without mentioning the lack of an SDcard. And a mass file storage system. I think ICS will eventually update and allow read/write to external storage but for now,
Result: Rezound wins

So I'm torn. Everything is really a wash, for me, except the feel. The proportions on the Nexus are just so nice. And that's a big deal, to me.

The store manager said there was a line of people out the door this
morning, haha!

I'm sure everyone who got them now are going to love them, and it will be a week before someone will be honest enough to be critical. I'm most curious about battery life. I'm averaging 8-10 hours, and if the Nexus is significantly better, that's a huge win.

 

[NuSkoolTone]

I played with the Nexus a little bit this morning. It's beautiful, but it wasn't a slam dunk where I "Had to have it". I don't like the phone interface or the clock. I'm sure I could "fix" that, but there were no settings I could find to change them for the brief time I held it.

It's marginally thinner and wider/taller than the Rezound IMO. I was able to hold the phone because the back kept popping off (Actually kind of worrisome). The camera was really snappy. I could click click click without having to be in burst mode.

The extra size of the screen was nice, started to feel like a tablet!

IMO we really won't know what to think of the Nexus until people using it for a couple weeks flush out any issues there might be with the phone. To me, the (marginally IMO) screen wasn't enough to seduce me on the surface. The fact that you can't add storage beyond the internal 32GB (28GB formatted it showed) is a real downer. Though that amount of storage appears to be the norm these days...

 

[jikhead]

I don't like the phone interface or the clock. I'm sure I could "fix" that, but there were no settings I could find to change them for the brief time I held it.

This is why I picked up Beautiful Widgets last week for .10 cents during the Market Promo that's been running. Remember that all your clock widgets and stuff on your Rezound are part of the Sense skin. Since there is no skin on the GN, you'll have to add all the cosmetic goodies yourself.

 

[Colchicine]

Memory:
Can't go without mentioning the lack of an SDcard. And a mass file storage system. I think ICS will eventually update and allow read/write to external storage but for now,
Result: Rezound wins

Mass File Storage System- According to another thread on the GNex forum, the MFSS is just a protocol. The GNex simply has a different protocol, and that functionally they are the same, making this issue completely moot.

 

[SamXp]

Mass File Storage System- According to another thread on the GNex forum, the MFSS is just a protocol. The GNex simply has a different protocol, and that functionally they are the same, making this issue completely moot.

Really? So I could connect my 500GB hard drive via USB and it would read/write?! That would definitely make this moot, for me. It is still a small win for Rezound, having the SDcard slot, but at least you have external storage, as an option. I need to read up on it some more.

 

[BlueBiker]

Mass File Storage System- According to another thread on the GNex forum, the MFSS is just a protocol. The GNex simply has a different protocol, and that functionally they are the same, making this issue completely moot.

I wouldn't call it completely moot. Windows can interact with Nexus in Win Explorer similarly to other phones, but under the hood there are some potential big performance issues -- the PC can't modify parts of humongous files and must transfer entire files back and forth, the PC can't perform any kind of file recovery on the Nexus, and directory operations can be wonky. Mac and Linux need special apps/drivers, which may or may not be well supported in a particular distribution. It's doable, just not necessarily pretty.

 

[BlueBiker]

Really? So I could connect my 500GB hard drive via USB and it would read/write?! That would definitely make this moot, for me. It is still a small win for Rezound, having the SDcard slot, but at least you have external storage, as an option. I need to read up on it some more.

Hanging a storage device off the GNex is totally different from hanging the GNex off a PC, but yes you can do it using USB Host Mode. It should support a USB flash drive easily, but a conventional hard drive probably needs its own independent power supply to work.

 

[jt44]

Judging from some battery discussion over in the GNex thread it looks like the battery on it isn't much better than the RZ. However, this is based on an extremely small sample size. After about 2 weeks I think we'll know better how this battery stacks up against the RZ.

 

[jikhead]

I played with the Galaxy Nexus for the 2nd time today. One thing I will give the Rezound is it's external speaker is louder than the one on the GN. I'd say by about 20-30%. A slight difference only, and the reason I say that is because putting both of these up against my Droid Incredible; my DI is about 40-50% louder at max setting...a huge difference. I think this is just the sign of the times, as we're cramming more things into the phone and space is at a premium. Reducing the size of speaker is probably the norm now.

On another note, my brother is carrying the Rezound now for work (VW business rep) and he's complaining about it's reception. He's a long time Moto user and says his Moto's have always been better. His market is a very rural one, meaning he has to travel thru poor areas and go out into what we would call "the sticks" in the country.