Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review

[Starbuckpga]

So after using the phone for almost three months I thought I'd take the time and post my thoughts and feedback on the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

First off the release of this phone couldn't have been any worse than what it turned out to be. Release dates changed, no communication to stores and employees as to what the release status is of the phone, and overall piss poor launch of a phone that was supposed to shape and revolutionize the Android market.

For the hardware and phone aspects of the Nexus, it's a beautiful design, size, and shape for a phone. Lightweight, fits well in the hands, and the screen is quite stunning. Overall the appearance and design of the phone is and was well designed. Battery life has actually been quite solid for me, although I did purchase the extended battery at 50% during release of the phone. On a full charge I can go close to 1.5 days on the battery which is ideal and gets me through a full day. Then on the charger at night and ready to go for morning.

As for the ICS, a complete and utter disappointment. I can see why the phone release was pushed back time and time again because ICS was simply not ready yet. Loads of issues with applications and the OS. Constant freezing, crashes that cause the phone to reboot, apps not working correctly. Numerous times I had to go into the settings and kill the app and then restart the app for it to work well.

Some other details that should be pointed out. The camera is major disappointment. Horrible in low light conditions. Just not a solid camera I'd want to have in the spur of the moment when needing to take a picture.

Constant dropping of data network to access 4G. What's the use on having data when the phone is dropping data almost every couple hours throughout the day.

Auto spell correct and cursor movement in the browser, what happened to it? If your on a forum and need to go back to a certain area where you've typed a message, it's impossible to get back to that same spot. No spell correct option. When typing, screen does not move when typing and you cannot see what your typing unless you stop, scroll, and then read what has been typed. Often times screen goes back to the far left and you still can't see what your typing.

The list goes on and on. Messaging is a fail. Visual voicemail is a fail. Just too many issues with a phone and OS that should not have been released. There should have been updates pushed to this phone weeks ago to address issues from day one. Update was rumored for the end of January, it's now March and no updates.

To sum it up, save yourself the time and hassle. I've gone through three phones and all act and operate the same. The phone is beautiful, but the rest is a major disappointment, especially ICS. Ideally, the Nexus would be the ultimate phone if it was running iOS5 or possibly a previous version of Android. Sure some issues can be fixed with ROM's and kernel's, but to wipe out the original OS designed for the phone and use a custom OS is just disappointing.

Shop around, there is a much better phone to be had that will cause you less headaches.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Overall Score: 3.5 / 10.

 

[androidforums_sj]

wow ? thanks for the review. You are probably the only one with such a negative review. I may now hold off and think twice before diving into ICS.

 

[Starbuckpga]

wow ? thanks for the review. You are probably the only one with such a negative review. I may now hold off and think twice before diving into ICS.

Everyone has their own opinion, but this phone is nowhere near the hype it was made out to be. As I said before, the phone itself, design and screen is stunning. The big disappointment is the ICS. If I could take this phone and put iOS 5 on it, then it would nearly be the perfect phone.

 

[reg1233]

Everyone has their own opinion, but this phone is nowhere near the hype it was made out to be. As I said before, the phone itself, design and screen is stunning. The big disappointment is the ICS. If I could take this phone and put iOS 5 on it, then it would nearly be the perfect phone.

To each his own.....I've had the gsm version on T-Mobile since December and haven't had any of the many problems stated by Verizon customers. I've had the HTC G1 (very 1st android phone), Nexus One, & the LG G2X.....and this phone & ICS beats them all. Google Wallet works perfectly and I haven't had the reboot issues. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[ZeroOne]

Everyone has their own opinion, but this phone is nowhere near the hype it was made out to be. As I said before, the phone itself, design and screen is stunning. The big disappointment is the ICS. If I could take this phone and put iOS 5 on it, then it would nearly be the perfect phone.

The hype was a unlock able bootlaoder
Brand new ics and a pixtile screen that's awesome. The customization is plenty with the phone and its almost unbrickable as long as you can use fast boot commands.
Talk to the mods and guides here maybe your feelings could be changed. Sorry you feel that way.

 

[Spacecasespiff]

To the op you are 100% wrong about this phone. You have a bad phone. I do not have most of those issues that your are having. I have no reboots, nothing has froze on me, my calls are clear and I don't have any dropped data. Ics has changed my view on android in a positive way it is so much better then 2.3. I'm tired of people that have a bad phone and that should of gotten a replacement phone come and post threads like this. You had a bad experience and you think that its a bad phone so you waist my time with this.I know three people that have this phone and none of them have issues like you. Every phone will have some issues. Sorry it did not work out for you but you are in the minority on this. Don't judge a phone becouse you had a bad phone. You should of gotten a new one and you just might have a better experience.

 

[Starbuckpga]

To the op you are 100% wrong about this phone. You have a bad phone. I do not have most of those issues that your are having. I have no reboots, nothing has froze on me, my calls are clear and I don't have any dropped data. Ics has changed my view on android in a positive way it is so much better then 2.3. I'm tired of people that have a bad phone and that should of gotten a replacement phone come and post threads like this. You had a bad experience and you think that its a bad phone so you waist my time with this.I know three people that have this phone and none of them have issues like you. Every phone will have some issues. Sorry it did not work out for you but you are in the minority on this. Don't judge a phone becouse you had a bad phone. You should of gotten a new one and you just might have a better experience.

Obviously you did not read my post. I'm on my third Nexus and experience all the issues on the third phone as I have with the first phone. I'd say after three phones and not one update to address issues with ICS, it gives me the right to judge the phone.

I agree it sucks the phone didn't work out for me. The phone is stunning, but the issues are with ICS. In the future ICS will be a great OS, but it has a long ways to go before it's where it needs to be. Six months possibly, ICS will be where it should have been when the Nexus was released.

 

[Keyser-Soze]

I think ICS is awesome and I haven't had any of the problems you're having. Maybe you just have really bad luck - or maybe you're using a particular ap on each of your Nexus phones that causes some of the problems.

 

[swiff]

guys he is not bashing the phone he is stating facts, i haven't had any reboots, but i have had my phone shut off once since getting it in January which isn't bad. typing on the ICS keyboard on forums, I always thought this was android forums issues that there is no spell correction or you have to scroll to see what you are typing. I haven't been to other forums to confirm this.

With that said I still love the phone I can do alot more on this phone than my HTC Incredible 1 and 2, for example I can view most attached document i forward to myself via e-mail, with HTC's I couldn't open alot of documents. I think an update with take care of most of your concerns at OP, except maybe the camera issue it might be possible to fix the camera via update too, we have to wait to see.

 

[stenzor]

Well.. I have the exact opposite opinion of the phone.. funny how that is.. I haven't had any of the issues that you listed except for maybe the camera not being amazing. I think it's still a good camera and it works for facebook and google+ photos which is what I use it for.

 

[gapi]

Heh! when I seen the iOS 5 mention I got a hint of trolling. However, my review is in high contrast. No regrets, best phone I ever.

 

[dguy]

First off the release of this phone couldn't have been any worse than what it turned out to be. Release dates changed

Nope

 

[phantomash]

what version of ICS are you running?

 

[SeattleYanksFan]

Obviously you did not read my post. I'm on my third Nexus and experience all the issues on the third phone as I have with the first phone. I'd say after three phones and not one update to address issues with ICS, it gives me the right to judge the phone.

I agree it sucks the phone didn't work out for me. The phone is stunning, but the issues are with ICS. In the future ICS will be a great OS, but it has a long ways to go before it's where it needs to be. Six months possibly, ICS will be where it should have been when the Nexus was released.

Neither I nor anyone I know with the Galaxy Nexus experience these issues. Either it's user error or you just have had some pretty bad luck. If ICS was as bad as you say, you'd hear much more about it on the web than from a troll on a message board.

 

[007E]

Well.. I have the exact opposite opinion of the phone.. funny how that is.. I haven't had any of the issues that you listed except for maybe the camera not being amazing. I think it's still a good camera and it works for facebook and google+ photos which is what I use it for.

+1 I fully agree with you.

Phone has been great. ICS> all other Android SW's I have used.

I've experienced some reboots but after uninstalling a recently installed app it has resolved it.I can seriously hang on to this phone for the full 2 year contract term without a hassle. With my previous phone, Droid X I wanted more right away. For some reason it left much to be desired and I don't know why but this phone just does it for me. I love the speedy camera, although not the sharpest quality out there it is still good. Phone just zips through everything without a hiccup for me, for the record I have over 100 apps installed. The one downfall that gets me like any other smartphone today is the battery life with heavy use is horrible, even with an extended battery. If I keep my use minimal it can last at least a day or slightly more.

 

[krouget]

First off the release of this phone couldn't have been any worse than what it turned out to be. Release dates changed, no communication to stores and employees as to what the release status is of the phone, and overall piss poor launch of a phone that was supposed to shape and revolutionize the Android market.

In typical VZW fashion, they don't give hard release dates until they're pretty certain the phone will release. Much of the hype surrounding the release date was tied to speculation from various blogs and forum goers, circulating leaks, but not actual confirmed information.

As for the ICS, a complete and utter disappointment. I can see why the phone release was pushed back time and time again because ICS was simply not ready yet. Loads of issues with applications and the OS. Constant freezing, crashes that cause the phone to reboot, apps not working correctly. Numerous times I had to go into the settings and kill the app and then restart the app for it to work well.

Quick question, but if it's the OS that's the problem, why are you killing apps to fix it? It sounds like the app needs to be updated to work with the OS, which in my experiences, was exactly the case. In actuality, I was surprised by the number of apps which did work from the get-go, with a few here and there which didn't display properly, due to the higher resolution. Now if you were describing the initial release of Honeycomb, I'd more than agree with you.

The OS itself did suffer from reboot issues, but thankfully they seem to have been ironed out in 4.0.4. I didn't, however, experience any freezing or crashes (reboot?) of the actual OS. It's unfortunate to hear that was the situation in your case.

Some other details that should be pointed out. The camera is major disappointment. Horrible in low light conditions. Just not a solid camera I'd want to have in the spur of the moment when needing to take a picture.

I'd say it's hit and miss with this phone. From the four GN's I've had the chance to use, not all of the cameras were created equal. Mine, for example, takes better photos than some of my peers devices. However, the camera does have the potential to take better pictures with a proper software update, by my understanding.

As to taking horrible photos, that's too subjective, but something like an example photo with the image details, would better help us define it. The camera certainly is usable-- less so in low-light situations, as most camera phones are, but nothing like my pre-smartphones were.

Auto spell correct and cursor movement in the browser, what happened to it? If your on a forum and need to go back to a certain area where you've typed a message, it's impossible to get back to that same spot.

Spell correction is much improved. In fact, turning the spell correction to the aggressive setting really helps to improve accuracy, to the point where I rarely use the list of suggestions which populate after simply tapping a red underlined word. Now there are some places the spell check won't work; typing in the address bar and doing searches, are two examples. On this forum, though, it works fine.

As to being impossible to return to a previous spot? Sounds like like a bit of hyperbole.

There should have been updates pushed to this phone weeks ago to address issues from day one.

The funny part about this comment, is that there actually was an update on day one.

Galaxy Nexus Roundup: Android OS Update on First Day, Extended Battery with NFC, and One More Spec List – Droid Life

Shop around

This I agree with. There are a host of awesome premium phones available, including the GN, but none should simply be overlooked. It's unfortunate that you had some bad luck with your device(s), but I'd still recommend the GN, as based on my experiences, to anyone. Of course, to each their own, but any prospective buyer should check one out for themselves.

 

[rawness]

The release/launch is irrelevant, and really has little to do with the phone itself. I've started my gripes on here before about Google's refusal to take full ownership over its Nexus and properly launch it, but now that it's out, it's water under the bridge and has no bearing on this particular phone.

I've loved ICS. The only drawback to the OS are the host of apps that are not yet compatible with ICS. Aside from that, it's been great. No lag, freezing, etc on my end.

I have no problem holding 4G service. When I'm in a 4G area, I get 4G with issues. And it's amazing. The only issue I have is sometimes when I'm on the edge of 4G, the 3G/4G handoff doesn't go smoothly and I lose data altogether and have to restart to get data back. This doesn't happen consistently (thankfully), but it's still very annoying.

The in-browser keyboard experience is different from other applications (like messaging) with regards to auto-spell/word correction/cursor movement. Even auto capitalization of i to I doesn't happen in browser. This is annoying. However, since it's Android, you can switch keyboards to help mitigate this issue. I use and love Swype, but I know others swear by Swift key.

Don't see why you say messaging is a fail, since you didn't explain. I'll just say I disagree. I don't use visual voicemail, so I won't speak on that.

I offer this rebuttal not to discount the OP's experiences, just to provide my own. Lemons do exist with any product, so I wouldn't expect anyone experiencing a multitude of problems with a product to have a positive opinion of it. That's fine. The problem is that on internet forums like this trolls do exist, as well, so people are naturally wary when posts like these are made (especially when they're "liked"/"thanked" by a known troll).

I'll close with this: Though not without its issues, the Galaxy Nexus is the best phone I've ever owned and I'd definitely recommend to any and all.

 

[CrazyShady]

Ideally, the Nexus would be the ultimate phone if it was running iOS5

All credibility lost in this one sentence. Nice try

 

[Starbuckpga]

All credibility lost in this one sentence. Nice try

ROFL, ok if you say so. From your response it seems you have very little experience with either OS's.

As for some responses in regards to apps. I've often removed all "installed" apps from the market place and still experience issues. Just even last night when I opened the browser, it would open, then close. It did this exactly three times and then on the fourth it stayed open.

I'd like to also mention this is a huge lag when typing in Messaging for text messages to friends and family. I'll often be three or four letters ahead before it actually displays what I typed. Often times I have to stop and make sure I hit the right letter before continuing with my message.

After testing for the past three months, I am fairly confident it's the ICS. A lot of the issues remain well after apps are removed and continue when re-installed. Perhaps a lot if not all of these issues will be addressed and fixed when an update is applied, but when is that going to happen?

As far as the issues, look at all the issues that are reported each day in this forum in regards to this phone and ICS in general. Numerous people have experienced system crashes, dropped network issues, and the list goes on.

It's quite obvious you will always have your bashers who are so set on this phone and will never agree with me. That's fine, I understand that, but as another poster pointed out, I'm not bashing the phone. In fact numerous times I stated the phone is quite lovely and the screen is beautiful. However it's the ICS issues that need to be addressed. Even if the ICS issues were addressed and fixed, I could live with the poor camera. I didn't buy the phone simply because of the camera and knew it wasn't the best going into the phone.

I'm simply stating facts and warning others that may be on the fence wanting to purchase this phone. There are issues with ICS, many posted here and other places. ICS is nowhere near where it needs or should be for an OS on a smartphone. In months time, again, it may be an excellent OS. For now, I'd highly suggest to an older Android OS that's been updated and bugs fixed and removed. I'd also suggest iOS 5 as well. If iOS 5 was on the Nexus, it would be the dream phone

 

[Starbuckpga]

I offer this rebuttal not to discount the OP's experiences, just to provide my own. Lemons do exist with any product, so I wouldn't expect anyone experiencing a multitude of problems with a product to have a positive opinion of it. That's fine. The problem is that on internet forums like this trolls do exist, as well, so people are naturally wary when posts like these are made (especially when they're "liked"/"thanked" by a known troll).

I'll close with this: Though not without its issues, the Galaxy Nexus is the best phone I've ever owned and I'd definitely recommend to any and all.

I've been here long enough not to be looked at or considered to be a "troll". In fact during the ever so popular release thread, I displayed much excitement for the phone and couldn't wait to get it. And it's not like I run around the forum posting obscene posts about other phones.

 

[Keyser-Soze]

ROFL, ok if you say so. From your response it seems you have very little experience with either OS's.

As for some responses in regards to apps. I've often removed all "installed" apps from the market place and still experience issues. Just even last night when I opened the browser, it would open, then close. It did this exactly three times and then on the fourth it stayed open.

I'd like to also mention this is a huge lag when typing in Messaging for text messages to friends and family. I'll often be three or four letters ahead before it actually displays what I typed. Often times I have to stop and make sure I hit the right letter before continuing with my message.

After testing for the past three months, I am fairly confident it's the ICS. A lot of the issues remain well after apps are removed and continue when re-installed. Perhaps a lot if not all of these issues will be addressed and fixed when an update is applied, but when is that going to happen?

As far as the issues, look at all the issues that are reported each day in this forum in regards to this phone and ICS in general. Numerous people have experienced system crashes, dropped network issues, and the list goes on.

It's quite obvious you will always have your bashers who are so set on this phone and will never agree with me. That's fine, I understand that, but as another poster pointed out, I'm not bashing the phone. In fact numerous times I stated the phone is quite lovely and the screen is beautiful. However it's the ICS issues that need to be addressed. Even if the ICS issues were addressed and fixed, I could live with the poor camera. I didn't buy the phone simply because of the camera and knew it wasn't the best going into the phone.

I'm simply stating facts and warning others that may be on the fence wanting to purchase this phone. There are issues with ICS, many posted here and other places. ICS is nowhere near where it needs or should be for an OS on a smartphone. In months time, again, it may be an excellent OS. For now, I'd highly suggest to an older Android OS that's been updated and bugs fixed and removed. I'd also suggest iOS 5 as well. If iOS 5 was on the Nexus, it would be the dream phone

you can't use the number of issues brought up in this forum as a measure of the phone's quality - there's a sample selection issue since people who are perfectly happy with their phones don't have any reason to come post here.

You may be stating facts, but they are completely at odds with the fact that my phone has worked flawlessly. You still might be very unlikely. The law of large numbers might have gotten you.

 

[007E]

I'd like to also mention this is a huge lag when typing in Messaging for text messages to friends and family. I'll often be three or four letters ahead before it actually displays what I typed. Often times I have to stop and make sure I hit the right letter before continuing with my message.

Is the lag in horizontal? I get that lag but read it was purposely made this way because people were complaining of the sensitivity before. Can't please them all I guess huh? If it is the horizontal typing I can relate and agree, it is really annoying and needs to be fixed in the next update.

After testing for the past three months, I am fairly confident it's the ICS. A lot of the issues remain well after apps are removed and continue when re-installed. Perhaps a lot if not all of these issues will be addressed and fixed when an update is applied, but when is that going to happen?

Have you tried a factory reset and running the phone for a few days to a week without installing apps? Then perhaps commencing with one or two a day?
Update, according to a Verizon Customer service rep I talked to is coming this month. At least that's what I was told over the phone.

 

[crosschecking]

My phone is not perfect. ICS is a bit less polished than what I hoped. Still, it's a huge improvement for Android IMO. the camera is pretty bad in low light but it's very good and responsive in good light and I love the panning feature. I love the ICS grouping of apps/folders - I really only use 3 screens now whereas I was using 6-7 on my OG droid. Voice entry is much better. Size of the phone is great, battery is OK for me - not terrible but not great. I wish the power button was still on top (harder to operate in a case and too easy to hit opposite the volume buttons). Overall, I am very pleased but not blown away. That said, I will easily keep this phone for 2 years.

 

[Starbuckpga]

Is the lag in horizontal? I get that lag but read it was purposely made this way because people were complaining of the sensitivity before. Can't please them all I guess huh? If it is the horizontal typing I can relate and agree, it is really annoying and needs to be fixed in the next update.


Have you tried a factory reset and running the phone for a few days to a week without installing apps? Then perhaps commencing with one or two a day?
Update, according to a Verizon Customer service rep I talked to is coming this month. At least that's what I was told over the phone.

I get lag in vertical and horizontal mode. It's worse in horizontal. I tried other keyboard apps, you name it, still a lag no matter what. And I am by no means a fast typer on the keyboard either. So it's quite surprising to me there would be a lag when I type.

As for reset, yes numerous times. Probably closer to six to eight resets with same issues. I've tried it all. Coming from IT I have a solid background with issues like this and have removed apps one by one, installed them one by one, resets, and etc. No luck.

My phone is not perfect. ICS is a bit less polished than what I hoped. Still, it's a huge improvement for Android IMO. the camera is pretty bad in low light but it's very good and responsive in good light and I love the panning feature. I love the ICS grouping of apps/folders - I really only use 3 screens now whereas I was using 6-7 on my OG droid. Voice entry is much better. Size of the phone is great, battery is OK for me - not terrible but not great. I wish the power button was still on top (harder to operate in a case and too easy to hit opposite the volume buttons). Overall, I am very pleased but not blown away. That said, I will easily keep this phone for 2 years.

I agree, the phone is better than what we've seen and will get better over time. I'm not saying the phone is "junk" or "trash". There are some positives to the phone. The GPS and turn by turn is the best out there. However with a factory navigation system in my car, this feature is not often used. And as I stated before, the phone itself is stellar. I too love the size and shape, especially the screen, it's stunning.

All things aside, ICS will get better as time goes on and the software progresses. A year from now, it could very well be and has the potential to be the best OS out there for smartphones. I'm not saying it never will be, I'l saying it's not what I and others from what I seen and heard thought it would be on release.

 

[Thai]

you can't use the number of issues brought up in this forum as a measure of the phone's quality - there's a sample selection issue since people who are perfectly happy with their phones don't have any reason to come post here.

The reverse may also be true too...that many people not on this forum out there have issues and simply return the phone. So, the logic goes both ways.