What's So Great about ICS?

[iHuman]

I've looked over a list of new ICS features, and so far I'm not impressed. Most of the things are pretty pointless, like Face Unlock and camera right from lock screen (it disables PIN so why would you ever use it). Others are pretty minor, like notification swipe and quick respnse. The only things significant seem to be data management and folders. Other things are even harmful, like only five homescreens. I might be missing some things so please remind me.

All in all, ICS is nice and all, but it's not spectacular enough to skyrocket the Galaxy Nexus into "best phone in 2011." Especially when the Galaxy S2 has better specs in almost everything and will be getting ICS as well.

 

[The_Chief]

I'm sorry you're not impressed. Android isn't for everybody, I suppose.

I find face unlock indispensible, as I unlock my phone a LOT. And there IS a second layer of protection: if face unlock fails, it defaults to pattern/PIN. At least it does on mine

Other enhancements are very attractive to me, as the ability to move icons & widgets from one screen to another, to resize widgets, and other small things.

My final input is this: I was pleasantly surprised to find that I can access the Nexus' user memory via PC without it stopping my music! With previous phones, I had to pause my music, mount USB, do my stuff, unmount, and play my music. With Nexus, I plug and rock on.

So If ICS isn't for you, then there are a great many alternatives for you to choose from. I hope you find one that suits you

 

[syntrix]

I've looked over a list of new ICS features, and so far I'm not impressed. Most of the things are pretty pointless, like Face Unlock and camera right from lock screen (it disables PIN so why would you ever use it). Others are pretty minor, like notification swipe and quick respnse. The only things significant seem to be data management and folders. Other things are even harmful, like only five homescreens. I might be missing some things so please remind me.

All in all, ICS is nice and all, but it's not spectacular enough to skyrocket the Galaxy Nexus into "best phone in 2011." Especially when the Galaxy S2 has better specs in almost everything and will be getting ICS as well.

Assumption is that you dont' have one.

It blows the SGSII away, which doesn't have 4.0, nor will via ota official this year.

face unlock was never touted as a security feature by google. Not so sure why you are going there.

Not so sure why you say that 5 homescreens is harmful. That's just a silly statement.

 

[syntrix]

My final input is this: I was pleasantly surprised to find that I can access the Nexus' user memory via PC without it stopping my music! With previous phones, I had to pause my music, mount USB, do my stuff, unmount, and play my music. With Nexus, I plug and rock on.

So If ICS isn't for you, then there are a great many alternatives for you to choose from. I hope you find one that suits you

Yes, with you 100% on this one. People overlook this feature a LOT. In the past was charging mode all the time, now it doesn't matter. And all from a standard microusb cable! Not some special cable in all white!

 

[Bnice]

I've looked over a list of new ICS features, and so far I'm not impressed. Most of the things are pretty pointless, like Face Unlock and camera right from lock screen (it disables PIN so why would you ever use it). Others are pretty minor, like notification swipe and quick respnse. The only things significant seem to be data management and folders. Other things are even harmful, like only five homescreens. I might be missing some things so please remind me.

All in all, ICS is nice and all, but it's not spectacular enough to skyrocket the Galaxy Nexus into "best phone in 2011." Especially when the Galaxy S2 has better specs in almost everything and will be getting ICS as well.

Whats so great about ICS? it's not gingerbread or honeycomb. Now can't wait for jellybean or whatever the next OS will be called.

 

[nj02vette]

I've looked over a list of new ICS features, and so far I'm not impressed. Most of the things are pretty pointless, like Face Unlock and camera right from lock screen (it disables PIN so why would you ever use it). Others are pretty minor, like notification swipe and quick respnse. The only things significant seem to be data management and folders. Other things are even harmful, like only five homescreens. I might be missing some things so please remind me.

All in all, ICS is nice and all, but it's not spectacular enough to skyrocket the Galaxy Nexus into "best phone in 2011." Especially when the Galaxy S2 has better specs in almost everything and will be getting ICS as well.

I understand your position from looking at a list of features. Some things don't sound all that spectacular.

However, use ICS, and you'll almost certainly be blown away. It's so good, that most devs won't even recommend any phone other than ones with ICS. It's something that finally rockets Android to the top in mobile OS's. Yes, it's that good.

FWIW, vanilla Android has only ever had 5 homescreens. Never more. The extra homescreens you see are the result of different launchers that the manufacturers install. Also worth noting, that I can right now install Launcher Pro or ADW, and get 7 screens, or even Go Launcher with up to 30 screens. But with the folders, I'm having a hard time filling up 5 screens worth.

And the SGSII doesn't have better specs overall. Somethings better, some worse. Processor is a tie, or slight edge to GNex. Better CPU (by far in GNex) with mixed GPU results. Higher MP camera on the SGSII, but no zero lag shutter. SGSII have 720p screen? Nope. SGSII on Verizon with LTE. Nope.

We all should understand there's no perfect "thing". If there were, we wouldn't have different cars, TVs, laptops, or even blenders. Decide what works for you. However, you should really try it out to see how improved it really is.

 

[Premium1]

1. It's overall smoothness and polish. Plus even when the other phones get ics it won't be as smooth as stock ics no matter how light the skin on top of it is. Plus many would say the notification thing is great just like ios 5 came and people praised that. If you think it isn't so good why not get a phone with gb? I mean clearly it is not good enough for you so stick with the outdated os that should work better for you.

 

[Sandroidfan]

I understand your position from looking at a list of features. Some things don't sound all that spectacular.

However, use ICS, and you'll almost certainly be blown away. It's so good, that most devs won't even recommend any phone other than ones with ICS. It's something that finally rockets Android to the top in mobile OS's. Yes, it's that good.

FWIW, vanilla Android has only ever had 5 homescreens. Never more. The extra homescreens you see are the result of different launchers that the manufacturers install. Also worth noting, that I can right now install Launcher Pro or ADW, and get 7 screens, or even Go Launcher with up to 30 screens. But with the folders, I'm having a hard time filling up 5 screens worth.

And the SGSII doesn't have better specs overall. Somethings better, some worse. Processor is a tie, or slight edge to GNex. Better CPU (by far in GNex) with mixed CPU results. Higher MP camera on the SGSII, but no zero lag shutter. SGSII have 720p screen? Nope. SGSII on Verizon with LTE. Nope.

Agreed mostly except CPU part. The Exynos SoC in SGSII is still the best mobile AP in my opnion. Many of us was bummed when we learned Nexus has OMAP 4460 back in Oct, and some of our friends over at Europe left the main speculation thread after that. Not that OMAP 4460 is bad AP by any means though. Nexus vs SGSII is essentially wash in Antutu total score, but Exynos packs more graphics power. Hopefully next gen Exynos can work fine with LTE radios.

But I'm totally fine with 4460 and stock ICS is just like what you said. Can't wait for mine coming next week.

 

[cggorman]

Sadly, the best features in 4.0 aren't really hyped at all.

HTML 5 browser with flash support that properly handles scrollable frames. This is hands down the best mobile browser of all time.

App switching / multitasking is damn near PC functional. Only thing missing is the screen real estate to display multiple applications.

On-screen nav buttons can be reconfigured or hidden altogether to suit the application.

New security options enable proper corporate acceptance.

Unified memory was touched on above.

Text editing improvements bring us on par or surpass iOS...finally

...I'm sure I'll find more.

 

[XFistsClenched]

Basically, ICS is just a much more refined operating system than previous versions. It is kinda overhyped, but it is still a fantastic mobile os. I like dumb things like the new calendar and the look of folders.

 

[iHuman]

I understand your position from looking at a list of features. Some things don't sound all that spectacular.

However, use ICS, and you'll almost certainly be blown away. It's so good, that most devs won't even recommend any phone other than ones with ICS. It's something that finally rockets Android to the top in mobile OS's. Yes, it's that good.

My gripe is that fans talk about ICS like it's completely exclusive to Galaxy Nexus, when other phones will get it too. Yes, I know it's vanilla android, but I personally didn't think Touchwoz was that bad. Yes, I know there are faster updates, but that's not worth inferior specs.

FWIW, vanilla Android has only ever had 5 homescreens. Never more. The extra homescreens you see are the result of different launchers that the manufacturers install. Also worth noting, that I can right now install Launcher Pro or ADW, and get 7 screens, or even Go Launcher with up to 30 screens. But with the folders, I'm having a hard time filling up 5 screens worth.

Good point. I didn't think of just downloading a new Launcher.

And the SGSII doesn't have better specs overall.

And here is where we disagree.

Somethings better, some worse.

The only thing the Nexus has over S2 is the screen.

Processor is a tie, or slight edge to GNex.

This is actually incorrect. S2 has the Exynos. Nexus doesn't. Also, S2 has higher GPU. Finally, the Nexus has higher resolution, so it'll be harder to keep up. So processor goes to S2.

Higher MP camera on the SGSII, but no zero lag shutter.

Zero shutter lag is part of ICS, which S2 will get in 6-8 weeks approximately. So it's not really a factor.

SGSII have 720p screen? Nope.

Nexus has higher resolution, but it still uses old Super AMOLED technology. S2 has Plus.

SGSII on Verizon with LTE. Nope.

For that we will have to compare with the Skyrocket. And HSPDA+ is pretty fast.

We all should understand there's no perfect "thing". If there were, we wouldn't have different cars, TVs, laptops, or even blenders. Decide what works for you. However, you should really try it out to see how improved it really is.

I will try out ICS when I get the chance. Thanks for the responses, but I think I'll stick to my S2.

 

[Premium1]

My gripe is that fans talk about ICS like it's completely exclusive to Galaxy Nexus, when other phones will get it too. Yes, I know it's vanilla android, but I personally didn't think Touchwoz was that bad. Yes, I know there are faster updates, but that's not worth inferior specs.



Good point. I didn't think of just downloading a new Launcher.



And here is where we disagree.

The only thing the Nexus has over S2 is the screen.



This is actually incorrect. S2 has the Exynos. Nexus doesn't. Also, S2 has higher GPU. Finally, the Nexus has higher resolution, so it'll be harder to keep up. So processor goes to S2.



Zero shutter lag is part of ICS, which S2 will get in 6-8 weeks approximately. So it's not really a factor.



Nexus has higher resolution, but it still uses old Super AMOLED technology. S2 has Plus.



For that we will have to compare with the Skyrocket. And HSPDA+ is pretty fast.



I will try out ICS when I get the chance. Thanks for the responses, but I think I'll stick to my S2.

Just stick with the s2. Clearly you do not want a nexus which hey it isn't for everyone. Plus on the screen the nexus has more pixels and a better resolution making it look better. But enjoy the s2. it is a nice phone and hope once it gets updated months from now you will enjoy it just as much.

 

[syntrix]

For that we will have to compare with the Skyrocket. And HSPDA+ is pretty fast.

HSPA+ is fast. But it has 2-3x the latency. That's really annoying.

You can be provisioned for the 14M, but the ATT backhaul will be underwhelming, which means you will get much slower speed and the HUGE latency.

VZW LTE doesn't have any of these problems. It's fast (20M+ in some areas) with 1/2 or 1/4 the ATT latency. VZW FTW!

 

[nj02vette]

Agreed mostly except CPU part. The Exynos SoC in SGSII is still the best mobile AP in my opnion. Many of us was bummed when we learned Nexus has OMAP 4460 back in Oct, and some of our friends over at Europe left the main speculation thread after that. Not that OMAP 4460 is bad AP by any means though. Nexus vs SGSII is essentially wash in Antutu total score, but Exynos packs more graphics power. Hopefully next gen Exynos can work fine with LTE radios.

But I'm totally fine with 4460 and stock ICS is just like what you said. Can't wait for mine coming next week.

As you stated, the Antutu benchmark has them quite close. While the GPU in the Exynos has better fill rates, it has a memory bottleneck that hampers it for some operations, where it's actually much slower than the SGX540. That's why I called it a mix. The OMAP also has a built in hardware decode section for HD video, something the Exynos lacks.

Exynos 4210 is a fine SoC, as is the OMAP4460. Personally, I would have liked to see the 4212 or 4470.

 

[Andhily]

The 4460 is a better processor than the Exynos.. however the GPU in the SGSII is much better than the Nexus

 

[nj02vette]

My gripe is that fans talk about ICS like it's completely exclusive to Galaxy Nexus, when other phones will get it too. Yes, I know it's vanilla android, but I personally didn't think Touchwoz was that bad. Yes, I know there are faster updates, but that's not worth inferior specs.

Again, different phones for different people. The Nexus line is all about the first with a new OS, and the google experience. If you're fine without that, then the Nexus probably isn't for you. Again you quote inferior specs, when that's not the case. Take a look at this benchmark:

You see, the GNex is no slouch, and this includes a GPU composite.

This is actually incorrect. S2 has the Exynos. Nexus doesn't. Also, S2 has higher GPU. Finally, the Nexus has higher resolution, so it'll be harder to keep up. So processor goes to S2.

Has the Exynos? The Exynos and OMAP are very close. See my post above to Sandroid. CPUs are close, but for some graphics operations, the Exynos will be faster, and in others the OMAP will be. Either way, both are very close, even with the GNex pushing a lot more pixels.

Zero shutter lag is part of ICS, which S2 will get in 6-8 weeks approximately. So it's not really a factor.

The feature may be built into ICS, but if the hardware can't support it, then you won't get it. 720p resolution support is also built into ICS, yet the SGSII won't have that after the upgrade either. And if you are relying on Samsung to actually have an update in a few weeks, then I have some beautiful beachfront property in Oklahoma to sell you. Samsung has the absolute worst track record of any company providing updates.

Nexus has higher resolution, but it still uses old Super AMOLED technology. S2 has Plus.

True. But at the higher resolution does it matter. Again, have you even looked at the screen in person?

I will try out ICS when I get the chance. Thanks for the responses, but I think I'll stick to my S2.

Which is absolutely fine. There is no "god" device. Pick which suits you best.

 

[Bnice]

@iHuman. You sound bitter because a new Android phone came along and is now the buzz of the town. Don't hate congratulate.

 

[jamisont]

Nexus has higher resolution, but it still uses old Super AMOLED technology. S2 has Plus.

in korea there's 3 versions of S2.
Galaxy S2 (3G), then later versions Galaxy S2 LTE (dolly) and latest version Galaxy S2 HD LTE(Celox).
guess what? latest version has HD super amoled cuz its in bigger size and resolution. (4'65 and 720p)

of course Celox has better ppi than original S2 with Super Amoled plus.
u can do simple math.
S2 480*800*RGB(3) = 11.5mil subpixel
celox, Nexus 720*1280*pentile(2) = 18.4mil subpixel

 

[zerocool79346]

Okay, I'm about to blow some people's minds right here:

Exynos 4210= Dual Cortex A9 CPUs @ 1.2ghz
OMAP 4460= Dual Cortex A9 CPUs @ 1.2ghz

See what I'm getting at? There is absolutely NO difference between the CPUs on the two. Exynos/OMAP is a SoC, it has nothing to do with the CPUs themselves. The difference in GPUs, as njvette said, negligible because both accel in different areas.

 

[OfTheDamned]

Zero shutter lag is part of ICS, which S2 will get in 6-8 weeks approximately. So it's not really a factor.

Probably not if your in the US. Some of the Galaxy S phones just received Gingerbread here. Samsung has been notoriously bad about updates to their phones. The Galaxy Nexus offers the quality of Samsung hardware with the speed of Google updates.

 

[pragmatous]

ICS has keyboard support, mouse support - you can plug in a mouse/keyboard into your phone and ICS will see it.

ICS has mass storage support so you can plug in a hard drive or flash into your phone

ICS has folder support so you can organize your apps on your screens.

 

[speede541]

As was alluded to earlier in this thread, the Exynos argument is a red herring if you want LTE. The two are not compatible.

It's why Samsung's S II Skyrocket LTE phone on AT&T was switched from Exynos to S3 Snapdragon. And it's why the Galaxy Note coming to AT&T will use the OMAP 4460.

I would have LOVED to see Samsung's silicon in the Nexus, but I may as well have wished for an Intel i5.

 

[iHuman]

Mod Edit: Bickering removed

Again, different phones for different people. The Nexus line is all about the first with a new OS, and the google experience. If you're fine without that, then the Nexus probably isn't for you. Again you quote inferior specs, when that's not the case. Take a look at this benchmark:

You see, the GNex is no slouch, and this includes a GPU composite.

The S2 won't beat the Nexus all the time. The processors are extremely close, and I probably overstated the gap. Also, we don't know if the Nexus beat the S2 in that test because of ICS or better processor.

Has the Exynos? The Exynos and OMAP are very close. See my post above to Sandroid. CPUs are close, but for some graphics operations, the Exynos will be faster, and in others the OMAP will be. Either way, both are very close, even with the GNex pushing a lot more pixels.

Yes, I know they're similar. But the Nexus probably seems faster now because of ICS. When the S2 gets ICS it might be faster. Also, the S2 has more specs that are superior like a better camera.

The feature may be built into ICS, but if the hardware can't support it, then you won't get it. 720p resolution support is also built into ICS, yet the SGSII won't have that after the upgrade either.

Zero shutter lag is in every ICS review. The 720p resolution isn't. There is no reason why the zero shutter lag shouldn't be here, because if it's exclusive to the Nexus, why wold ICS reviewers note it?

And if you are relying on Samsung to actually have an update in a few weeks, then I have some beautiful beachfront property in Oklahoma to sell you. Samsung has the absolute worst track record of any company providing updates.

If Samsung delays on updates, I'll just download a ROM. The whole point of Android is to use Roms anyway. And if Samsung releases the update as soon as possible then there are no complaints.

True. But at the higher resolution does it matter. Again, have you even looked at the screen in person?

I know the resolution matters. I'm just saying that better display and earlier ICS aren't enough for people to say that the Nexus is the best phone yet.

Which is absolutely fine. There is no "god" device. Pick which suits you best.

I still stand by my S2 since I have no problem waiting for an update or getting a ROM.

EDIT: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1310040 This is a link for Nexus quadrant scores. Apparently the Nexus is even slower than the S2. Just goes to show how reliable quadrants are.

 

[breadnatty08]

I know it's a minor quality (and not sure if skinned phones will get it), but I really love the roboto font.
Anyway, as of right now, this is clearly the best phone offered by Verizon. If you love Sense or for some reason Blur, then maybe it isn't. The SGS2 isn't an option for us, sadly. And, please tell me of any other phone that's been leaked for VZW....none.

 

[jamisont]

Zero shutter lag is in every ICS review. The 720p resolution isn't. There is no reason why the zero shutter lag shouldn't be here, because if it's exclusive to the Nexus, why wold ICS reviewers note it?

ICS uses virtual shutter button in camera apps, so any phone with physical shutter button wont get it.
S2 will ofc get it cuz S2 uses virtual shutter key and have same optical sensor.
onlything S2 lack is barometer sensor comapre to GN.

EDIT: Galaxy Nexus slower than SGS2 and IP4S - xda-developers This is a link for Nexus quadrant scores. Apparently the Nexus is even slower than the S2. Just goes to show how reliable quadrants are.

that benchmark is meaningless since thats different S2. (3G version with mali400, US version with 4G came with sanpdragon with adreno220)
also SGX540 in GN has faster clock than Galaxy S or Nexus S they mentioned.
Galaxy S, Nexus S is @200mhz.
by comparison, LG Optimus 3D has same SGX540 @ 300mhz. (GN is @384mhz)
see the result.

LG P920 Optimus 3D - OpenGL ES performance and system information

LG Optimus 3D (SGX540 @300mhz)

HTC Sensation Z710e - OpenGL ES performance and system information

HTC Sensation (Adreno220)

LG optimus 3D(4.5inch 1280x720)
HTC sensation (4.3inch 960x540)