Nexus 4 - Official - JUST ANNOUNCED $299 off contract [Merged]

[Tinmania]

I think you mean the Nexus 4 ?

Rock on. Post impressions, good or bad, when you get it. =]

I definitely didn't mean Nexus 4 but also was wrong about playing with a Nexus 1 (One) lol.

What I was playing with was instead a Galaxy Nexus. I thought it nice and figured the Nexus 4 was better (but obviously not as better as going from Nexus One to Nexus 4, which I think the reviews were mostly referring to).

EDIT: Reread the Android Police review and indeed it was compared to the Galaxy Nexus. I think I'm sold!



Michael

 

[ravenvii]

Well as an iPhone owner since day-one in 2007 I am about ready to get a 16GB Nexus 4 as soon as I can get one. Never have using a Nexus anything before I stopped by a cell store and played with a Nexus 1. I was rather impressed with that and if the reviews are correct that the 4 is a lot better I'm sold.

I held off on iPhone 5 and still feel no compelling reason to get it over my 4S. But after playing with Nexus 1 the iPhone 5 felt less compelling.

And to get i5 and then be saddled with another 2 year commitment to AT&T? Starting to see little logic in doing that when for $350 can do whatever the heck I want. I can even sell my 32gb 4S and have change left over. But instead I'd likely keep both for at least a little while.

I know this is anecdotal but for someone like me, several macs, ATVs, iPad, etc. that says a lot. Just not wowed lately by the iPhone.



Michael

Same here. An iPhone-exclusive user since the first iPhone back in '07. Had a brief flirtation with Windows Phone last year, but wasn't convinced and went with the 4S.

I'm still under contract, but the Nexus 4 presents the perfect opportunity to give Android a serious go. It's never been more ready with Jelly Bean, and the insane unsubsidized price of the Nexus 4 means I can sell my 4S and get the Nexus 4 while paying almost nothing. Not to mention I will be taking an Android development course in the spring, so it would be very cool to have an Android phone of my own to run my apps instead of being stuck with an emulator.

When my contract expires next year, I'll take a look at the landscape. The iPhone 5S is obvious, but I'll see what they do with iOS 7. I will also have a year of Android under my belt. If the Nexus 4 proves it's mettle and Apple stumbles once again, it'll be the first 'tock' cycle without buying an iPhone.

 

[Tinmania]

Same here. An iPhone-exclusive user since the first iPhone back in '07. Had a brief flirtation with Windows Phone last year, but wasn't convinced and went with the 4S.

I'm still under contract, but the Nexus 4 presents the perfect opportunity to give Android a serious go. It's never been more ready with Jelly Bean, and the insane unsubsidized price of the Nexus 4 means I can sell my 4S and get the Nexus 4 while paying almost nothing. Not to mention I will be taking an Android development course in the spring, so it would be very cool to have an Android phone of my own to run my apps instead of being stuck with an emulator.

When my contract expires next year, I'll take a look at the landscape. The iPhone 5S is obvious, but I'll see what they do with iOS 7. I will also have a year of Android under my belt. If the Nexus 4 proves it's mettle and Apple stumbles once again, it'll be the first 'tock' cycle without buying an iPhone.

That's my plan almost exactly. The more I read, combined with more hands-on time with Galaxy Nexus (played with one today too) the more I like, or rather think I will like, the Nexus 4--barring any gotcha deal-killers that haven't surfaced yet.

And being able to do things outside the walled gardens seems to be a longer and longer process for my iPhones. I had my v1 iPhone jailbroken a month after I bought it. Now I had a brief window where my ipad 3 was jb on iOS 5 but no go on iOS 6 and nothing seems imminent as my "new" iPad ain't so new anymore and even superseded by newer model. Ditto for my 4S as I have to do without apps I paid for that I can't use without running an older OS. Not liking that.



Michael

 

[onthecouchagain]

That's my plan almost exactly. The more I read, combined with more hands-on time with Galaxy Nexus (played with one today too) the more I like, or rather think I will like, the Nexus 4--barring any gotcha deal-killers that haven't surfaced yet.

And being able to do things outside the walled gardens seems to be a longer and longer process for my iPhones. I had my v1 iPhone jailbroken a month after I bought it. Now I had a brief window where my ipad 3 was jb on iOS 5 but no go on iOS 6 and nothing seems imminent as my "new" iPad ain't so new anymore and even superseded by newer model. Ditto for my 4S as I have to do without apps I paid for that I can't use without running an older OS. Not liking that.



Michael

There's a wonderful world to discover with Android, especially stock Android. Good luck. =)

 

[onthecouchagain]

I am in here because I am still an Android fan and I was interested in the Note 2. Now it's looking more like the Droid DNA might be a winner for my needs.

You're here to consider the Note II or Droid DNA? Maybe you are, maybe you aren't, but if I may quote your own words regarding updates and fragmentation, which the Note II/DNA will inevitably have trouble with:

"gone from bad to worse to pathetic..."

"the final straw..."

"Seriously, WTF?"

"great OS completely destroyed by things like this that continue to upset its customers and make them choose other options."

"I now have an iPHone 5 with no intentions on ever going back until something is done."

"Shame."

... and all that is from one post. There are probably more like it in the same vain. Hope you know what you're getting into, especially knowing Verizon. Or are you going to try the Note II/DNA to come back and bash Android knowing full well how Verizon will handle updates? Who knows, but good luck with your decision. I mean that sincerely.

 

[PDFierro]

I saw a photo comparison somewhere of the Galaxy Nexus screen to the LG one. Wow!

Will the LG Nexus really be the only Android phone with an IPS screen? If so, why is that?

 

[onthecouchagain]

I saw a photo comparison somewhere of the Galaxy Nexus screen to the LG one. Wow!

Will the LG Nexus really be the only Android phone with an IPS screen? If so, why is that?

Where is said photo? Share.

 

[flopticalcube]

Will the LG Nexus really be the only Android phone with an IPS screen? If so, why is that?

LG Optimus G.

 

[PDFierro]

Where is said photo? Share.

For the life of me I can't remember where I saw it, but I did! Will post if I can locate it.

 

[onthecouchagain]

For early adopters of the Nexus 4 still wary of issues, don't forget that the iPhone 5 launched with people finding scuffs, with the keyboard line glitch, with purple tinted camera/photos, and now... it's looking more like the rapid swiping issue is hardware related that, if true, won't be addressed until the 5S. For some reason, only the 5th generation iPhones/iPods are doing this. iPhone 4S running the latest software isn't showing the issue.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Latest-Apple-iPhone-5-glitch-could-be-a-more-serious-problem_id36460

The Nexus 4 may still have problems yet discovered, but at least what we know so far was pre-release, and Google has the opportunity to update the software to address the issues. All indications point to that they will before it arrives in the hands of consumers.

So go forth early adopters, and post impressions, good or bad!

 

[3bs]

So go forth early adopters, and post impressions, good or bad!

Will do

 

[Diiiiips]

Still very concerned by battery life reports. That graph on Phonearena(?) showing the N4 having half as much battery life as the IP5 is very concerning.

One review saying he had to charge the phone at work was even more disconcerting.

I get that they will try and improve the battery life but I'm just fearful they won't be able to do much to it. Let's be honest, they won't be able to improve it by more than 20%

 

[onthecouchagain]

Still very concerned by battery life reports. That graph on Phonearena(?) showing the N4 having half as much battery life as the IP5 is very concerning.

One review saying he had to charge the phone at work was even more disconcerting.

I get that they will try and improve the battery life but I'm just fearful they won't be able to do much to it. Let's be honest, they won't be able to improve it by more than 20%

Definitely something to keep an eye on. However, I don't get why my dual core HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus with a smaller battery (1750 mah) can pull down 15-20 hours easily on a single charge through moderate use, while the Nexus 4 with quad core, more updated software, and a larger battery (2100 mah) can't get close to that. Time will tell. Again, you have varying reports who say the battery life easily gets them through more than a day's use.

 

[mattopotamus]

I really considered the nexus 4, but am way to heavily invested in the apple Eco system. Not really a bad thing, just makes changing a single device in that Eco system not worth it.

 

[PDFierro]

LG Optimus G.

Which is basically the same as the Nexus 4.

 

[flopticalcube]

Which is basically the same as the Nexus 4.

Yes, but you did ask.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I really considered the nexus 4, but am way to heavily invested in the apple Eco system. Not really a bad thing, just makes changing a single device in that Eco system not worth it.

I felt that way once with my 4S, but you get over it.

For me, it was ultimately worth it to be able to use my preferred smartphone OS every day.

 

[parapup]

So go forth early adopters, and post impressions, good or bad!

I kinda feel surprised people are so excited by the Nexus 4. Now I am hard core Android user - did not own an iPhone after getting the first one. But it is just hard to get impressed about a device that is functionally identical to my Galaxy Nexus, throttles to same level of performance as my GNex due to thermal issues, lacks LTE and has no removable battery. All of this and my GNex will still get 4.2.

May be I will wait for the next Nexus - by that time it will have LTE and my GNex probably won't get Android 5.0 update given the history.

But for people going out of contract soon and looking forward to getting an Android phone - it is hard to argue against Nexus 4 - it is the only stock Android offering and at a pretty sweet price point.

 

[dalbir4444]

I kinda feel surprised people are so excited by the Nexus 4. Now I am hard core Android user - did not own an iPhone after getting the first one. But it is just hard to get impressed about a device that is functionally identical to my Galaxy Nexus, throttles to same level of performance as my GNex due to thermal issues, lacks LTE and has no removable battery. All of this and my GNex will still get 4.2.

May be I will wait for the next Nexus - by that time it will have LTE and my GNex probably won't get Android 5.0 update given the history.

But for people going out of contract soon and looking forward to getting an Android phone - it is hard to argue against Nexus 4 - it is the only stock Android offering and at a pretty sweet price point.

I'd say it's exciting for those who want to try a new platform and are drawn in by it's price. Nexus releases are always exciting for Android fans, because they usually come with a OS update.

Personally, I'm still not sure if I want to give up my GS2. That phone still runs like a champ. Waiting for people's impressions to see if I should make the jump.

 

[Vegastouch]

I kinda feel surprised people are so excited by the Nexus 4. Now I am hard core Android user - did not own an iPhone after getting the first one. But it is just hard to get impressed about a device that is functionally identical to my Galaxy Nexus, throttles to same level of performance as my GNex due to thermal issues, lacks LTE and has no removable battery. All of this and my GNex will still get 4.2.

May be I will wait for the next Nexus - by that time it will have LTE and my GNex probably won't get Android 5.0 update given the history.

But for people going out of contract soon and looking forward to getting an Android phone - it is hard to argue against Nexus 4 - it is the only stock Android offering and at a pretty sweet price point.

Well i dont have a Nexus. I have a GS3 which s a great phone but ive always wanted a Nexus with no bloatware and fast updates so this is why im excited....though that was knocked down a bit by small memory.

Now, i am seeing Nokia 920 reviews and was told it is unlocked at Best Buy ..though it is $100 more than the 16GB N4 but it also comes with 32GB of memory and a great camera. Ill check the 920 out tomorrow at BB.


I will say this..whenever the GS3 gets JB, it is going to be a great, great phone which im sure those that have installed a ROM of JB can attest to. Just doubt it will get 4.2 which is a bummer. Im expecting 4.1.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I kinda feel surprised people are so excited by the Nexus 4. Now I am hard core Android user - did not own an iPhone after getting the first one. But it is just hard to get impressed about a device that is functionally identical to my Galaxy Nexus, throttles to same level of performance as my GNex due to thermal issues, lacks LTE and has no removable battery. All of this and my GNex will still get 4.2.

May be I will wait for the next Nexus - by that time it will have LTE and my GNex probably won't get Android 5.0 update given the history.

But for people going out of contract soon and looking forward to getting an Android phone - it is hard to argue against Nexus 4 - it is the only stock Android offering and at a pretty sweet price point.

I hear ya. I've gone back and forth on my decision to upgrade or not. As you say, the GN still gets the job done very well and will also get 4.2. For me, the main factors are the camera and screen upgrade. I'm ready to move from AMOLED to LCD, and the camera on the GN is probably the single weakest trait of the GN. I think also, once the software is sorted out and optimized, and once apps start taking advantage of quad-core processors, the Nexus 4 will be really appreciated.

I was dead set on waiting for a price drop to happen (or a 32gb version) back when it was assumed it would start at $399 and $449, but the "price drop" came on the first day! That pretty much won me over.

However, waiting for the Nexus 4 (2013) isn't a bad move at all if you're happy with the GN. I almost made that same decision too.

 

[hallaisen]

So it's the 13th in 6.5 hours here in Australia. Think there's a chance it ill be possible to order right after midnight?

 

[strausd]

So it's the 13th in 6.5 hours here in Australia. Think there's a chance it ill be possible to order right after midnight?

If it is going to be available at midnight, my guess is that it would be based on midnight in America. But that's just a guess.

 

[Tinmania]

Quick question:

I am assuming those on-screen Navigation buttons are part of the entire LCD resolution. Correct? If so isn't that like having a smaller usable screen most of the time?

Can those buttons go away by choice or only by an app? I couldn't seem to make them disappear. When playing with the Galaxy Nexus they never seemed to go away.



Mike

 

[Diiiiips]

Also, can the order of those buttons be moved?

The back button would feel more intuitive on the right IMO and I'd move it of possible.