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Feb
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[Weekend Poll And News Roundup] Has A Nexus Phone Become More Or Less Desirable To You In The Last Year?

Posted by in News, Polls

In the last year, we've seen a lot of great Android phones - like the Galaxy S III, Note II, One X, RAZR M, or the upcoming Xperia Z. There's little doubt that with every major handset release, we're seeing Android phone manufacturers up their collective 'game.' But way back when (you know, a couple years ago), the fact that Android phones generally weren't always good was a big draw to a Nexus handset for me personally.

lights2

I purchased a Nexus One a few months after it was released, and was generally very happy with it. After installing CyanogenMod (which, frankly, was necessary to maximize performance and features back in 2010), that phone stuck with me until late 2011, when I bought a Motorola DROID BIONIC. The BIONIC was, I would say, on the cusp of being a great phone. It just wasn't quite there, mostly because of software glitches, connectivity issues, and lackluster battery life. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it, either.

When the Galaxy Nexus came out shortly thereafter, I was admittedly a bit envious.

But then I got an HTC One X, and I didn't care about the Nexus anymore. The One X was a great phone. Great battery life, a livable UI, and all the features and performance I could want out of an Android phone at the time. I loved it, despite its flaws, and I never looked back at the Nexus with envy again.

Since then, I've spent a lot of time with the Galaxy S III, Note II, and One X+. They're all great phones, no doubt. Because of that, when I look at the Nexus 4, I just don't have the pure Android lust I once did. I'm happy enough on the other side of the innovation fence, even if it does mean being a version or so of Android behind the true Google Experience.

That brings me to this week's poll question: Do you find a Nexus phone less appealing than you did a year or two ago? Or has the evolution of the Nexus hardware (and the low price of the Nexus 4) actually upped the "want" factor? Feel free to explain your answer in the comments.

Has A Nexus Phone Become More Or Less Desirable To You In The Last Year?

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David Ruddock
David's phone is an HTC One X+. He is an avid writer, and enjoys imparting a legal perspective on Android news where it is relevant. He also doesn't usually write such boring sentences.

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  • Tim Eddy

    No matter how good the other android phones are, they wont beat stock android.

    • PCSievers

      Stock sucks only slightly less than Touchwiz. Everyone just puts on a launcher like Nova and so there is no difference to the end user.

    • ProductFRED

      True, I guess. I know I'm going to get hounded for this, but I'd rather have CM/AOKP on my Galaxy S3 i9300 (as an example). I know it's not as stable as stock Android straight from Google, but I'd rather have a removable battery and expandable storage. For most Nexus owners, I know it's they're a non-issue. But I feel like although Google has the software aspect down, there is always something missing with the hardware. I can understand their reasoning for not implementing a MicroSD card slot, but 8GB (~5-6GB) is a joke, and 16GB (~13GB) is too small for a beast like the Nexus 4. It has a Snapdragon S4 Quad and 2GB of RAM. A lot of games coming out now are 1+ GB in size. Most people also don't want to lug a DSLR or point-and-shoot around, so their phone is also their go-to camera. And music...Carrier plans haven't caught up with cloud storage yet. I have about 300 songs on my phone and that takes up a few gigs (on average 128-192 kbps MP3s, I'm no audiophile). So Google Music doesn't work for me. Not to mention that signal isn't available everywhere, and streaming is a battery hog. But one of the worst things about the Nexus 4 is that it's so damn hard to buy. Sure, you can go to eBay and pay $500, but doesn't that defeat the purpose? It's supposed to be a $350 phone.

      I guess what I'm trying to say is that while it's a great phone, it's lacking in some areas. I would have paid $50 more for a MicroSD card slot or a 32GB model. I would've considered buying it as-is if it was widely-available off contract. It's a great phone, and by no means am I saying that the Galaxy S3 (as an example) is OVERALL better, but it's better, at least to me, in more ways that matter. When Google gets their act together on their Nexus phones, I can agree with you. But right now, I feel that it takes too much compromise to adopt a Nexus 4. If you're on prepaid and you want the best bang for your buck, go for a Nexus 4 if you can find one. Otherwise, there are better choices right now.

    • mesmorino

      Stock android isn't as great as you think it is. In fact it mostly appears good *only* in comparison with other launchers and then only in looks. The main thing I find wrong with touchwiz (for example) is the way it looks.

      • PCSievers

        Agreed. Touchwiz needs a huge overhaul for looks but it has been ahead of stock for a long time in including important features and there are still a couple things stock can learn from TW.

      • Nick V

        I used to think that as well, until I used Stock Android. Anyone who isn't using Stock Android with 4.2+, hasn't seen what Google has done. And they aren't even close to being finished.

        • andy_o

          Stock 4.2 is still kind of half-assed though, one of the most obvious examples being the Quick Settings menu which really should read "Quick Shortcuts" instead. No wonder it's one of the first things CM and the others fixed in their very early builds. Also, lockscreen widgets occupying one whole screen each, and the camera not even having a shutter timer, and not being able to lock focus for more than a few seconds.

          And those aren't even the bugs.

      • Tim Eddy

        I use a galaxy nexus every day. coming from a Galaxy S, a Droid X and a thunderbolt I can easily tell you that stock android has and will beat out the others.

  • http://kennydude.me/ Joe Simpson

    I like Nexus devices, I just don't like LG so I think the next Nexus will be better :)

    • Nick V

      I am not a huge LG fan either, but this phone is truly an awesome device.

      • troph

        I would only but an LG if it was a Nexus. In my past experience, LG has sucked at supporting their devices. Personally I'd hope for an HTC Nexus. I just their build and style over most other companies (except maybe Asus' padfone series, which I think is great innovation, style, and build).

        • Chris Wueste

          As a former owner of the truly terrible LG G2X and after having so much hatred for LG for never supporting the phone even with all of its random rebooting and other glitches, I can say without a doubt that the Nexus 4 is an amazing device. Sure it may not have expandable storage but I have Unlimited HSPA+ 42mps speeds with Tmobile in my area so I am always connected to the cloud. I also find the battery easily lasts a day and a half and I feel like I use the phone constantly for web browsing and casual gaming. The build quality is unbelievably nice and the phone is really pretty to look at. The screen is top notch, especially once you root and increase the sensitivity of it. I almost didn't upgrade from my GNex because of my hatred of LG. I'm so glad I did. LG hardware + Google Software = Big Win!!!!

          • Nick V

            T-Mobile updated me to fully unlimited without having to do anything. I received a text stating that my next payment would update me. Google is changing the way Carriers do business. And this will not be good for the carriers or Apple. Apple will have to reduce their profits drastically if people decide to go this route.

      • Christopher Saylor

        Maybe I'm liking LG better when they have someone staring over their shoulder telling them what to do.

        "Well we could cut back on the speaker quality and save a few dollars"

        "You do that and we go with Samsung"

        "Ok ok, high quality speaker it is"

  • Robert Dunn

    A Nexus phone has definitely become more desirable for me. I bought a Galaxy Nexus back in March 2012 and I am still extremely happy with it because I know the Nexus line of phones are the first ones to get the new versions of Android (up to a certain point but definitely more than stock Android phones) plus the fact that they're low-priced and unlocked on the Google Play store just makes them a no-brainer for me.

  • http://www.jeroenheijster.com/ Jeroen Heijster

    I don't like the idea of not having expandable storage. I need it for my music.

    • http://mavi222.deviantart.com/gallery/ Mavi

      Exactly! And not removable (easy accessible) battery. That is the second flaw. If it had these two things, I would buy it immediately.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chargersftw21 Dakota Walker

    Anyone who doesn't want their Nexus 4 can feel free to send it to me.

    • Jay T

      Haha. Same here. I am now accepting gifts of Nexus devices.

    • JG

      Also willing to accept unloved N7 and 10s :) Will give them a very good, loving home, I promise :D

    • TK

      I think most of the people hating the Nexus 4 are ones that haven't spent time with it

  • rick

    Nexus is the only android phone I would buy.

    The software matters to me more than the hardware

    • rpras

      Ditto. Had Nexus One on day 2. Got Galaxy Nexus on Sprint on day 1 when it came out. Will wait to go off contract but will only consider the current Nexus at that time - and a GSM/HSPA/LTE one this time.

    • mesmorino

      The hardware is more important. You can put whatever software you want on it

      • Brian Walker

        But there will come a time when your carrier is no longer providing updates, and ROM developers won't be able to keep you on the latest builds. That was my experience with Verizon, at least.

        • mesmorino

          While I agree, my point was that with hardware, you're basically stuck with what you have. With software, if you don't like what you have you can take steps to change it, or mitigate it somehow. Like, if you don't like touchwiz, you can just download another launcher. If you don't like the amount of storage the nexus 4 has, you don't don't have any options that don't involve changing the phone

          • Christopher Saylor

            That works for PCs where you have developers constantly developing for a single stable platform. Every other Android phone is like playing russian roulette with the phones popularity.

            My girlfriend has a HTC View tablet. It still have very modern hardware even by todays standards. However it will never get off a very buggy HC build because it just wasnt that popular of a product.

            Which would be fine like you're saying, except that every day there's another slew of applications that are coming out with updates and decide "lets not update that honeycomb version anymore", or worse yet "lets not release this for Honeycomb, it's not worth our time."

            Unlike other platforms your out of date mobile device gets old really fast. Everytime you're in the playstore and see "Incompatible with your device" (which won't change with roms) is another dive into obscurity.

        • ProductFRED

          CDMA development is different than GSM development. A phone with a tiny userbase/little demand will not get a lot of development. Look at most LG phones, for example. With GSM, it's a matter of choice. With CDMA, it's carrier compatibility. You're not going to find CDMA being widely used outside of North America (except in throughout parts of Asia). Even then, the same phones aren't used outside of NA. With GSM, for example, the Galaxy S3 gets a ton of development because it's owned all over the world and universally compatible across GSM networks. Sprint phones are limited to Sprint and Verizon phones are limited to Verizon. There's also the fact that CDMA drivers are proprietary, and that's the reason why it takes Verizon and Sprint so long to test new updates for their Galaxy Nexus. Google doesn't have access to those drivers, and that's why they can't test them first hand. GSM is royalty and universal while CDMA is closed and licensed by Qualcomm.

          • Brian Walker

            I didn't realize all of that, or I just didn't think about it. I have never had a phone that wasn't Verizon, so for the past 9 years I've been dealing with their bull shit. It wasn't until Friday that I signed up for T-Mobile, then last night I finally canceled Verizon. I'm really glad to be free from their clutches.

        • Athishay

          HTC Desire HD, lost official support years ago, now running almost perfect 4.2.1.

          Never EVER rule out the Dev community, they can pull an entire family of rabbits outta their hats. That's the best part about Android, you just need to worry about the hardware, the software will ALWAYS be what you want it be.

        • Therest-oftheworld

          That is the case in the United States perhaps. I use a Galaxy Ace ( The original) and I am on android 4.2 through unofficial support, a 2 year old non-flagship mid-range phone, hardware is the only limit I have. So it's still cool for the rest of the world.

          As far as nexus is concerned, it isn't even available here.

        • http://www.linuxdistroreview.com/ Bo

          Only in the US do carriers provide updates...

      • kervation

        The beauty of Android is that there is a device for practically every user. What you prefer will be different from someone else.

      • Dieter Morgan

        I would give software more importance. Considering that almost any dual or quad core Android phone of the last 2 years will offer comparable performance. I'm using a LG Optimus G and right now there isn't a good alternative or vanilla Android ROM available.

      • Steve Williamson

        I agree and disagree.. yes you could put any ROM on hardware.. but really is the hardware difference between the top range of phones that different? top CPU, similar HDD, 2GB RAM, 250ppi screens... only thing really different is such things as NFC and wireless charging which is limited to a few phones.

        Not having to Root the device and having the latest software direct from google is a peace of mind thing. I wouldn't say its hassle to root and get other ROMs but its certainly isn't a walk in the park (done it with a couple devices)

        As far as software goes.. I cannot install such things as SKY GO on my tablet because its rooted (and currently no way of getting around these restrictions) Yes its stupid of SKY to do that, as I only have it rooted to keep my aging original Galaxy tab 10.1 up to date but still doesn't help my situation. So for now im "restricted" to using it on my nexus4.

        • mesmorino

          I agree with everything you've said (believe it or not :P). Rooting isn't the easiest or most straightforward of endeavours, but it *is* a possibility, you know? Having a phone with limited internal memory is just a brick wall

          And yes, the hardware differences across the top range phones aren't so great, but when google starts doing dumb things like removing an option, they start to differentiate themselves *negatively*. Even worse, it's not like they have a valid reason for doing these dumb things, they're basically doing stupid things based on stupid ways of thinking.

          First, you can't move the stupid search bar on a nexus phone. Mild irritant, but tolerable. Next, nexus phones don't have expandable storage. Even worse irritant, but manageable, if the built in memory was big enough- Except it's not. It's woefully inadequate. And then you can't remove the battery. What next? You can't root a nexus device, because google finally hits a version they think is perfect? (Not that that would ever happen, the developer revolt would be epic :P)

          These are too many negative ticks in what is supposed to be a high end phone, especially when it's direct competitors are trying extra hard. The Galaxy Note 2 (for example) has a bigger screen, a bigger battery that you can replace with an even bigger one (if you can find one :P), expandable memory, AND you can do whatever the hell you want with its homescreen, AND it has access to the same cloud services the nexus phones have, the same ones that google is sneakily (and stupidly) trying to force everyone on. There's just no practical reason to own a nexus phone, not in 2013. Oh sure it's fast, sure it's pretty, but does it even have toggle switches in the notification panel? Touchwiz does that right out of the box, with a list so long that it has to scroll. Meanwhile, I can't move the stupid search bar off my homescreen on a nexus 4, on what is supposed to be the most customisable platform around.

    • ProductFRED

      That's the only reason you should buy it then. And maybe the price if you're off contract. To me, it's the other way around. I'd rather have a removable battery and expandable storage (or at the very least, 32GB internal with no slot). Especially since you can flash a CM/AOKP/Paranoid Android ROM on just about any phone these days. It's not a bad phone; just lacking in key areas. Read this:

      http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/02/10/weekend-poll-and-news-roundup-has-a-nexus-phone-become-more-or-less-desirable-to-you-in-the-last-year/#comment-794854106

    • Tarek El-Ghazaly

      I used to be like that... especially with the big releases like ICS on my GNex. But after spending 1.5 years dealing with the GNex's horrid battery life, poor camera and limited storage, I gave up. The N4 made things worse by having glass on both sides. Depending on how awesome KLP is, I might get the next Xphone. But I'm really leabing towards one of the +6" phablets with epic battery life.

  • http://twitter.com/ArtVandelay440 Nathaniel Webb

    The ratio of carrier idiocy and nexus appeal is inversely proportional.

  • Allen

    The only thing that would make it better is if Google offered versions with activation kits from T-Mobile.

  • http://twitter.com/GiuntaRob Roberto Giunta

    I still HATE the fact that I can't just put in a microSD card because Google thinks (or at least argues so) that the ordinary user is too dumb to handle an external storage. And yeah, the Nexus 4 looks slick but man, I want a user-removable battery...

    But yes, overall, it got more desirable.

  • http://www.facebook.com/marcus.blough Marcus Blough

    Nexus phones with LTE support for each major carrier is going to be the sticking point in the US.

  • Samvith V Rao

    The nexus line is pretty much unheard of here in India. Thankfully Samsung have this covered with their excellent phones.

  • Ben

    I still have my Nexus One because no phone has managed to have the same feel in the hand yet (HTC One S is the only one that looks close but not available where I am) After having a Transformer Prime tablet and now a Nexus 7, there is no way I will ever buy an android device that is not stock android.

  • http://www.facebook.com/marc.okelly1 Marc OKelly

    As long as they are low priced I'll keep on buying them, I'm not going to pay $600 for an unlocked phone

  • PCSievers

    If Google had some stock around Xmas time I would own an N4. They didnt, I own a Note 2.

    There are two objective sides in this debate which basically splits on software and hardware. One side like Nexus because of updates getting Google features like photosphere months ahead of others. The other side wants expandable storage with SD cards and swappable batteries.

    I like the idea of Nexus on regular fast updates and being on the most up to date OS and as I say I planned on owning one were it not for stock issues - but all else being equal I need a huge amount of music files on an SD card and I prefer buyng a second battery for $5-10 so I never need to nurse the device if I want it to work for a full day.

  • http://twitter.com/oOBlueOo Haunter

    My desire for a Nexus hasn't changed. I've always wanted a Nexus since the N1... but dove in to Android early with the G1, and was happy... then went GalaxyS (Vibrant)... finally went Nexus with the Galaxy Nexus and I love it. It's got enough life letting me skip all this N4 drama. Also, the dream I've been waiting for, a full size Nexus tablet, finally happened this year and I had to snap that bad boy up.

  • Mapplegate

    Nexus phones have become more desirable to me, especially since recently acquiring my first one, a Galaxy Nexus. Unfortunately, the Nexus 4 isn't that interesting to me due to the non replaceable battery. It was the first thing I did with my Galaxy Nexus, and now I'm rocking a 3.2A battery that can make some tablet owners jealous.

  • RaviShah

    One X convinced me I didn't need a pure android phone. Sense 4+ is gorgeous and fast.

    • Cuvis

      Funny, it was my experience with the One S that convinced me that I really did need a pure Android phone. Different strokes, I suppose.

      • RaviShah

        I came from the quite outdated nexus s so maybe the power of the one x is what impressed me. Not the ui. But I do have a nexus 7 so I have a healthy balance of sense and stock. What was your experience with one s that convinced you?

        • Cuvis

          Well, it was a number of things. I mean, I came from the G2, which was pretty outdated itself, so I could definitely appreciate the power. But I didn't like Sense; it looked great, but just felt really, really disorganized (though maybe that's just the fact that I came from using the relatively vanilla G2, and then CyanogenMod, and then the equally-AOSP-derived Andromadus after that, so I was just used to the vanilla Android way of doing things). Plus, I got tired of reading about all the cool upgrades in Jellybean that I wasn't going to get -- I mean, T-Mobile's 4.1 ROM is *still* in closed beta. Add to this HTC's failure to open-source their drivers, which meant that most of the available custom ROMs (that weren't just respins of the stock Sense ROM, anyway) were either buggy or feature-incomplete, and I came to appreciate the Nexus way of doing things more and more. So, once the Nexus 4 was finally readily available, I nabbed it and didn't look back.

          • RaviShah

            Oh i see what you mean. I tried some cm10 based roms for my one x but since its the tegra 3 version things were always a little unstable so I stuck with modified sense roms. I think if you had had a chance to use the jellybean roms your mind might have changed. It fixed almost all the issues on the ics roms and made the phone what it should have been. However, I'm probably going to jump to the nexus though due to their price.

  • sqew

    My first smartphone and Android phone was a Galaxy S2. I learned my lesson and will never, *ever* buy a non-Nexus Android phone again. And I will also never sign a two-year cell phone contract again.

    • http://twitter.com/Telanis_ Telanis

      My first was an SGS 1 and it was awesome. What was wrong with your 2?

  • Derek B

    From now on no matter how nice the hardware or software may be I don't want anything to do with it if it doesn't have a micro SDcard slot and removable battery.

    • Nick V

      You would think that until you use Box.com or Dropbox, and switch phones. Box and DropBox makes it so much easier to go between phones than a microSD card does.

      • Derek B

        I use both but there are times when I go camping and want to load up a lot of music since there is no signal there.

  • mesmorino

    The newest nexus phone doesn't have removable storage, and the storage that does come with it is a pittance. Does it even have a removable battery?

    If i wanted a phone with a non-removable battery and no sd card slot I'd get an iPhone. The hardware is always going to be more important than the software, because you can always out whatever software you want on it.

    • pocketwhale

      "If i wanted a phone with a non-removable battery and no sd card slot I'd get an iPhone."

      That's a big jump to go from the most customizable android dev phone to an iphone. The biggest difference between iphone and lets say an SGS3 is not the removable storage + battery, its the operating system and ability to make the phone do just about anything you want it to. Grab anyone's iphone and you already know what it will look like before unlocking it: lots of homescreens filled with icons and folders. If you want an extremely simple phone then iphones are great. My wife has one and it's perfect for her.

  • exa

    Most of the nexus were less powerful than the market high end phones, the nexus is the first high end nexus and at half price of high end phone, how can you not want one ?

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1312291338 Tim Miller

      Did you even try to proofread that?

  • monoik

    I started with Android with the international SGS2. 2 months ago I got the Nexus 7 and I'm pretty sure my next phone will be... The next Nexus with OLED screen. AMOLED is a must for me, the deep blacks are astonishing and my time with N7 only soldified my opinion. If El Goog will put it on their next phone, I'm instasold.

    • deltatux

      A properly calibrated Nexus 4 (stock colours are washed out) has pretty good blacks, won't beat OLED but still very respectable.

  • http://twitter.com/bigknowzz Leon

    My Gnex is running faster and with significantly better battery life 15 months in thanks to all the great developers out there. I notice from helping my buddies with skinned phones that modding non Nexus phones is much more difficult and always a step behind. I'll be upgrading again this winter and looking forward to the Nexus 5? or whatever they'll call it.

  • Евгений Сазонов

    I've owned lots of android phones including latest galaxy s3 etc, and at last i got my nexus 4. I will stack only to nexus phones in future because software updates and pure android experience suits my geeks soul :)

    Hardware doesnt matter for my tasks

  • MattH818

    The Nexus 4 is my first true Nexus device, and I love it. I had a BB Storm, OG Droid, Droid Bionic (all VZW), and now the N4 on T-Mo. I can honestly say I've never liked a phone more than this one, yes even the OG. I got tired of watching my brother flash rom after rom on his GNex and I was stuck with my Bionic on JB. I will never go back to a non-Nexus phone as long as Google offers them. I can live with the Nexus 4 "limitations" because I want something open, not tied down to a carrier, and that receives timely updates. And honestly if the so-called limitations of the Nexus line aren't for you then fine. More Nexus for the rest of us.

  • http://twitter.com/andrewpenner78 Andrew P.

    My intro into the world of Android occurred in April 2012, with none other then the Galaxy Nexus. Since it was a Canadian variant (Yakjuux -- 4.0.2), it didn't take me very long to take a flying leap into rooting it and getting the latest ICS (4.0.4). Battery life was ok-ish, but once I stopped using every single avalable second (and with an extended battery installed) I was much happier. Kept hoping/waiting for a software fix for the weak radios and low speaker performance -- which didn't happen.

    All that aside, I'm really toying with the idea of buying myself an N4. Such a great phone for an incredible price. Is it absolutely bleeding edge as far as hardware? No, but it's close. Is it cutting edge as far as software? Yep, bugs and all. The only 2 things that concern me about the N4 is the glass back, and the lack of replaceable battery.

    If Google keeps up with the "almost cutting edge" hardware, plus bleeding edge software, with the same incredible prices -- I see no reason to go anywhere else. Unless of course someone hands me a Note 2, that thing is a BEAST!

  • Kurt Wurmser

    I want the option of a microSD card and a removable battery. CM or AOKP cover a lot of non-Nexus phones.

  • challenge_accepted

    The lack of carrier subsidy and lte has turned me off from the nexus. Obviously the stock Android and updates are a huge bonus and if att ever gets a nexus that Google provides updates for I would jump on it.

    My next choice would be Motorola. Really approve of what they're doing with the battery. And I believe the next Motorola might be even more stock Android.

    • tsunami1609

      Really? The lack of carrier subsidy? Fair enough, but that whole thing is what people are trying to avoid and often considered a plus for the Nexus. If you're looking at the carrier subsidy, then you're looking at a 2 year contract. In addition, in most cases the new contract signed is more expensive/worse off than the current, so you end up paying much more in the 2 year run. God forbid you ever want/need to switch carriers.

  • dsass600

    As long as it's not on Verizon and the specs are good.

  • Chronus719

    After a bad hardware experience with Samsung and the Galaxy Nexus (2 phones with the same charging issue within one week of purchase) I was a bit soured, mainly on Samsung hardware (ended up living with an iPhone 3GS for the next 9 months... NEVER. AGAIN).

    After getting my Nexus 4, however, I am more satisfied with this phone than any phone I have had in a while. I will definitely continue looking forward to future Nexus devices.

  • Rinkesh621

    never owned nexus

    Motorola v66 (2002 - 2003)

    Samsung SGH-R225M (2003-2004)

    Motorola V180 (2004-2006)

    Motorola Razr (2006-2007)

    Nokia N96 (2007-2010)

    Sony Ercisson Xperia X10 (2010 - 2010) - Sold it
    T-Mobile My Touch 3G (2010-2011) - Temp phone from friend
    Nokia E63(2011-2012) Temp phone -unlocked
    Samsung Galaxy Note 2(2012-present)

    • Rinkesh621

      Hahaha

  • rvichar

    Received the nexus 4 finally after numerous sell outs and its worth waiting for. It blows away the performance of my one x and I no longer need third party apps to do what the vanilla stock does out of the box.

  • http://codytoombs.wordpress.com/ Cody Toombs

    The Nexus line started great (with the Nexus One) and then went through a really dark period (with both Samsung entries) before becoming competitive again with the Nexus 4.

    As long as the hardware remains truly competitive with other contenders, I'm inclined to continue buying Nexus phones...especially if prices remain as incredible as they currently are. Of course, I'll always consider alternatives that include an unlocked bootloader and a high likelihood of support by CyanogenMod.

  • kervation

    To each his own, but the pure Android experience has always been my first preference. Software updates for the platform also are essential to me, assuring me of receiving Google's vision as it was intended.

  • cy_n_ic

    Yes you can put any software you want on any phone but i have to say you cant beat the dev support of a nexus device. It all starts here and trickles down to other devices. No waiting for ports or mods to be tweaked to work. I doubt anyone is enjoying such a bugless experience with pie ui besides the nexus community

    • kervation

      Great point!

    • GraveUypo

      bugless?
      there's like an article a week posted on ap alone on bugs a new version of android brings to one or other nexus device. from battery leaks to corrupted memory trimming and such.

      i voted for "neither". i don't have any kind of bias towards nexus devices, be negative or positive. it's just... they've never really been the "best" option for me. that and i'll never buy a phone that doesn't include a removable storage slot on it.
      i kinda want both tablets on their biggest-storage versions tho.

  • redragn5

    I know for me anymore as long as the phone has current hardware (not bleeding edge, but not on the cusp of obsolesence) and Dev support (preferably from the Cyanogen team) I'm good. I like a lot of what the N4 has to offer (easy unlock/root for software tinkering/fixing, great internals, fantastic price) but some things are a little off putting (16GB max storage, glass back). When my contract is up with Verizon I will probably still pick one up and head for prepaid land, but not just because it's a Nexus.

  • Eric Jones

    Since the Nexus 4 doesn't have a removable battery and SD card slot, and isn't on Sprint, it's not even an option for me. I could be very interested in the Nexus 5, if it has a big enough battery and internal storage, and works on Sprint. I'm thinking that the next Motorola phone will be exactly what I want/need though.

    • Cuvis

      After the debacle that was the Verizon GNex, I doubt Google will be interested in doing a CDMA Nexus again. The carriers have way too much control for the Nexus philosophy to take root.

  • Asphyx

    Well I will not be getting a Nexus anytime soon until they come out with a Slider Keyboard version of the Nexus. While OSKs have come a long way there is nothing as quick as a slider for typing.

    And while there is much to be said (and thankfull for) about having a Google Experience device (I have a Xoom thats outlived even my wildest expectations), I find that as long as your unit is reasonably supported and upgraded to the latest version of Android it's not as big an issue due to all the developers making AOSP roms to use. The key delay is in the Kernel Compatability that usually requires the Manufacturer to release an OTA that gives you the Kernel you need to run the latest AOSP offerring.

    If the Manufacturers (other than Samsung) would stop locking the bootloaders this issue would go away and there would be no need for waiting for an OTA to run the latest and greatest.

    And if HTC or Moto were smart enough to do that for one of thier high end units they might take a healthy bite out of Samsung's marketshare. Having a "Nexus" would not be the only option available to those who want to run the latest version.

    And I have found that what version my phone runs is much less important to me now that I have a tablet to do all of the cool stuff on. My phone has been relegated to my phone and WiFi Hotspot again with the capability of doing what I need to do on those few times I didn't take the tablet with me.
    SO it's less and less important that my phone has the latest version of Adnroid than it is a very stable version of android that doesn't overtax the hardware of my older phone.

  • Benedek Nagy

    actually the main reason for thir desirebility is their value compared to their price. Great hardware with great up-to date software with the best price in the category.

  • https://twitter.com/#!/psycho_maniac_ Jerry Lange

    I'm happy with my galaxy nexus on verizon. It's prolly the only nexus phone that will ever be on verizon.

  • zacomaco

    Nexus has become more attractive mainly for one reason: PRICE!!!!!!!!!

  • Vilmar Simson

    Less but for different reasons listed.

  • M00S3

    I think you have to own a Nexus to truly appreciate the competition. I sold both my Xperia and my Transformer to get a GNex and N7 and was nexus mad for about 6 months. Now they both bore me a bit, I use my N7 for e-book reading mainly so i will keep it but i WILL upgrade to the Xperia Z when it launches as im so bored of my GNex, the modding forums are kinda boring because the hardware is difficult to port to so XDA is filled with 50 different kinds of AOSP. I miss HTC sense and all the extras I miss having a xperia that is MEANT to play music (one of the primary uses for my phone). BUT i will admit that you have to buy a nexus to understand that POV. I was sick of the bloated sense and constantly flashing AOSP roms when i have an Xperia which is why i jumped ship to nexus land but i go bored and will happily return to a non nexus phone

  • Samuel Mendoza

    Less, and i have a galaxy nexus.

  • cheesenugget

    Less, because Samsung actually made a convincing case with the SGS3 and GN2.

    • http://twitter.com/Dave_BG Dave Bg

      Yep, i already got the N2 and is far better than anything else right now.

  • JG

    I have 2 issues with the Nexus line. First, its GSM only. I understand why, but, I wouldn't mind another chance at a CDMA version.... Around here Verizon is pretty much king. They have the most complete coverage with the fewest dead zones, and are the only provider (to my knowledge) to offer 4G. Their closest competitor, AT&T, has a decent signal coverage map, but their recent network upgrade (over the summer) brought us 3G. Better signal + faster data + grandfathered unlimited data pretty much equals me staying on Verizon, and thus never getting a chance to get a Nexus....

    My other issue (and I'll probably take some heat for this) is its kind of iPhoney.... While it does have the one advantage iOS has - ensured immediate updating to the newest OS version the day its announced, the Nexus line also lacks one thing that makes Android nice - hardware diversity. Only one phone per year gets the Nexus title. And the only option (like with iPhones) it seems is - do you want an 8GB or 16GB? Maybe if they were more like HTC's One series that have a flagship, mid-range & budge version... Personally I, like others here, like having an SD card. But Google pretty much says "No" on that front...

    If I were to have updated when the Galaxy Nexus came out, even though it was a Verizon phone, I think I would have gone with HTC's Rezound instead.... Almost identical hardware, except the Rezound has an SD card.... And while it shipped with Gingerbread instead of the GNex's ICS, thanks to CM or AOKP, etc I could very easily have updated it myself... Granted I wouldn't have been able to upgrade to Jelly Bean 0-day like the GNex would have (baring Verizon meddling with it), but it'd have been a lot faster than HTC's updates.... And I've lived with 2.3.4 Gingerbread this long on my Droid X, I'm sure a month or two behind would have been OK....

  • http://twitter.com/dennislaska dennis laska

    Nexus is the only android phone I would buy. Sold off my iphones and bought 2 nexus 4 8GB!

  • Tom

    It's 50/50 for me, I still would like to get a Nexus for the updates, but at the same time, with the Galaxy S3, I'm more than happy I'll be able to use the hardware for a few years unlike the Galaxy S which got outdated quite quickly.

  • MrWicket

    MOAR Nexus! :P

  • Drew M

    The problem that I've had with all community ROMs that I've ever tried is that they aren't 100% functional, or as bug free as the official firmware. Particularly troublesome have been things like cameras, MHL, hardware acceleration, wakelocks, and general instability. The CarrierIQ thing bothered me too since I was on an HTC at the time. I've gotten phones with the idea that I could manage without official support, but it never really worked out that way. As long as the Nexus program continues to be the spearhead of Android development, that's what I'll continue to have. It's really the software that makes the experience, not the hardware.

    • Chris Wueste

      Preach it brotha

  • Magnus100

    The only advantage of a Nexus is that you get updates first but the disadvantages are longer than your arm
    1. Feature pour compared to say Samsung phones

    2. Poor battery

    3. Non removable battery

    4. Inadequate internal storage

    5. Lack of SD support

    6. Unimpressive camera

    7. Never gets the latest or best processor

    In any case I don't see myself using any other phone but the Note. Once you've used a Note all others become inadequate and I'm not just talking size but also in terms of the exceeding superiority of the Note in functionality with the S pen

    • Chris Wueste

      And a processor that currently beats the snapdragon in the nexus is??????? BTW...my batterly lasts long enough and I don't see why everyone hates on the camera so badly.

      • ProductFRED

        Exynos 4412 is neck in neck and has a much better GPU (Mali-400MP).

    • FrillArtist

      What a stupid post. The N4 processor is at the top of its game. The battery is almost the same as the S3. The camera is more than enough for day to day picture taking. Etc.

      • http://twitter.com/Dave_BG Dave Bg

        the camera app sucks...

    • Cuvis

      I have to take issue with a couple of those. The Nexus 4 is the first Nexus to have a non-removable battery, and conversely, it has one of the best processors on the market today.

  • gr227

    I think the poll should have the option for:
    Verizon ruined the Nexus experience for me.

  • https://plus.google.com/u/0/108482452903817442299/posts Andrew Bone

    Every Android phone I have ever owned has been a nexus phone since the N1

  • wewewi

    Coming from a Tegra3 HTC One X, (Please don't laugh!) got my N4 last week.

    Not looking. Real multitasking is great.

  • Daeshaun Griffiths

    i said yes because damn those motion features look good. The Note 2 is quite attactive too. I own a Gnex.

  • TechGuy21

    got a S3 would love to get a nexus 4 sadly im gonna wait for S4 or the next nexus. never actually owned a nexus device. oh wait i got a nexus 7 smh

  • JonJJon

    I've love my GS3 but I'm going to try to sell it so I can buy myself the Nexus 4 and enjoy the stock experience on that for a while :)

  • feres13

    I just don't get it, when apple launches the iPhone 5 with LTE, they do it well : no carrier apps, no carrier bloatware, no ugly branding (i'm looking at you verizon) and immediate updates, but when it comes to google (YES GOOGLE)they couldn't do it right, either we have lte and we have to deal with the carrier's crap, or not and we get crappy HSPA+
    And please no bashing or hating comments because i mentionned iOS, i use both of them (iOS for tablets and Android generally for phones, althrought i sometimes switch back & forward to the iPhone)

  • http://twitter.com/ToysSamurai Toys Samurai

    I can't vote -- On one hand, the Nexus phone on its own becomes a more attractive piece of hardware. On another hand, I am having less and less confidence on Google supporting its own phone. For one, Google still doesn't seem to make up its mind whether the Nexus line is for developers or for consumers (the fact that it ordered so few Nexus 4 suggests that they are still not seeing it as a consumer device.) Secondly, there are things that absolutely has to be in the Nexus 4 now, but they don't. For example, Bluetooth Low Power Profile support is missing. Making it worse is that some OEM phones do support it! On top of that, developers seem to be testing their products on phones that sell more rather than the Nexus standard -- meaning, Galaxy S series. I've seen apps that explicitly states that they were tested on the Galaxy S2/3, but they didn't mention a Nexus.

  • Matthew Fry

    I'm sorry to say but my experiences with the N10 have shown me that being on the cutting edge of Android means being left with broken software and zero support. I've come to believe that the reason updates come slower to non Nexus devices is solely because hardware manufacturers have to do their due diligence because Google doesn't test the updates they release. No more Nexus devices for me.

  • TK

    More desirable. I would have bought a galaxy nexus if it wasn't for the awful speaker. As it stands, I also love the low cost and unlocked aspects of the N4. Will buy a nexus tablet when I get money as well.

  • http://www.facebook.com/nicksmizzle Nicholas Smith

    i would have bought a nexus 4 if it weren't for aokp and the amount of development for the galaxy s3 which i already own. i like the nexus brand and i really dig the pure android ui. but the bigger screen and expandable memory made me stick with my s3

  • Cuvis

    I honestly have gotten more excited about the Nexus. My first Android phone (the HTC G2) was pretty much vanilla Android, and I've gotten quite used to it, but there aren't many non-Nexus phones that still provide the vanilla experience out of the box (certainly not any as high-end as the Nexus). Updates are an issue as well; I know there are community ROMs, but my most recent phone before the Nexus 4 (the HTC One S) didn't have a single community ROM that didn't have some sort of issues. Much better if I can just get the latest updates direct from Google. Price is an issue, too; you simply cannot buy a phone of the Nexus 4's quality in the same (unsubsidized) price range. Yes, yes, I know about your little subsidies, but I'm paying half as much as you for my monthly service, so shaddap.

    That said, and as much as I like the Nexus 4, it doesn't really feel like a phone designed with the power user and developer in mind, which is what it's supposed to be, isn't it? The non-removable battery and no MicroSD slot are the biggest issues from a power user standpoint, IMHO. Yes, I know about Google's excuse for no MicroSD, but if the problem was merely with having multiple data partitions, why not just have the phone have 4GB or so on board for system and apps, use the MicroSD card as the sole data partition, and include an 8GB MicroSD card in the box? Make it a Class 10 one, if you're worried about performance; it still would be pretty cheap. The glass back is another thing that makes me feel that way; it certainly looks nice, but it's also more breakable than a plastic back, to say nothing of an aluminum one. It shows a design priority on "sexy" rather than "practical".

  • rap

    More desirable but I wouldn't rule out a non-nexus especially in something like a Note II for which there is no comparable Nexus device.

  • http://www.facebook.com/archercc Ryan Stewart

    I got the Galaxy Nexus and I'll probably never have a non Nexus again. Now, with my unlocked Nexus 4 I have cast off the shackles of a contract phone plan. Hopefully forever.

  • OSagnostic

    In the UK it is more attractive than a year ago because it (current nexus) is cheaper than it (old nexus) was year ago.

  • primalxconvoy

    After reading that Google wanted to further the nexus brand of Google phones by cutting out the middleman and selling unlocked, pure android devices, I gave up all interest due to no product being available anywhere and the fact that you can only buy the phones through a carrier anyway, defeating the whole purpose of a free and item phone. I might as well just get a carrier crippled phone from the carriers and leave the nexus phones for devs, as they are obviously intended to be.

    • OSagnostic

      The Nexus 4 is now available. It is not the right phone for everyone. Pick your priorities then pick your phone, you are not forced to buy it.

    • Cuvis

      Err... not sure if you realize this, but the Nexus 4 has been rather freely available from Google in every country it's been released since the end of last month or so. I ordered one on Jan. 29 and had it in my hands on Feb. 4.

  • primalxconvoy

    Where is my original post and why is it that when I go to edit my posts here, , I can't scroll down my post as the tiny letterbox on display keeps shunting me to the top of the article? Please fix the site!

  • IncCo

    I just need one with 32 gb ! Come ON! Games and apps just keep getting bigger, its not like it would cost anything to put in some extra storage when its this cheap in todays market.

  • Bruce Gavin Ward

    and in this case i'm backing up my vote with action; my Nexus4 arives at my door tomorrow!
    [and with WindMobile in Canada i get unlimited 'everything' for $30/mo with no contract - i paid for the phone.] It will be a hotSpot for my Nexus7 also.

  • http://www.facebook.com/lester.bambico Lester Bambico

    i'd say what i am looking for an android phone right now is the assurance that when a new android version comes out, im sure the manufacturer won't leave me out as "outdated hardware"
    so there, a nexus device suits my preference currently

  • Sherman J. Buster

    The Nexus 4 made the Nexus line less desirable for me. I just don't want it. Partially because I have not liked LG products in the past, partially, and nothing to do with the phone itself, because I'm stuck on Verizon and the 4 is not an option for me.
    Now that I'm about to have the money to buy a phone, off contract (thank you tax return), I'm not buying the GNex, because it is an inferior phone to many out (my wife has one and it barely gets better battery life than my TBolt). So, I'm going with either the GS3 dev. ed. or the RAZR HD dev. ed. Why? Unlocked bootloader, same $600 price. GS3 has great dev support, but I don't know if I can handle all that plastic. RAZR HD, feels solid, great battery, but almost no dev support, however it is the closest to stock you can get with a non-Nexus on Verizon. Besides, maybe buying the RAZR HD will force me off my lazy butt and learn to build for myself.

  • Luis Reynaldo Corcino

    In my case, i was exited until i bought a Gnex two months ago. At first, i loved the experience. I loved the fact that right out of the box, i had an OTA update waiting for me. But after some weeks, i kind of got "tired" of the vanilla look. I missed the "freedom" of switching between different OSes in a heartbeat. I missed going from Touchwiz to AOSP, then to MIUI, then back to AOSP, then back Touchwiz, then to MIUI...with my nexus, i realized that i love that. With a Nexus, the options are pretty much MIUI and AOSP based roms, and after a couple of weeks, i was tired of seeing the same screen and the same UI. I already sold the GNex, and bought a S3 on ebay, im waiting for it to arrive. Hopefully this week.

    • didibus

      Isn't there plenty more custom ROMs you could try like CyanogenMod, AOKP, paranoid android, Moto Blur, TouchWhiz UX, etc.

  • http://www.facebook.com/gregori.gualdron Gregori David Gualdron

    I got so dissapointed about the screen on the Nexus 7 tablet... It cracks so easy!

  • Wes

    Honestly, the lack of expandable storage is a big deal to me. I love stock Android over OEM skins, but when I can just root of and put on CM or another ROM onto my S3 the things I like about Nexus phones are moot. If I wasn't comfortable with rooting then I'd get a Nexus all the way. I just wish that they had expandable storage.

  • http://www.androidpolice.com/ Artem Russakovskii

    I must say, I own both the Nexus 4 and recently the LTE Note II, and while the stock Android and guaranteed fast updates definitely have their appeal, I am much happier with the Note II.

    Samsung has done a phenomenal job with this phone. It is so good on so many levels, the most important ones being stellar battery life and snappiness.

  • http://www.charmedproductions.com/ kizza42

    SGS3 was my first ever Android/Touchwiz experience, It will likely be my last Touchwiz experience, pure Android from now on for me.

  • T F

    I want the white one to come out so bad

  • fzammetti

    If Samsung keeps doing a bang-up job of actually adding some value to Android without wrecking the core of it then to me it's less important. I think my GS3 strikes just the right balance and they did a real good job of not messing up what's so great about Android while adding their own embellishments, some of which are actually pretty nice... ditto the Note2.

  • DonSerrot

    It has certainly grown for me. I started with a Droid 2 Global and it was good for my needs at first. I quickly outgrew it and only stuck with it to see what the dev community could do with it. Over that time I realized that what I wanted most was the pure version of Android. Everything I did to that D2G was moving it closer and closer to the stock Android look. When the Nexus 7 hit I was on that day one. As I played with it I knew that it was exactly what I had been looking for. Right now I'm using a used Galaxy Nexus waiting for the last three months of my Verizon contract to tick away. I just got my Nexus 4 in the mail and while I wait to activate it with a Straight Talk AT&T SIM I'm using it on Wi-Fi/Bluetooth tethering so I can get everything I normally use going smoothly.

  • Freak4Dell

    I still love the concept of a Nexus. Pure, untouched Android that's easily modded would be great. However, they want to make the Nexus phones giant, so screw it...I won't own a Nexus. If they ever change their mind and start making smaller phones, it will be an instant buy, but until then, I'm looking elsewhere.

  • SilentMobius

    Less, but not because there are better options. The N4 was disappointing so I just stuck with my GNex, wouldn't touch a skinned Android device though

  • Xajel

    I was really considering a Nexus last year, but now I'm not... the reason ? Google !! the fact that they forces us to adopt their thinking is just against Android natural... not OTG out of the box and no microSD ( with small internal memory ) is bad...

  • Antti Eskelinen

    Lets just say that I think that Samsung has done something to add value to the product and Note 2 is an excellent phone. Maybe the best phone there is. BUT pure Nexus is looking now more attractive in my eyes since google is getting their stuff together and I am tired of waiting to get the latest updates.
    But lets see. I have both Nexus 4 and Note 2 and currently I do like Note 2 more but thats just because the bigger screen

  • Tatsuya

    I'm waiting for an Apple Nexus (with 2 micro-SD slots and S-Beam).

  • Yosef

    I'm just kind of shocked the first statement in this news post said something about a Sony phone being "Great"....

  • http://twitter.com/HerXtheSlayer Mario

    tbh the only reason I didn't buy galaxy nexus is samsung's decision to use cheap plastics to make phones. As for N4, damn I wish google figures out that they're a global company and start selling their shit outside of those 3-4 countries they sell 'em now.

  • http://twitter.com/Dave_BG Dave Bg

    It does not have SD card and the battery is non removable. Why would anyone want it where there is Samsung phones that have everything...

  • http://www.facebook.com/Jeremy6820 Jeremy Gomez

    I have the LG Optimus G, which is a great phone, but doesn't have much going on in the development community yet. I'm getting impatient, software wise, and am really wanting the Nexus 4 as much as I did when I first heard about it.

  • Steve Freeman

    I voted More, but that's not exactly true. I like being able to try different ROM's and kernels, which is obviously easier on a Nexus device. However, if a non-Nexus device is fully unlocked, and a large development community embraces it with ROM and kernel releases, that's all I really care about. Of course, that's more likely on a Nexus device, but it's not necessarily limited to only Nexuses (Nexii?).

  • mldi

    I don't know why people hate on plastics, because the only reason I haven't jumped for an N4 is precisely because of that glass back. I just don't want to scratch and/or break it. If it had a plastic back, it'd be in my hands right now.

  • http://robert.aitchison.org raitchison

    Less, though I've never been particularly interested in the newer Nexus devices due to their lack of expandable storage, the Nexus 4 added insult to injury by omitting a replaceable battery.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=667020551 Jose Torres

    More desirable yes, but without expandable storage I STILL will have to pass this by.

  • MooleyBooleyTroll

    I bought an N4 and, while I do like it, I miss my Razr Maxx HD.

  • bobbutts

    Having rooted and rom'd some older phones recently, I'm reminded of how much I appreciate the ability to do that without worrying about bricking the device or fussing with hacks. Having an unlocked bootloader is the way to go.

  • http://twitter.com/Telanis_ Telanis

    Commenting from my new N4 -- this thing is amazing. Ultra fast, looks and feels great. Barely bigger than my new BB Z10 (also great BTW) but somehow seems like it is, the screen is awesome. Anyone who doesn't want this, unlocked at Google's stupidly low price, is insane.

  • nahbro25

    I love my GNexus. Unfortunately I think it will be the last Nexus that Verizon gets. Thankfully it is a Nexus so I don't have to rely on Verizon to support it. Soon as they kill my unlimited I will jump ship. 4G Nexus and Unlimited is the only thing keeping where I am.

  • TeeFredNYC

    I wanted a Nexus 4 so bad but no CDMA/ LTE support and pathetic memory options left me baffled. A SG3 x Cyanogen Mod 10.1 gives me all i need for now. I desperately want a Nexus though. Tired of jumping through hoops for basic functionality. I just want the ultimate Nexus device. Id trade my SG3 in a min for a 32/64,GB Nexus 4 looking device on Sprint in a heartbeat

  • nekkidtruth

    How about, "Depends on which manufacturer is making the Nexus device"? I can confidently say I don't intend to purchase any Nexus device made by LG. It's obvious they're not up to the task. They were given the opportunity to show what they can do and they failed miserably. The claim that nobody was aware how popular the Nexus device would be is simply a fool (I'm looking at you LG). The Nexus devices have picked up steam year after year and was skyrocketed by the Nexus Galaxy and the Nexus 7. You didn't need a crystal ball to see where that was leading.

    If Google goes with LG again, I'll be sure to skip that Nexus device as well. Just as I've done with the Nexus 4.

  • fewesttwo

    My view may be slightly warped on this (as with many other). I think right now I would rather have the Xperia Z, because I almost 100% know it will get a nice stable CM on it, due to Sony's openness with devs. But at the same time, part of the draw to the N4 for me, (and a major reason I got rid of my SGS2) was its price. There is nothing out there just now that can come close to it for its price, which is why I think I wanted one more than ever. I debated the SGS2 and the gNex, with both being about the same price, but the SGS2 had a nicer screen. The price on the N4, for me, makes it the most realistcally available device on the market.

  • Elias

    Order of relevance for me: top hardware, low price and pure Android with updates right from Google. Enough reason to buy any of the current nexus devices.
    Despite lack of micro SD and USB otg, I'm very happy with my n4. Bonus: it's gorgeous.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Markert/100001113752823 Richard Markert

    I have no desire for a Nexus device. Google's hardware philosophy and desire to force everybody onto the cloud turns me off them, as well as the fact that "Google-stock"/AOSP Android is incredibly boring looking.