• Google unveils the LG Nexus 4

    Published on 10-29-2012 09:01 PM
    128 Comments Comments

    Today Google announced the Google Nexus 4. It's similar to the LG Optimus G but with an up-to-date version of Android. That means you get a 4.7" 1280x768 IPS display with Gorilla Glass 2 - to say the display on the Optimus G is amazing is a gross understatement. Other specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, 2100mAh battery, etc. One feature which the Nexus 4 lacks is LTE though it does have penta-band HSPA+ support.

    It will ship with Android 4.2 and will be available in 8GB and 16GB models. Neither will have a microSD card slot

    The 8GB model will cost $299 while the 16GB is $349 or $309/$359 CAN. Both are unlocked. For the hardware you get, it's a killer deal but the lack of LTE may be a deal killer for both carriers and some customers. The lack of microSD may be a deal-breaker for reviewers.

    The lack of LTE is a big disappointment and pretty much ensures no carriers besides T-Mobile will promote it. That said penta-band HSPA+ gives you the most flexibility if you're going to switch carriers (another reason why probably no one will promote it). As far as customers are concerned, it really depends on how congested your carrier's HSPA networks are.

    T-Mobile will be selling the 16GB model for $199 on contract. I tried T-Mobile's network in New York recently and I was mildly impressed. In the places I was it was certainly fast enough that I could live without LTE.

    The price point is very competitive but I also find it quite interesting. Basically, what the price means is that if an OEM can't make an Android overlay that connects with consumers like Touchwiz or to a lesser extent Sense, then all their super high-end phone is worth is around $349 unlocked. Another way to put it is that all 'Android' phones are only worth $349 max. I'd expect OEM's to put more work in their software overlays going forward.

    Personally, I'm not sure if I'll get it. Stock Android is nice but it lacks some features. Then again, it's a killer deal. What about you? Interested?

    You can order it Nov 14th from Google Play.
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Google unveils the LG Nexus 4 started by Droiiiiiiiiid View original post
    Comments 127 Comments
    1. Groot's Avatar
      Groot - 10-29-2012, 01:03 PM
      I think the device is a failure.

      When the Google Nexus was introduced I could forgive Samsung/Google for not having LTE it was relatively new.
      Today most carriers support LTE and I can not buy any device without LTE.
    1. MasonDoctorJT's Avatar
      MasonDoctorJT - 10-29-2012, 01:59 PM
      16 GB? Come on, put an ad slot already!

      Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using HowardForums
    1. Joey_G_1975's Avatar
      Joey_G_1975 - 10-29-2012, 04:13 PM
      I can't really complain about the price! $359 + taxes is a great deal - even if it's a second phone!
    1. superman17's Avatar
      superman17 - 10-29-2012, 04:57 PM
      I can't believe they didn't include LTE!!!
    1. xtachx's Avatar
      xtachx - 10-29-2012, 05:14 PM
      Well, I had a look at the specs, and the price. The price is amazing! However, no sd card slot, with 16 GB memory? This seems a little backwards to me. As a user in Canada, google's cloud music doesnt even work here. What am I supposed to do with so little memory and no SD card?
    1. Tsepz_GP's Avatar
      Tsepz_GP - 10-29-2012, 06:05 PM
      Its a major letdown Memory wise, especially for a enthusiast phone like a Nexus, the sort of people buying a Nexus play huge HD games, root their phones, use them as mass storage devices, throw tons of HQ music and HD movies in them, keep back ups of custom ROMs and other SW etc... If this was 3years ago it would be fine. Very odd move by the big G.

      I simply cant get it, i am typing this on my 32GB GS3 with a 32GB MicroSD, meaning ive got around 60GB of memory, as much as i like the N4, i just cant drop all this memory.
    1. mixedguy's Avatar
      mixedguy - 10-29-2012, 10:05 PM
      People with Galaxy Nexus have no problem with 16gb of memory limit so I don't think it will be a issue for its fanbase. The Galaxy Nexus probably has the most dev support out all the Android phones and I expect the Nexus 4 to follow suit.

      Google is trying push its cloud services with the Nexus line up so limiting the memory capacity helps with that. Also limiting the memory capacity to 16gb helps keep the price down. There are plenty of high end Android alternatives for people that need massive amounts for internal space but for everyone else I think the Nexus 4 16gb will be fine

      Besides the memory limit everything else about the phone is beast especially for that low of a price off contract. I will defiantly be picking one up when its released. TheVerge put out a short preview of the Nexus 4.

      "What is surprising is how much better it all looks in person. Compared to the LG Optimus G, which shares many of the same components, it's no contest — the Nexus 4 is a far nicer piece of hardware. It feels weighty and high-end, and the tight construction combined with the soft-touch plastic on the sides and chrome edging give it a solidly executive vibe"

      "On the bright side, the 320 ppi IPS+ LCD screen is terrific — a massive upgrade over the so-so Galaxy Nexus display and competitive with the iPhone's 326 ppi Retina Display. And it's not just competitive in pixel density; the screen looks stunning. The screen is also curved slightly at the edges, like it's been melted over the phone; Google says it's meant to improve swiping in from the sides of the device."

      "Performance on the phone was snappy. Google execs we spoke with pointed out just how fast the new Snapdragon CPU is, and in our short time testing the phone, it seemed to rip through just about anything we threw at it with little or no hesitation."


      http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3...e-release-date
      Source^^^

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66-4uMQqerA
      ^^Awesome video showcasing Nexus 4 and Nexus 10
    1. graveboss's Avatar
      graveboss - 10-29-2012, 11:10 PM
      I've been in the market to buy a new Smartphone and replace my LG Thrive and the LG Nexus 4 is a good phone from the looks of the specs and seeing a few reviews of the very similar LG Optimus G. The price is good at $350. However I'm on a budget and while I can afford the LG Nexus 4, I really don't use my smartphone much unless I'm out and about or listening to music or watching a few videos as I already have a Nexus 7 for games like Asphalt 7. I am thinking of instead saving $100 to $125 and buying a Galaxy Nexus on ebay and enjoying that for the next two years.

      I guess the question is, will I really see a difference between the new LG Nexus 4 and the Galaxy Nexus in watching videos, surfing the web, and playing Angry Birds?
    1. lmcjipo's Avatar
      lmcjipo - 10-30-2012, 12:47 AM
      I have a Samsung Google Nexus-S and based on the specs, this LG Google Nexus-4 looks interesting. I normally skip at least 1 generation when I purchase a new phone (so far I skipped the Galaxy Nexus). The thing that I don't like about it is that it doesn't include LTE. However, as someone who if I get this phone, plans to use this factory unlocked phone in both Canada (under Rogers/Fido) and in the US (with T-Mobile), having it as pentaband 3G is good. I was using my Fido Nexus-S with T-Mobile when I was in the US and I was limited to EDGE speeds which I found sometimes too slow to do what I really wanted to do.
    1. FFR's Avatar
      FFR - 10-30-2012, 01:29 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by tech4fun View Post
      I think the device is a failure.

      When the Google Nexus was introduced I could forgive Samsung/Google for not having LTE it was relatively new.
      Today most carriers support LTE and I can not buy any device without LTE.
      No expandable memory
      No removable battery
      Only 16gb
      No LTE

      I was under the impression that NEXUS stood for cutting edge, not bargain basement.
    1. ijcy's Avatar
      ijcy - 10-30-2012, 01:34 AM
      does the fact that LG makes it bother only me?
    1. packstrap's Avatar
      packstrap - 10-30-2012, 01:45 AM
      LG Nexus 4 is definitely my next phone. No LTE, who cares? No expandable memory? 16GB is enough for me. And we all know that all "Nexuses" either phone or tablet had none. This is superb! This is innovative! Watch the video and maybe you wouldn't ask for more . That's just my personal opinion though.
    1. Tsepz_GP's Avatar
      Tsepz_GP - 10-30-2012, 01:56 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by FFR View Post
      No expandable memory
      No removable battery
      Only 16gb
      No LTE

      I was under the impression that NEXUS stood for cutting edge, not bargain basement.
      Well then you were highly mistaken! Nexus phones have never been cutting edge, they have always had mediocre specs EXCEPT their CPUs,GPUs, RAM and Displays. They are reference devices that are simply there to show where Android is at and what its capable of.

      Nexus One had Sam Galaxy S, Htc Desire/Evo 4G and SE Xperia X10 to contend with, all 4 beat it, it wasnt cutting edge but set the bar.

      Nexus S ripped apart by Desire HD, Galaxy S

      Galaxy Nexus up against Galaxy S2, Sensation, Evo 3D, Optimus 3D, Galaxy Note etc...

      And now the Nexus 4. No Nexus device has ever been truly cutting edge, as they were never meant to be.
    1. Mr. Orbiter-5's Avatar
      Mr. Orbiter-5 - 10-30-2012, 02:08 AM
      I held out this long for ANOTHER LTE-less Nexus?! *sigh*
    1. FFR's Avatar
      FFR - 10-30-2012, 02:41 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      Well then you were highly mistaken!
      I'm sure I was, thank you for the clarification.

      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      (Nexus devices) They are reference devices that are simply there to show where Android is at and what its capable of .
      Ok

      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      Nexus phones have never been cutting edge, they have always had mediocre specs.

      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      EXCEPT their CPUs,GPUs, RAM and Displays.
      Here is where you lost me.


      And Google did offer a version of the nexus galaxy with LTE in the US
      That was considered cutting edge at the time.
    1. Tsepz_GP's Avatar
      Tsepz_GP - 10-30-2012, 03:19 AM
      FFR

      What i mean is that other than the core hardware: CPU, GPU, RAM and Display, Nexus phones are mediocre in terms of Camera, Memory, Battery, UI, features and design, they dont aim to shake up the industry like e.g. a Galaxy Note.

      WRT LTE, that is a MAJOR let down, totaly agree as you said, the GNexus did have a LTE variant, seems the big G wanted to keep costs down i guess, although i was under the impression that the S4 Pro Krait CPU came with an LTE modem built-in.
    1. FFR's Avatar
      FFR - 10-30-2012, 05:12 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      FFR

      What i mean is that other than the core hardware: CPU, GPU, RAM and Display, Nexus phones are mediocre in terms of Camera, Memory, Battery, UI, features and design, they dont aim to shake up the industry like e.g. a Galaxy Note.
      I believe here is where we differ in opinion, for me the core hardware is the most important aspect of a phone (including memory) more important than any gimmicks or extra features, for example a stylus).

      And no the note did not shake up the industry. Launched in October 2011,
      5 million globally "reported" sales by March and another 5 million in August.

      10 million "reported" sales globally in around 8 months.
      Or 1.25 million global sales/shipped per month for the period, is not "shaking the industry."

      Quote Originally Posted by Tsepz_GP View Post
      WRT LTE, that is a MAJOR let down, totaly agree as you said, the GNexus did have a LTE variant, seems the big G wanted to keep costs down i guess, although i was under the impression that the S4 Pro Krait CPU came with an LTE modem built-in.
      Such a shame.
    1. mikkej2k's Avatar
      mikkej2k - 10-30-2012, 05:57 AM
      Please read WHY Google chose no LTE http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3...ot-have-4g-lte
    1. Tsepz_GP's Avatar
      Tsepz_GP - 10-30-2012, 06:02 AM
      Those sales for a niche device like the Galaxy Note are pretty damn good, and it has had an effect on the industry as many are now bringing in large screened +4.8inch screen smartphones, or have such models in development, numbers dont always mean a shake-up, its the reaction of an industry that does, anyway, we're going OT now.


      Well what you believe and actual reality seem to be different, most people dont look at the core HW when buying a smartphone, its more what makes them go "WOW", features that impress them etc... The Nexus phones dont bring this and arent meant to.
    1. Tsepz_GP's Avatar
      Tsepz_GP - 10-30-2012, 06:41 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by mikkej2k View Post
      Please read WHY Google chose no LTE http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3...ot-have-4g-lte
      Thanks for that! Makes perfect sense then, i remember the whole Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus drama from earlier this year, many were stuck on the insanely buggy Android4.0.2 for far too long while GSM GNexus users got 4.0.3 and then 4.0.4 with no problem. Great move by Google here, people buy Nexus phones for the very latest updates, and if adding LTE means compromising that then its not worth it.

      Just as i thought, Google arent worried about profits and margins when it comes to Nexus phones, its a matter of getting them to devs and enthusiasts who want a raw and uncustomised Android, hats off to them for this, but WHY 16GB max storage!!!?
    Page 1 of 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 LastLast