Nexus 4 and 10 announced. Thoughts and opinions here! - gdgt

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TgD October 29, 2012

Nexus 4 and 10 announced. Thoughts and opinions here!

Looks like bad weather isn't stopping Google

Nexus 4: 8GB for $299; 16GB for $349; available unlocked and without a contract on 11/13 on the Google Play store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada. The 16GB version will also be available through T-Mobile for $199, with a 2-year contract (check here for more details).

I did not expect the Nexus 4 to be released off contract at such a price. $299/$350 is usually a price point for a second-tier phone. Now the real question is whether or not LG's build quality is up to snuff.

The Nexus 4 Spec wise: runs OS 4.2 Jelly Bean, has a 1.5GHz Quad-Core processor, 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus display with a resolution of 1280 x 768, 2GB RAM, 8GB and 16 variants, 8.0MP camera and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, wireless charging, NFC, 2,100mAh battery, 139 grams and 9.1mm thin.

It also has wireless charging capabilities. Google/LG will be releasing a charging "orb" that puts the Nexus 4 into "Daydream mode" displaying pictures and other content

Personally, I had just ordered a used Galaxy S3 (I got a steal of a deal) and I cancelled the order, because I find the new Nexus 4 interesting enough to reconsider.

Nexus 10: 16GB for $399; 32GB for $499; available on 11/13 in the Google Play Store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.

The Nexus 10 can display images at a 2560-by-1600 pixel resolution, which Google claimed is the "highest resolution tablet on the planet,"

As much as I think the screen is fantastic, the non-symmetry of this tablet is something I am not thrilled about (and this is me being really picky). Right now I can hold my Nexus 7 however I want and it works great. With the rounded bezel that looks ever so slightly bigger at the "top" I feel like there would be an awkwardness holding this "upside down". Perhaps this is just an illusion based on the stock image we have seen. I'll have to get one in my hands to tell

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=n...
officialandroid.blogspot.ca/2012/10/nexus-best-of-...

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35 replies

xam 2012-10-29 14:38:29

I'm just a little disappointed by the back of the phone. A bit too girly for my tastes...

falleninsea 2012-10-29 22:06:45

I know whats up with that pattern it almost looks like glitter. Though with the hardware specs this device i wouldn't be hard pressed getting a skin for the back or a nice case for it. But at hopthewake pointed out 4G would have been nice.

falleninsea 2012-10-29 22:00:27

No, i don't think you are being too picky. there is so much bezel around the screen it looks a little odd to me. i am hoping its just the picture because if you at the bottom under the row of icons that start with chrome you can see the back and home buttons which i believe are on the screen not part of the bezel.

Other than the "pure" google experience on this device and the 300PPI display i can't say i have been blown away with this device. for example the Galaxy Note 10.1 is a quad core processor with 2 GB ram and to be honest this device reminds of the note 10.1 similar looks just that the nexus is all black where the note has different colors.

The 16 GB wifi only is $399 and the 16GB wifi only iPad is $499. But the Nexus has GPS and NFC the iPad doesn't. To get GPS on the iPad you have to upgrade to a 4G model thats an extra $130 but it does give you 4G. i Think Apple still has a better ecosystem for tablet optimized apps but the play store is catching up quickly.

Does any one know if Google will be pushing the software updates for this device or will that fall to Samsung? if Samsung then i doubt the device would get any updates after the 1st one.

I am more interested in the 7inch model that i am the 10. i wish the 7 had 4G but 3G/HSPA+ is better than wifi only.

TgD 2012-10-30 01:51:58

I think the bezel is actually symmetrical, but the way the stock picture is gives to illusion of asymmetry. I also think the black bar containing the "buttons" is a different width than the black bar containing notifications, the time and wifi signal.

I really do love my nexus 7 (and now that Magazines are available in my country starting today I love it even more).

I think the reason is isn't 4G is the reason the Nexus 4 isn't 4G and the Verge outlined it extremely well. www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3569688/why-nexus-4-do...

khaled93 2012-10-30 06:11:23

I'm seriously torn between this and the one x.

urbancorn 2012-10-30 23:10:45

I would love to sell you my One X. :-) I have been wanting a nexus phone and the nexus 4 looks amazing.

techminimalist 2012-11-07 12:22:02

Nexus 4:
I know I'm not the only one, but I've been waiting for an Android phone with glass on the front and back. The fact that it's a Nexus device is icing on the cake. Personally, no other material conveys elegance and style the way glass does. We all understand the risk associated with glass, but it's one I'm willing to take. I've been envious of glass construction since the iPhone 4. Great job Google.

Falcon 2012-10-29 13:53:41

$350 off contract is quite a deal, and I'm really digging the Nexus 7 + Nexus 4 combo.

My primary concern is that the Nexus 4 lacks any form of LTE or CDMA compatibility. This limits it to T-Mobile or AT&T 3G connectivity only - which can be quite a downgrade if you are currently using an LTE device.

negrobello 2012-10-29 13:58:07

So what does this mean on the spec sheet released earlier today?

"Comm standard GSM, CDMA, LTE"

TgD 2012-10-29 14:00:15

I do not see that
"NETWORK
Unlocked GSM/UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE/GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
3G (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
HSPA+ 21"

Straight from the Google Play link at the bottom of the post

negrobello 2012-10-29 14:04:37

Radio type

Comm standard GSM, CDMA, LTE
GSM type GSM
UMTS / HSPA type HSDPA

ericsante 2012-10-29 16:31:23

the nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from!

negrobello 2012-10-29 14:06:33

gdgt.com/lg/nexus/4/specs/

TgD 2012-10-29 14:08:01

I see what you are saying. The GDGT team will have to update this.

frankspin 2012-10-29 15:48:36

It's been updated. We were still getting the updated specs in when you saw this. What you saw were the rumored specs.

acaurora 2012-10-29 13:54:18

I actually wanted to know what US Carriers will the Unlocked Nexus 4 work on - I recently bought a Galaxy S3, and as much as I love it, I am a bit miffed at the difficulties regarding the updates and how long it takes to be distributed to the phones. I am planning on switching carriers but don't know if the unlocked version works for AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint - and there is also another issue in that it does not mention anything about 4G support. Can anyone help me on these questions?

TgD 2012-10-29 13:56:10

It seems to be pentaband,

So that means AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint as far as I know. As pointed out by Falcon, no LTE.
The lack of CDMA pretty well means no Verizon, and if you ask and Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners they seemed to be unhappy with how it wasnt a true nexus.

acaurora 2012-10-29 14:01:29

Ah okay, that's good to know. I am just having trouble justifying the high monthly rate I am paying for Verizon - I unfortunately signed up too late to get into the unlimited data plan, so am paying nearly $90/mo for 2GB, when I can pay ~$60/mo for unlimited (granted, 3G) data on Sprint.

jayefef 2012-10-29 18:32:52

I can confirm that sentiment. I'm glad Google didn't cave to Verizon's demands.

keppy 2012-10-31 09:07:19

Sprint is CDMA as well, so only AT&T and T-Mobile.

hopthewake 2012-10-29 13:59:13

The phone does not have LTE - this is the deal breaker for me. I have great verizon coverage where I live, and will not be stuck with a 3G phone for the next two years.

moriel 2012-10-29 16:32:09

Hmm thinking of switching from my iPhone 4S to the LG Nexus 4....

LocarionStorm 2012-10-29 18:19:00

I really dig the Nexus 10 but am anxiously awaiting hands-on impressions and reviews as there are little things about the form factor that worry me. The $400 price point is really tempting as well versus the slightly higher $500 starting point for comparable Microsoft and Apple devices.

timchoi89 2012-10-30 04:54:04

I'm definitely going to pick up the Nexus 4 but I won't be getting the Nexus 10. I have a Nexus 7 and it's pretty good and all but I'm still not satisfied at the state of Android tablet apps. I really wished that more and more apps are designed with tablet in mind. Until then, I probably will never pick up a full size tablet. Also, I have an iPad anyway atm and getting a Nexus 10 will force one of my tablets out of service.

urbancorn 2012-10-30 23:14:46

I hope that the party line that Google is using, that the 10 will spur tablet app development, is true.

warezkiller 2012-10-30 09:09:17

DO WANT

rankinaaron 2012-10-31 00:15:07

Will probably be getting the Nexus 10 and marking my entry into the tablet market (way behind I know), but I'm waiting on reviews and more hands on.

Hardrada 2012-10-31 03:46:13

I've bought every Nexus phone so far, I like using stock Android and love the fact that I get updates without having to wait ages but I don't think I'll be getting the Nexus 4 for one reason. The fact that the battery can't be removed kills the deal for me, I get lock-ups on occasions which can only be fixed by pulling the battery, if this isn't possible I'm stuck with a dead phone till the power runs out. Shame really, everything else about this phone looks great.

Sigil 2012-10-31 16:22:47

Wow, this may be my first Android phone. I hope this exceeds all expectations. Yesterday, I returned my iPhone 5. Maybe, that was a good thing. (I didn't think so at the time.)

nueclipse 2012-11-01 17:03:48

I can honestly say that I'm tempted to make this my very first Android phone (long-time iPhone user here). It's hard to argue with most of what you're getting here - impressive LG Optimus G specs (Quad-Core processor, 2GB RAM, IPS+ display, 8MP Camera) combined with NFC and Wireless Charging in an unlocked handset running the very latest Stock Android (and future-proofed with direct updates from Google) for under £300 is a real steal.

LTE and 32GB/64GB storage would've been sweet, though. I can live without LTE for the time being as EE has only just begun to roll out here in the UK (and is exorbitantly priced for the data packages being offered), but only having 8-16GB storage with no possibility to expand in today's smartphone market is definitely a drawback. Most mobile data plans don't offer enough to make constant connection to the Cloud for your music/video/photos viable (especially not here in the UK).

That said, if I'm going to take the Android plunge, it would probably only be with a Nexus device. I've never been impressed with skins like Samsung TouchWiz or HTC Sense, and I like being able to receive mobile OS updates without any OEM and/or carrier-based delays. Looking forward to seeing the reviews for the Nexus 4.

paulbot 2012-11-02 11:06:34

I completely agree with everything said here, and I think I will also be making the jump from iPhone to Nexus. Waiting for the reviews to roll in just to make sure the camera is an improvement over the Galaxy Nexus and everything else performs as expected.

falleninsea 2012-11-02 11:20:14

Keep in mind that switching may cost you. Take into account any applications that you paid for on iOS you may need to pay for them again on Android and any Magazines, movies or TV Shows you purchased from iTunes may not work on your Android device.

Now with that said i would recommend almost any android device that is running ICS and above. Also i think the Nexus is a great line and i think buying it directly from Google is the way to go as it would get any software updates in a timely manner.

paulbot 2012-11-02 11:28:43

Good point. I have invested quite a bit in apps on my iPhone and will miss quite a few of the games and other bits that aren't available on Android. However, the majority of day-to-day apps that I use are now available for Android so it's not too bad. I also have an iPad so anything that I can't do without I will still be able to use (albeit, not on the go, my iPad stays at home).

I don't really watch or download movies on my phone and use Spotify/Google Music for my music streaming, so that should be okay!

paulbot 2012-11-02 12:20:30

And as if by magic... www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/ www.theverge.com/2012/11/2/3589280/google-nexus-4-...

moriel 2012-11-04 20:45:40

Looks like that Ill be getting the Nexus 4. Being a long time iPhone user since the original. Just need a change of scenery. The UI really hasnt changed since the 1st gen.

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