Back on the Gnex after a month with the GSIII

kenguy79

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Jul 12, 2011
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It's so fast on JB and It's just the right size. I don't miss some of the things I was jumping to the GSIII for...stay awake, better screen, superior hardware and processor.

I could really go for better battery life, thought I've ordered the 2000mah battery (I have the HSPA+ version)

The camera still sucks, but only in low light. The backlit sensor on the GSIII beats it every time in low light, but in good light, I think the Gnex may be quicker to focus and take just as good a pic (for a snapshot). I find that I get less motion blurr with the Gnex than the GSIII and the shutter is much faster.

When people ask me what to get, I have to keep the Gnex in the recommendation, especially at $349...but I have to admit the HW is getting a bit dated at almost a year later.

However, if anyone could transplant a camera with a backlit sensor, I'd be along for the ride for another year
 
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Having just come from an HTC Amaze to a GNex I can say that specs aren't everything. Yes the camera in the GNex is a bit lacking but that's what I have a separate point and shoot camera for.
 
Specs aren't everything. 1GB RAM and a 1.2GHz OMAP is more than adequate for any Android OS or Software in existence today. But the camera quality does matter to those of us who already have enough crap to carry around :-P

The Galaxy Nexus takes worse pictures than my Samsung Vibrant did. It's just not acceptable on such a recent phone when you can get almost free on Contract Vivids, Rezounds, and Galaxy S II/SR's that blow it away for camera quality (nevermind the stock ICS/JB camera software is hillariously bad, IMO).
 
Thanks..I've been trying to make up my mind between these two phones. I'm sticking with the gnex. The fact that I'll be getting it for 40 bucks (upgrade + used phone credit) is just icing on the cake.
 
Specs aren't everything. 1GB RAM and a 1.2GHz OMAP is more than adequate for any Android OS or Software in existence today. But the camera quality does matter to those of us who already have enough crap to carry around :-P

The Galaxy Nexus takes worse pictures than my Samsung Vibrant did. It's just not acceptable on such a recent phone when you can get almost free on Contract Vivids, Rezounds, and Galaxy S II/SR's that blow it away for camera quality (nevermind the stock ICS/JB camera software is hillariously bad, IMO).

The camera quality and software on the Galaxy Nexus is perfectly adequate for what it is, which is being a phone camera. 90% of a shot is framing and composition, and there are plenty of post shot tweaking abilities built in to produce very good PHONE shots. Yes, there are other phones out there that produce SLIGHTLY better "raw" pictures but really, if you are into photography, there isn't a phone available that provides a fraction of the utility and end results as a basic DSLR or a good four thirds camera. Especially considering 99% of camera phone pics are simply going to be posted to facebook or Instagram anyway. It's not like these are being used to create museum quality archival photos for god's sake.

For all the wanna be Ansel Adams' out there who think another 3 or 5 MP in their camera, or more "effects" options, are the answer to producing stunning photos are just misguided. A good photographer can easily produce better pictures with a Galaxy Nexus than a poor or even average photographer with any of those other phones you mention.
 
Thanks..I've been trying to make up my mind between these two phones. I'm sticking with the gnex. The fact that I'll be getting it for 40 bucks (upgrade + used phone credit) is just icing on the cake.

Just be aware that if you are talking about getting a Galaxy Nexus from one of the carriers, it will give you a different experience than a stock Google Galaxy Nexus.
 
However, if anyone could transplant a camera with a backlit sensor, I'd be along for the ride for another year

+1.

Coming from a really old flip phone I really like the camera on the GNEX since it takes decent photos, especially for showing other people on my phone's screen. Those same photos look like garbage when I download them to my computer.

The camera is really the only complaint I have about my GNEX. The stock battery does seem to go into freefall with even a bit of use, but I always have my charger on me (and a 3800mAh battery nearby) so its not as big a deal as the camera.

I'll be sticking with my GNEX for at least another year and a half since I'm not eligible for an upgrade. During that whole time I'll be in envy of the camera on my wife's iPhone. The rest of her phone, not so much.
 
Just be aware that if you are talking about getting a Galaxy Nexus from one of the carriers, it will give you a different experience than a stock Google Galaxy Nexus.

How so?

I am deciding between the Nexus and the SIII, and one of the appeals of the Nexus is the fact that it can be essentially free through Verizon....

Can someone outline the differences (maybe pros/cons) between the two phones?
 
Mabye I'm reading this wrong, but did is it implying that the Nexus doesn't have WiFi?

Ya i read that also earlier and laughed a bit, but i just went back to the site and it seems that they have taken that off. That site also never touches on software comparisons which In my opinion is the comparison that should actually matter.
 
How so?

I am deciding between the Nexus and the SIII, and one of the appeals of the Nexus is the fact that it can be essentially free through Verizon....

Can someone outline the differences (maybe pros/cons) between the two phones?

The only thing different is updates... on the unlocked gsm gnex from the play store Google does direct updates. No carrier testing. All the others will test the update and will release it when they want to. The unlocked will get an update and it will take Verizon 4-6 months maybe longer. So really that's the only thing u truly won't "experience" I'm on VZW I rooted mine. You get the latest builds and more customization.
 
Just be aware that if you are talking about getting a Galaxy Nexus from one of the carriers, it will give you a different experience than a stock Google Galaxy Nexus.


Yeah..got my sprint gnex today and am a little disappointed that it doesnt have 4.1. Is this Sprint's fault or Google's? To whom do i whine?

Actually thinking about swapping it for the siii for that reason even though I'll have to shell out more bucks.
 
It's always the carrier's fault. :)

I have both and you really can't go wrong with either of them. You do have to hunt down a few things for the gnex to get some of the amenities of the SIII, but it can be worth it.

I'm finding that I really like the size and soft buttons on the gnex...it's how they should all be. As well, I carry the gnex without a case since the back has some grip. Can't really do that with the GSIII because it's so slick, so you have extra bulk of a case (plus the extra size). Gnex seems to be a little more rugged as well...maybe that's because the GSIII is so shiny and pretty :)