Devoted VZW Gnex user looking for next phone, what would you get?

[schwars1]

Title says it all. I've had the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon since January 2012 and am beginning to think about getting a new phone. Been sitting on an upgrade for many months now, but don't want to waste it. I love my phone and have been spoiled with the Nexus - with it I learned about rooting and went on to love trying out new ROMs. I've become accustomed to vanilla Android, but could handle a skin if it wasn't obtrusive. Was considering the S4, but it just doesn't seem like it'll give me the same experience as owning the Nexus when it comes to ROMs. I'm particularly interested in figuring out to which Verizon phone the development community behind the Gnex has (or will) jump ship.

I know choosing a phone is a personal decision, but which Verizon phone, current or upcoming, do you think developers will rally behind? Which might offer the most similar (but improved/upgraded) experience to my Gnex?

 

[Armada]

I'm in your situation too. Can't justify buying a new phone yet while this still works quite well. On Verizon I'm waiting on the Moto X, the RAZR Ultra Maxx (assuming that Moto doesn't just put the huge battery in the normal one) and the HTC One. But I won't do anything until the Nexus 5, which is what I really want. I'm not sure I want to go back to rooting and ROMs just for vanilla Android again. But if you don't mind that much the S4 and One will get plenty of love I'm sure.

 

[SteelGator]

I am in the same boat, but my upgrade is not until December. I still like my Nexus, but it is starting to show its age, slowing down with a lot of the newer programs, and my battery life seems worse. I look forward to seeing what the second half of the year will have to offer: XFON, Galaxy note, and potentially a nexus device. Anyway it goes, I expect to be able to pick up an excellent device at the end of the year. I hope the Motorola phones are strong.

As for vanilla Android, the release of S4 and the HTC One on the play store with I skinned versions, vanilla ROMS will be plentiful.

 

[DenverRalphy]

I was just about to post the very same question. Lately I've noticed that the battery in my GNex has started to degrade rather significantly, which triggered my recollection that I'm about due for an upgrade. So I've started contemplating which device I'm looking to upgrade to.

I'm not really placing much emphasis on a new Nexus device since VZW has demonstrated that it doesn't support the biggest advantage of owning one. And since I'm already in the habit of installing custom ROMS myself, a Nexus device really doesn't matter to me. I'll be watching to see what the Moto-X offers, but I'm a bit put off by some sources saying that the Moto-X will be a mid-range device. But then again, since I am reluctant to give up my unlimited data with VZW, a mid-range device may be ideal since I'll probably be paying full retail to keep my unlimited data.

 

[jephanie]

Whatever my next device will be, it has to have a radio that actually HAS a signal. The radios in the Gnex are about as lousy as you can get. And the next device has to have superlative battery life, comparative to its contemporaries.

 

[estods3]

The "Nexus" name gives users quick updates quickly after Google releases them and Verizon did a horrible job at getting 4.1 out to users (the RAZR actually got that update before us!). I would not expect another Nexus to come to Verizon (such as Nexus5). I do like the technologies Samsung is bringing and would suggest the s4.

sent from my Verizon Galaxy Nexus

 

[xpeacemaker]

I was just about to post the very same question. Lately I've noticed that the battery in my GNex has started to degrade rather significantly, which triggered my recollection that I'm about due for an upgrade. So I've started contemplating which device I'm looking to upgrade to.

I'm not really placing much emphasis on a new Nexus device since VZW has demonstrated that it doesn't support the biggest advantage of owning one. And since I'm already in the habit of installing custom ROMS myself, a Nexus device really doesn't matter to me. I'll be watching to see what the Moto-X offers, but I'm a bit put off by some sources saying that the Moto-X will be a mid-range device. But then again, since I am reluctant to give up my unlimited data with VZW, a mid-range device may be ideal since I'll probably be paying full retail to keep my unlimited data.

I have also noticed that recently the battery has been degrading significantly lately. Although, I don't blame it entirely on the degradation of the hardware. I suspect its either related to one of the latest updates from Google (4.2.2) and/or the lack of TRIM on the internal SSD. I tried the lagfix, I'm not 100% sold on it though.

I agree that VZW neutered what makes a Nexus device a Nexus. My next phone needs to have dev support equivalent to a Nexus device. I had a Droid X previously, and I can say that the dev support for the Nexus blew that away. That is my worry with switching to a non Nexii device.

In regard to the unlimited data, is there really a need for it? I'm debating on what I should do with my next phone... I'm considering all options at this point, even switching off of my beloved VZW. The service is no doubt top notch, but I'm not a fan of their lackluster mobile lineup.

 

[Pollster]

Nexus 5 FTW
I got the GNex the day it came out and will easily make it last until the Nexus 5 is a possible choice. There may be something else worth considering out at that time, but it has to be in the mix.

 

[schwars1]

Nexus 5 FTW
I got the GNex the day it came out and will easily make it last until the Nexus 5 is a possible choice. There may be something else worth considering out at that time, but it has to be in the mix.

Yeah, but the chances of a Nexus 5 on Verizon? Slim to none, in my opinion. That's why I'm looking at other Verizon-specific options.

The new Ultra MAXX, if it ends up being anything like the rumors, seems like a decent choice. The bootloader will likely be locked, but as long as we can get in there to root and adjust some settings, I may be OK with it. I just can't decide what will work out best.

 

[Armada]

It'll come down to this for a lot of us Verizon users: Do we keep Verizon or do we keep using a Nexus? For me, the Droid Maxx, if it meets that 48 hours life claim, might outweigh a Nexus or Nexus-like experience. The Galaxy Nexus has made me a battery nut and that may be the only thing to give me peace of mind. Then again, I'm also a nut for vanilla Android and going back to rooting and broken ROMs isn't something I want. Maybe the Moto X will be up the middle?

 

[schwars1]

It'll come down to this for a lot of us Verizon users: Do we keep Verizon or do we keep using a Nexus? For me, the Droid Maxx, if it meets that 48 hours life claim, might outweigh a Nexus or Nexus-like experience. The Galaxy Nexus has made me a battery nut and that may be the only thing to give me peace of mind. Then again, I'm also a nut for vanilla Android and going back to rooting and broken ROMs isn't something I want. Maybe the Moto X will be up the middle?

I would add that the newer versions of MotoBlur actually aren't that bad - the few enhancements or widgets they include are either useful or unobtrusive if you don't like them. And chances are with root you can delete quite a bit of bloat (if there really is any). My favorite Galaxy Nexus ROMS were those that added some enhancements to AOSP, so Motoblur (if functioning properly) might not be awful.

And I'm right there with you re: the battery. Any full-day activity you know I've got my spare in my pocket.

 

[Bloodthirsty]

I'll be watching this thread. I'm ready for an upgrade.

Got my eye on the HTC One, New motos and the GS4. Was all set on the GS4 until I read about the lag issues now I'm just going to wait until these others come out and see which one is the clear winner on VZW.

 

[diesteldorf]

I am strongly considering the Motorola X but it has to have an unlockable bootloader. You just don't have the same options or modifications or developer support if the bootloader is locked and encrypted.

I don't really mind that VZW didn't update our Nexus in a timely manner since the bootloader was unlocked, developer was strong, and Google always posted updated recovery images on their site. Any update I wanted was pretty easy to get since I was never afraid to do it myself.

The GNEX is still the most open and modifiable phone on Verizon after nearly 2 years, and that's why it still has the developer support. I want my next upgrade tpo have the potential to last for two years and still get the latest software updates.

I like the look of my GNEX and it would be weird to have capacitive buttons after being without them for so long. I think the Motorola X will continue this feature so that is a plus. I also don't mid the lack of SD card support, but I need at last 32 GB of storage as with my GNEX.

There are to many times where I like to have access to my media without the need for a data connection. Having to go to 8 or 16 GB of storage with no way to expand it would just be to inconvenient at this point.

My new phone will have to have at least the same screen size as my current GNEX, since I use my phone more as a mini tablet than a phone, I am not looking to downgrade in that department. I like watching and streaming videos and using remote desktop apps too much.

The good news is that my GNEX is still a good device and I am happy with it, though it could probably use a little more internal RAM and a faster processor. I definitely don't have to upgrade and am able to run 4.2.2 quite well.

However, if I was going to upgrade it would be a two man race between the Motorola X and the Note 3.

 

[xpeacemaker]

My biggest gripe w/ Blur was that it was just UGLY. It was an eye sore to have on my home screen. Aside from that, when I had Blur on my Moto Droid X, it wasn't too useful. I'd be open to see what they have now, but I'm really hoping for stock android. Love the layout of the notification drop down in AOSP.

I was just about to post the very same question. Lately I've noticed that the battery in my GNex has started to degrade rather significantly, which triggered my recollection that I'm about due for an upgrade. So I've started contemplating which device I'm looking to upgrade to.

I'm not really placing much emphasis on a new Nexus device since VZW has demonstrated that it doesn't support the biggest advantage of owning one. And since I'm already in the habit of installing custom ROMS myself, a Nexus device really doesn't matter to me. I'll be watching to see what the Moto-X offers, but I'm a bit put off by some sources saying that the Moto-X will be a mid-range device. But then again, since I am reluctant to give up my unlimited data with VZW, a mid-range device may be ideal since I'll probably be paying full retail to keep my unlimited data.

I would add that the newer versions of MotoBlur actually aren't that bad - the few enhancements or widgets they include are either useful or unobtrusive if you don't like them. And chances are with root you can delete quite a bit of bloat (if there really is any). My favorite Galaxy Nexus ROMS were those that added some enhancements to AOSP, so Motoblur (if functioning properly) might not be awful.

And I'm right there with you re: the battery. Any full-day activity you know I've got my spare in my pocket.

 

[shaytoon21]

Nice to see a lot of us in the same position with our Gnex's

I actually bought an s4 a few weeks ago but just sold it because I want to see what moto has in store. Dont get me wrong, the s4 is a beast of a phone and the best smartphone on the market right now. I had zero issues with it and it ran perfectly smooth. Im not into rooting so I downloaded Nova launcher and the phone just felt much faster. Sigh, I really miss the s4 already. Anyways, cant wait to see what moto has. If its nothing better or equal to the s4, then I will def get the s4 again.

 

[xpeacemaker]

The phone IMO is starting to feel its age. Things aren't as snappy as before. I blame it on 4.2.2 and lack of TRIM support... I already tried the lag fix, doesn't really work. An example would be running CSR Racing -- it lags my phone.

 

[KWKSLVR]

I'm in the same boat too. I might grab the Maxx but I don't have plans to sell the GNex. The only real reason I see to upgrade is battery life, more RAM and just to have something new to play with. I'm hoping that the fact it has mostly stock Android is a sign from Motorola that it's going to be hack-friendly. I know that's not likely based on Moto's history, but here's for hoping!

 

[xpeacemaker]

Maxx/Ultra look appealing. So does the Moto X. Can't wait to see more details.

My phone is sucking hard lately. My most used app (Llama) is not compatible with 4.3 and I lost root. Ugh :\

 

[NewAge]

Since I can't get rid of Verizon and I'm an unlimited data user I can't get a new phone unless I pay full retail. Only phone I can afford to pay full retail on is a Nexus 4 but that isn't on Verizon. My new N7 will hold me over and has turned my GNex into a hotspot so a new phone can be pushed back another year.

4.3 runs pretty good on this old girl and I'm thinking 5.0 will too...

 

[dcastillo]

It will be interesting to see what Verizon will charge for the new Moto X... Im guessing more then Im willing to pay (probably $599 off contract)...
Hopefully the new "Trim" functionality in 4.3 will bring some life back to my GNX
I definitely dont want to lose my Unlimited... I currently use about 6 or more GB a month with my wife, and thats only going to go up with all the HD content on the web lately...