Getting a Nexus 4

[boss.king]

Hey guys. This is a this a half "Hi, I'm new here" and a half nexus 4 advice thread.

I've used wp7 for the last year and am sick of the lack of mainstream apps. I'm going to pick up a nexus 4 tomorrow and was just wondering if there's anything I need to look out for or any must have accessories? Is the glass back really an issue that warrants a case, and if so is there a thin, barely there one that does the job well?

 

[Aquila]

Hey guys. This is a this a half "Hi, I'm new here" and a half nexus 4 advice thread.

I've used wp7 for the last year and am sick of the lack of mainstream apps. I'm going to pick up a nexus 4 tomorrow and was just wondering if there's anything I need to look out for or any must have accessories? Is the glass back really an issue that warrants a case, and if so is there a thin, barely there one that does the job well?

I'd strongly recommend considering the bumper. Many people with the Nexus 4 hate to put a case on it because they love the design. That being said, obviously you want to protect your investment in whatever way keeps you comfortable and enjoying your choice. It's an awesome device. If you are considering the wireless charger... read some of the reviews, especially related to the angle it sits at... it's an awesome accessory for some people, but some have had rather bad luck.

Welcome aboard and please reach out with any questions

 

[boss.king]

Thanks for the reply. I might just have a look at the cases in store and make a decision there. I probably won't be wireless charging to start with but it would be an awesome feature to use in future

 

[Captainbob767]

I don't think the bumper offers much protection at all, and in fact there have been reports of the stock bumper itself breaking. I would look at some kind of case for it, that would cover the back and is made of TPU that would give a bit of shock protection. I have the Diztonics case, but there are many different cases to chose from and they are inexpensive.

 

[jd914]

I don't recommend the official bumper because mine broke easily. I have a poetic bumper and the quality is miles ahead of the official one and I got it for only $9 on Amazon.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[CoMoNexus]

I recommend not removing the factory-installed film on the back. It protects again scratches and is tough to see unless you're looking for it. After three-plus months, mine hasn't started to peel.

 

[Citizen Coyote]

I recommend not removing the factory-installed film on the back. It protects again scratches and is tough to see unless you're looking for it. After three-plus months, mine hasn't started to peel.

I agree, I kept mine on after picking it up in late November and still have it. However, several weeks ago it caught on something in my pocket and came part way off when I pulled it out. I put it back on but now I have some air bubbles on half of my Nexus, so I'm looking for a new back film now.

As for a case, generally that's a good idea but it really depends on how careful you are with your phone. Accidents happen, of course, but I have been naked from the start (save for a couple days when I used a cheap TPU case) and my Nexus is practically pristine. I've found I've become hyper aware of where my phone is nowadays because of this, including how I handle and hold it. If you don't trust yourself, work in an outdoor environment (or engage in outdoor activity with regularity), or have kids who will be handling the phone often, a case is probably a pretty good idea. Buy one from Amazon or elsewhere online, however. The markup in retail stores is ridiculous.

 

[RumoredNow]

OEM unlock and root... Add franco.Kernel.

Ringke Fusion is a nice case with a great feel and great button pushes. Looks like "naked" to a large degree.

 

[mr_nobody]

Ringke Fusion is a nice case with a great feel and great button pushes.

That's my one complaint with this case...button pushes are too easy...I'm always doing stuff by accident...

 

[RumoredNow]

...Ringke Fusion is a nice case with a great feel and great button pushes...

That's my one complaint with this case...button pushes are too easy...I'm always doing stuff by accident...

It is a very subjective thing. I find them "clicky" and responsive. Personally I can't stand the feel of "squidgy" buttons you get with soft cases, yet many people like that.

 

[JeffDenver]

Hey guys. This is a this a half "Hi, I'm new here" and a half nexus 4 advice thread.

I've used wp7 for the last year and am sick of the lack of mainstream apps. I'm going to pick up a nexus 4 tomorrow and was just wondering if there's anything I need to look out for or any must have accessories? Is the glass back really an issue that warrants a case, and if so is there a thin, barely there one that does the job well?

Get a case. Seriously.

I just spent $150 to repair a shattered front display. The back glass is intact, but the front was destroyed. It was sitting on a completely flat surface and vibrations alone caused it to slide off. The glass is like wet ice, and it will slide with almost no effort.

It is an awesome phone and I definitely do not regret buying it. But you will definitely need a case (preferably a rubberized one). Normally I would recommend Otterbox, but I don't think they make one for the Nexus 4. Have heard good things about Seidio. SEIDIO | LG Nexus 4

 

[RumoredNow]

No idea what it looks like, but coming soon is a 4000 mAH battery case for Nexus 4. Might be worth looking into. Two birds with one stone sort of thing.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ne...mah-extended-battery-case-come-out-mugen.html

 

[Captainbob767]

No idea what it looks like, but coming soon is a 4000 mAH battery case for Nexus 4. Might be worth looking into. Two birds with one stone sort of thing.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ne...mah-extended-battery-case-come-out-mugen.html

I was searching around on one of those battery sites the other day( can't remember which one), and they had a 5,000 mah that fits a Nexus. I get a full day out of my stock battery, so I wouldn't even bother changing the battery in mine.

 

[RumoredNow]

I was searching around on one of those battery sites the other day( can't remember which one), and they had a 5,000 mah that fits a Nexus. I get a full day out of my stock battery, so I wouldn't even bother changing the battery in mine.

This one? Nexus 4 5000mah Charger by tomrust on Shapeways

Anything more than just a small bump up would require a new back to install. Anything offering a huge amount of power is either a portable recharger (like the one linked) or a battery case. I think there are two or three battery cases coming.

Personally, I'm like you Captainbob, in that I get more than enough time out of my stock battery. I have a 2000 mAH portable recharger someone got for me as a present and I've never felt the need to carry it.

 

[SeanJamesWright]

I always keep my phones naked with no cases or bumpers the way they're intended to be. I've had my Nexus 4 since its release in the UK and I can honestly say it is still in mint condition with no scratches or dings on both the front and back. You might be thinking how is this possible with it being glass on both sides but honestly, just good care and looking after is all this stunning device needs to keep it looking new

Posted via Android Central App

 

[boss.king]

So a late night at work kept me from picking up my phone today, but hopefully tomorrow will be the day. I just wanted to say thanks for all the responses. I think I might try pick up a thin case to use if I need to, and take it off when I don't. Just one more question, what's the franco.Kernel? I googled it and I'm not quite sure what it does?

 

[Aquila]

So a late night at work kept me from picking up my phone today, but hopefully tomorrow will be the day. I just wanted to say thanks for all the responses. I think I might try pick up a thin case to use if I need to, and take it off when I don't. Just one more question, what's the franco.Kernel? I googled it and I'm not quite sure what it does?

The kernel is basically the part of your device that lets your hardware talk to the software... sorta like drivers in Microsoft lingo. The Franco Kernel is one that is custom made to attempt to provide a better optimized experience for users, and it has an app that can be downloaded to give you direct control over some processes, such as screen color settings, etc. You can do a search in the forums here and on xda for more details, but here are a few recent threads about it:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ne...491-anyone-using-franco-kernel-stock-rom.html
http://forums.androidcentral.com/nexus-4-rooting-roms-hacks/242337-franco-kernel.html

 

[boss.king]

The kernel is basically the part of your device that lets your hardware talk to the software... sorta like drivers in Microsoft lingo. The Franco Kernel is one that is custom made to attempt to provide a better optimized experience for users, and it has an app that can be downloaded to give you direct control over some processes, such as screen color settings, etc. You can do a search in the forums here and on xda for more details, but here are a few recent threads about it:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/ne...491-anyone-using-franco-kernel-stock-rom.html
http://forums.androidcentral.com/nexus-4-rooting-roms-hacks/242337-franco-kernel.html

Thanks, I'm going to look into it, it sounds awesome!

 

[Fairclough]

Personally I have a cheap $2 case for when I'm out where its like to get damage. E.g sport sitting on a table with concrete underneath, when I'm coaching or cycling. Other then that its naked. Have a few scratches on the back, maybe 1 on the front but with them you really have to angle the screen and look for it to find it. The black bezel does a great job of hiding it and a round scratch in the back probably from keys is hidden by the sparkles. On the other hand my girl friend has one and she has butter fingers. I asked if its been dropped since I spotted a chip in the silver (only 1mm ish) and her reply was all the time, its a pretty strong phone not to shatter or get any real damage.

Posted via Android Central App