Wanted to love this phone, but walked out without one

[mpetruzz]

When I first wrote this post I wanted to make sure that I was clear about one thing, while I have an iPhone and like it, I'm not some ****** that's gonna buy anything just cause it has an apple on it. I still have the 4 and haven't gotten the 4s for this reason.

My criticism's against this phone aren't because I'm holding the GN to some unobtainable standards. I simply wrote about what was important to me in my phone based on how I use it. If I didn't use the camera as much as I do, I would be on a GN now. But the fact of the matter is that this is supposed to be their flagship phone and they put a subpar camera in it. I'm not expecting to never have to use a stand alone camera again. But I do expect that this camera would at least take a better picture than my iPhone that is almost 2 years old.

Some people posted pics and they do look good, but that's outside in pretty good lighting. How often does that happen though. When my daughter is doing something cute in the house and I want to get a picture, that's where the camera performance matters. If I can't get a decent picture inside a VZ store I doubt that I'll get a good one inside.

I really wanted to but this phone and was prepared to do so, but for what I use the phone for this just doesn't cut it. I'm not going to spend 300 and lock myself into a phone for two years.

Right now the main draw on this phone is that it's the first to come with ICS. In a few months there will be tons of phones with ICS and I'm assuming much better cameras. HTC is strongly debating not putting Sense on ICS. If that happens I'm probably going to get a ReZound.

 

[Premium1]

When I first wrote this post I wanted to make sure that I was clear about one thing, while I have an iPhone and like it, I'm not some ****** that's gonna buy anything just cause it has an apple on it. I still have the 4 and haven't gotten the 4s for this reason.

My criticism's against this phone aren't because I'm holding the GN to some unobtainable standards. I simply wrote about what was important to me in my phone based on how I use it. If I didn't use the camera as much as I do, I would be on a GN now. But the fact of the matter is that this is supposed to be their flagship phone and they put a subpar camera in it. I'm not expecting to never have to use a stand alone camera again. But I do expect that this camera would at least take a better picture than my iPhone that is almost 2 years old.

Some people posted pics and they do look good, but that's outside in pretty good lighting. How often does that happen though. When my daughter is doing something cute in the house and I want to get a picture, that's where the camera performance matters. If I can't get a decent picture inside a VZ store I doubt that I'll get a good one inside.

I really wanted to but this phone and was prepared to do so, but for what I use the phone for this just doesn't cut it. I'm not going to spend 300 and lock myself into a phone for two years.

Right now the main draw on this phone is that it's the first to come with ICS. In a few months there will be tons of phones with ICS and I'm assuming much better cameras. HTC is strongly debating not putting Sense on ICS. If that happens I'm probably going to get a ReZound.

HTC is going to stick sense on their phones, they already have sense 4.0 in the works. The nexus isn't for everyone and that is why now is a great time to be on verizon since you have a ton of choices.

 

[SoulWeaponry]

mpetruzz: You should be allowed to dislike something on android without being called a fanboy. I'm huge on sucking android's teet and even i can admit the camera on the nexus is a monumental disappointment. Just like those in the apple camp, there are those fanatics over here going through the motions of bashing/justifying. Ignore it as much as you can. For the most part, we're pretty rational around here

The rezound is a safe bet at this point, but if you're iphone 4 is treating you well and you're not burning to upgrade right now, wait around for the next batch of phones that makes all of the current ones look icky

 

[trigun123478]

I agree. I purchased the iphone 4s but was very curious about the new Google Nexus. Yet another cheap, plastic Android phone, although the same cannot be said for the price. Thing is, I wouldn't rely on any significant future software updates to fix the phone or any other deficient operating features. That has been my experience with Android/carrier support in the past and would not expect it to change.

And you can't upgrade the poor weight and balance of this phone (IMO). For me its too big for how I use a phone. I am not sure what 4G does exactly. I suppose it drains your already limited data plan more quickly? Not bagging on others who want this phone its just that I am done with the whole Android thing until something more compelling comes along, and seeing and handling this phone just confirmed my suspicion this was just another Android device. I suppose the iphone OS is tired and boring but it works fantastic and does almost everything I need very well. It will be interesting to see how this Nexus phone holds up. I guess there is always the next one...

The Galaxy Nexus is the Iphone of android devices. The updates will come straight from Google. All other android devices are broken because of Motorola or Samsung or htc's crappy software. You don't hear that many problems with the Nexus S do you? All of you talking about the screen I have a droid charge that I am now using on wifi just as a music player and browsing when my other phone is charging. The screen blows the charge away. You should notice if you hold the iPhone next to the nexus that the iPhone screen looks washed out with colors and stuff. The only problem I have with this phone is the speaker is really quiet that's it. Android Ics is a whole redesign of android and its exciting and new. Guess what when the new iPhone comes out it will look just like what you have in your hand. I can't except that. I love change,playing with launchers and roms and all of that. Just my two cents.

 

[VideoEngineerAJS]

I had the Razr for a month and got the GN today. First impressions, this was the right move. ICS seems to flow a lot better. I had a Storm2 just before the Razr so it was a big learning curve.

To me, 2.3 had the feel of something that was tweaked/patchworked over a few years. Came accross to me as really "busy". ICS comes accross as simple and elegant.

Can't speak for the camera yet. Everything has worked perfectly so far that I've tried though. No issues whatsoever.

That's actually interesting that you say that. Someone on Facebook asked how 4.0 was and I told them that coming from Gingerbread there are a few things to get used to but to a new Android user it should be really easy to pick up.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

 

[alphasigmookie]

I took a picture with mine using the auto focus and the picture came out much better then my dx pics did .

Is the autofocus something you can set or not in the settings? have you taken pictures of moving subjects? Even slowly moving people turned out blurry in the photos I took with the demo unit. I have no doubt it will work fine on stationary objects, but not everything I want to take a picture of will stay still long enough for me to capture the moment.

 

[pushdrops]

I guess we all have our likings. I never ever cared about a camera on a phone. If I can get decent pictures on my camera phone, I am happy. Camera is not my number one concern. 4G, Screen, res are my top three concerns.

Everyone's different, as for me:

I wish that VZW offered a GS II variant as I much prefer the great camera on the GS2 as well as a LOUDER speaker over the GNex' higher resolution but not Super AMOLED Plus display and weak speaker .

Where others find the resolution of the ET 4G to be block, it's fine for me .

Then some say they never enable their speaker while I use my phone to listen to the Android Central and many other podcasts (can't always use headphones or ext speakers so I really need a decent speaker plus I like to be able to easily hear my ringer / notifications <at home, across the home etc.>).

Can def see why those that leave their phone on vibrate or use headphones only or those that never have the need to take pictures with their phone (either they don't have much going on and do not have anything worthy to take pictures of or carry around a dedicated camera everywhere they go) - can see why the GNex they would prefer.

Why couldn't VZW offer the GS2 and the Nexus? :-(

Or why couldn't the GNex simply have the GS2's camera / sensor and speaker?

 

[phozone]

....not completely true! Their camera doesn't suck. And I recommend them to non arthritic older people due to their simplicity and minimalism. High tech version of Jiggerbug! Small screen, app drawer look to OS, no live widgets, no real desktop, no 4g LTE, OS that hasn't changed substantially for ages. Yes, that part is true suckage.

Could you be more specific?

 

[Premium1]

The Galaxy Nexus is the Iphone of android devices. The updates will come straight from Google. All other android devices are broken because of Motorola or Samsung or htc's crappy software. You don't hear that many problems with the Nexus S do you? All of you talking about the screen I have a droid charge that I am now using on wifi just as a music player and browsing when my other phone is charging. The screen blows the charge away. You should notice if you hold the iPhone next to the nexus that the iPhone screen looks washed out with colors and stuff. The only problem I have with this phone is the speaker is really quiet that's it. Android Ics is a whole redesign of android and its exciting and new. Guess what when the new iPhone comes out it will look just like what you have in your hand. I can't except that. I love change,playing with launchers and roms and all of that. Just my two cents.

Even stock devices don't always get updates quick look at the g2, g2x. If it is not a nexus there is no guarantee for quick updates.

 

[crzycrkr]

I agree. I purchased the iphone 4s but was very curious about the new Google Nexus. Yet another cheap, plastic Android phone, although the same cannot be said for the price. Thing is, I wouldn't rely on any significant future software updates to fix the phone or any other deficient operating features. That has been my experience with Android/carrier support in the past and would not expect it to change.

And you can't upgrade the poor weight and balance of this phone (IMO). For me its too big for how I use a phone. I am not sure what 4G does exactly. I suppose it drains your already limited data plan more quickly? Not bagging on others who want this phone its just that I am done with the whole Android thing until something more compelling comes along, and seeing and handling this phone just confirmed my suspicion this was just another Android device. I suppose the iphone OS is tired and boring but it works fantastic and does almost everything I need very well. It will be interesting to see how this Nexus phone holds up. I guess there is always the next one...

Lmao

 

[JOHNGAETANO]

I had the same intent today, walk into Verizon and swap carriers, dump my iPhone4s and get the GN. I've swapped phones and carriers every 3 months for years. I'm a phone junkie. But for some reason I looked at the GN and walked out without it. Maybe I'm getting old, or maybe I'm tired of trying every phone known to man, but I just was not 100% sold on it. Maybe I will change my mind in another month. Congrats to everyone who got one, I'm sure your enjoying the new gadget.

The big concerns, battery, camera, durability, Samsung


John

I have a jailbroken iPhone 4 and have never thought of switching until I started reading about the GN. I've been waiting to use my upgrade until it was released. So today I walked into my local VZ store and started playing with the GN. I was unimpressed.

First off it felt extremely cheap and the screen didn't blow me away as much as the rezound or my iPhone. I have a 6 year old daughter so I do use my camera quite a bit. The 5 megapixels didn't scare me too much since that is what I have in my iPhone. But when I started snapping some pics and comparing them to my iPhone my jaw hit the floor!! How can the new flagship Google phone have such a horrid camera!!! I'm not looking to replace my Nikon, but holy were they bad!!!

So I ended up walking out of the store and now am contemplating whether or not I will get this phone. I do like to change my theme/Rom and I know this is going to have quite a few options for that. But honestly the poor camera is a dealbreaker for me.

Maybe there can be some upgrades via software down the line??? For now it looks like I'm sticking with my iPhone.

 

[zero.]

Even stock devices don't always get updates quick look at the g2, g2x. If it is not a nexus there is no guarantee for quick updates.

this is the SINGLE thing still attracting me. all the hardware will blow my 3GS ip out of the water, so it's an upgrade for me however you slice it, but still i have to agree that the hardware side is nothing special, and ICS will be everywhere soon on newer hardware. at this point that is a very difficult evaluation to make. :'(

 

[Rominucka]

I have to agree with the thread title.
I did a basic test at my VZW store and was not all that impressed.

I love the screen. Overall it's as good as my Charge. It's less saturated (I love the saturation though) and it's brighter and obviously sharper. I see the pixelation but it doesn't bother me.

Sadly I found that my Charge was smoother. There was noticeable stutter and hesitation and I made sure 9000 things weren't running on the Nexus.

I was expecting to walk out with one, but it just didn't tweak my nips enough.

Sent from my Samsung Droid Charge 4G-LTE

 

[3rdpig]

I had intended on stopping by a VZ store and checking one out today, but I just didn't get the time. I don't need a great camera on a phone, but I do need a good one. I'm betting the camera app is more to blame than the sensor or lens. They cut some corners to get that zero shutter lag and most of it was probably software. Fortunately we can change camera apps but in doing so we may lose the zero shutter lag.

Maybe tomorrow I'll get the time to check one out. I'm not as psyched about it as I was 2 months ago.

 

[LocationDudeNYC]

Well, just my 2 cents.

I came from the iPhone 4S, 2 of them. Had all the other iPhones, the HTC EVO, and the Nexus S 4G.

The Galaxy Nexus is amazing! The iPhone 4S is truly a great piece of hardware but it lacks, for me, in too many things. No 4G...I mean, how long has Apple had to make a 4G phone? It's waaay to small.

The call quality on my SGN is really good. Not one dropped call so far. 4G LTE runs about 30mbps where I am. Wow! Show me an iPhone that can do that.

Nothing can match the build quality of an iPhone. But I think new Nexus is the closest thing to iPhone killer I've yet seen.



---
I am here:
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Edwill86]

I'm sure they can do some software upgrades for the camera. I personally couldn't wait because I'm giving my Thunderbolt to my mom when I go to Ohio next weekend for Christmas. I hardly ever use my camera anyway and I'm used to being an early adopter so I take the bad along with the good pretty well.

lol im doing the same thing! but sadly my upgrade date is 2/17/12 and they refused to give me an early upgrade until 1/17/12

counting the days.................

 

[thirsy1258]

I don't get the camera thing with phones . A phone with a camera is a plus. Sounds like you want to buy a nikon or cannon that can make calls ...... I have my cameras on my phones which I use when im out.

sent from my thunderbolt

 

[Rickgsx]

Not sure about you "fruit" guys... but I purchased a Phone, not a Camera... You want a highend camera, go purchase a Nikon... then I'm sure we'll see a post that you can't make phone calls from it...

 

[Ricky Babalu]

I do not begrudge anyone for choosing what phone works best for them, even the Iphone. As for me I like to be able to "tinker" and "customize" my phone so I am partial to Android.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

I have a jailbroken iPhone 4 and have never thought of switching until I started reading about the GN. I've been waiting to use my upgrade until it was released. So today I walked into my local VZ store and started playing with the GN. I was unimpressed.

First off it felt extremely cheap and the screen didn't blow me away as much as the rezound or my iPhone. I have a 6 year old daughter so I do use my camera quite a bit. The 5 megapixels didn't scare me too much since that is what I have in my iPhone. But when I started snapping some pics and comparing them to my iPhone my jaw hit the floor!! How can the new flagship Google phone have such a horrid camera!!! I'm not looking to replace my Nikon, but holy were they bad!!!

So I ended up walking out of the store and now am contemplating whether or not I will get this phone. I do like to change my theme/Rom and I know this is going to have quite a few options for that. But honestly the poor camera is a dealbreaker for me.

Maybe there can be some upgrades via software down the line??? For now it looks like I'm sticking with my iPhone.

You should probably stick with the iPhone.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk