Your real world experiences with the N4

[ChappersUK]

After a failed flirtation with the new HTC One (first handset returned due to hardware fault, subsequent handsets returned due to faulty screen production issues), I'm now back in the market for a new handset while "struggling" along with my old HTC Sensation that now feels like it was built decades ago

The process of spending a fortune on a top-end device only to be let down by build quality issues has allowed to me re-assess my purchasing priorities slightly as well, which leads me to thinking again of the Nexus 4 as a possible purchase. I love the look of it and quite like the idea of the vanilla Android (I also have a N7 tablet), however I am slightly concerned by the reported poor battery life, allegedly substandard camera and the lack of expandable storage. I know that no handset will be perfect, the S4 looks cheap and has storage & software issues (I also don't like touchwizz), the HTC issues (as experienced by me) are listed above and the Xperia Z also has Sony inflicted software glitches, is very big in the hand & the camera takes an age to load, but they are the main rivals that I have considered. They also cost nearly twice as much as the N4.

So, the reason for this thread is to ask for real life experience of living with the N4 - is the battery okay? Does the camera really suck? And my main concern - how do people find the limited storage?

And a final low-ball question - bearing in mind the announcement of the "Google" edition HTC One & SGS4 (and rumours of Xperia Z), would any of you be tempted by one of those instead?

I am genuinely interested in people's views and experiences.

 

[Captainbob767]

http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-nexus-4/225294-google-nexus-4-first-impressions-reviews.html

 

[gusar2000]

I'm new with Nexus 4. Like it, but you need to play with it to improve the battery life (basically disable some Google apps and processes, notifications, sync, etc.)

 

[Emma Challis]

Had my nexus, nearly two weeks now? LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. Sold my iPhone 4s for it! Totally worth it. Battery is as expected. I get two days out of mine because I'm not a big game player, spend all day in front of a PC so don't need to use the internet on it a lot and quite a few texts (about 40/50 a day). Over the weekend, yes I still get about two days out of it. I currently have 64% at 15:56 after taking it off charge at 8am this morning.

Camera isn't too bad. It's not the best don't get me wrong but if you care that much about photography, why are you using your phone to take pictures and not a DSLR?

Here's a picture I instagrammed. No filters applied, just cropping.

Photo by emma_challis • Instagram

But if you have the money, maybe SG4? I want the SG4 but sadly, my contract doesn't run out for another year and I didn't have ?500 to blow.

 

[zhelf]

Lets see where to begin

Overall:
I love my nexus 4 one of the best if not best built android devices i have ever used! and it is a very enjoyable experience to use i wish it had a 5" screen but im just nitpicking.

UI:
If you have used vanilla android you know what your in for i do miss some touchwiz and sense improvements but launchers and widgets are quick work arounds.

Camera: Yes the camera is lackluster will it suffice for a mobile shooter yes, but in todays game mobile cameras are taking impressive shots like the GS4 where as this leaves me a lil meh i can live with it but i dont love it or hate it. you certainly wont be winning any awards with it lol.

Screen: One of my gripes with the screen is it looks very washed out it is not a faulty hardware as i have played with others to the same result. its not a bad screen but when your coming from an iphone 5 or galaxy note 2 (2 of my other devices) it easily looks lackluster the colors just dont pop for me and mind you this is personal preference but probably the only thing i dislike about my device.

Storage: Yes 16gb is measily but with google play all access and using apps like copy,dropbox,drive, and box i just keep what i need on my device and the rest in the cloud. i have about 5 gb free regularly. would i like to have more? of course! but it is what it is.

Battery: um not the best... again i have used a lot of devices and 2 of my regular rotations are a note 2 and iphone 5 which both have great batteries. For example today i have had my phone off the charger since 5 am it is now 12:15pm and my battery is at 59% after heavy texting quite a few phone calls some emails with wifi and bluetooth on (bluetooth isnt connected currently) So you can make it through a work day i ahve another 5 hours before i get home and i am usually around 30% pending if i stream music in the car.

Thats really all there is to say for a phone that is $350 unlocked no contract that will run on tmobile or att (or any other gsm provider who uses their bands) it is a fantastic device that has great internal specs you really cant go wrong in my opinion. I love mine!

Edit: I forgot to mention my other gripe....this phone is quiet!!! I really wish the speaker was better

 

[JeffDenver]

So, the reason for this thread is to ask for real life experience of living with the N4 - is the battery okay? Does the camera really suck? And my main concern - how do people find the limited storage?

I don't like the limited storage at all. But the rest of the phone is so awesome I am able to manage. You will need to get used to deleting stuff. Get a Box.com account. Make sure you buy the 16 gig version. 16 gigs is adequate if you pay attention.

The battery is so-so. I bought an external charger. It will not last a day with heavy use (my previous phone, an HTC Rezound with extended battery, could do that easily). You cannot upgrade the battery. The battery is replaceable (you can buy them on eBay and there are detailed videos showing you how to do it), but it is time consuming and involved. The battery DOES hold a charge very very well. If you go to bed with 60% battery, you will wake up with 60% battery. And it charges much faster than other phones I have used.

The Camera is decent, which is to say, better than the previous generation. I would say it is slightly better than my Rezound (which had the best camera of it's generation). Both the S4 and One have better cameras. It has a fantastic macro mode, but low light is bad. In high contrast scenes there is heavy silhouetting. The UI is great although the options are limited. Of course, it also has Photosphere, which I don't think the S4 and One have yet.

What I love is the speed and smoothness. Vanilla Android is really where this phone shines and the 2 gigs of RAM and fast quad core CPU help a lot. This is the smoothest and fastest Android UI experience I have ever seen on any Android phone so far, including the S4 and One. I love the curved glass on the front. I love using Photosphere. I love how easy it is to customize...there is no vendor skin constantly pestering me. having suffered with Sense pollution for almost 2 years, this phone is a breath of fresh air.

And a final low-ball question - bearing in mind the announcement of the "Google" edition HTC One & SGS4 (and rumours of Xperia Z), would any of you be tempted by one of those instead?

Definitely. If the Google S4 had been available I would have gotten that instead probably. If I had been able to finance it. The Google version of the One is better than the Nexus 4 in every way. Other than cost, there is no reason at all to get the Nexus 4 over either vanilla android version of those phones.

 

[JeffDenver]

Camera isn't too bad. It's not the best don't get me wrong but if you care that much about photography, why are you using your phone to take pictures and not a DSLR?

Because my phone is always with me. Because my phone can immediately upload pictures to the internet. Because my phone is less bulky and less likely to be stolen (because it is in my pocket all the time). Because I can edit and crop pictures on my phone if I need to. Because I can backup or email pictures I just took immediately.

(also...photosphere. How many DSLRs do that?)

 

[fernandezhjr]

Because my phone is always with me. Because my phone can immediately upload pictures to the internet. Because my phone is less bulky and less likely to be stolen (because it is in my pocket all the time). Because I can edit and crop pictures on my phone if I need to. Because I can backup or email pictures I just took immediately.

(also...photosphere. How many DSLRs do that?)

You said "my phone" four times in that statement and I think that was her point. If you want to be a photographer, get a camera, not a phone. For just casual pictures, the N4 does fine and I see where even you agree with that.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[JeffDenver]

You said "my phone" four times in that statement and I think that was her point. If you want to be a photographer, get a camera

...that is not with me all the time. That will not upload pictures to the internet. That is likely bulkier and easier to steal and more expensive.

You missed my point; that there are reasons to compromise and use a cell phone camera instead.

For just casual pictures, the N4 does fine and I see where even you agree with that.

I think it does better than that for Macro shots. I have not seen any cheap DSLRs that can do better.

Camera phones will always be limited compared to DSLRs because they do not have optical zoom. I think the next big frontier for camera phones really is low light. There has been some decent progress made in this last generation. Too bad none of it made it to the Nexus.

 

[minnemike]

I would say:

camera: just ok. Helps to make use of better cam apps. For me, this is an ongoing process. I hear the next android update may include a much better native app. Love photosphere!
battery: had issues early on with some common google software glitches - all have disappeared since the latest update. Also, the battery has seemed to settle in after the initial use with great life.
storage: I would say depends entirely on your requirements. If you are prepared to make use of cloud services, then go forward with confidence. If you require a certain amount of storage beyond 16GB, then this should be a cut and dry issue for you.
fit and finish: beautiful phone - screen is about as big as I'd ever want. Some complain it might even be too thin, but nothing not remedied with a good case.
performance: perfect.

For the money, there is no better deal anywhere.

 

[cheesemachine]

It really just depends what you want from a phone.

I don't take a lot of pics, I stream radio with a good t mobile connection and Wi-Fi and I usually have a charger nearby if need be.

I don't care to have my iTunes library on me at all times and I don't have a desire to watch movies on a smartphone

I do a lot of news reading, tapatalk using, emailing, browsing and make good use of Google Now. That's 90% of it.

I plan on keeping this phone until about when its update cycle ends. And then I'll get the next Nexus available

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Fairclough]

is the battery okay? My phone has been off the charger for 10 hours probably a good 7 plugged into my amplifier loading music of Guvera, wifi on, screen has used 25% of battery, media 19% messaging 17% Google servies 13% of my used battery life. I am sitting on 47% left so it will get you through a day comfortably. However, It wouldn't get you few multiples days with normal usage - well for me. Oh I also leave my location settings on etc because I use Battery Guru by snapdragon as it automatically turns stuff on/off from location - ive gotten lazy.

Does the camera really suck?
Everyone in my family are photographers, so compared to the Cannon's sure, compared to a actual phone it does ok - I wouldn't rate it to the likings of HTC but it isn't crap. Its average. I hate photo's but when i need one this phone will do the job.

And my main concern - how do people find the limited storage?
I stream my music and photo's, I have no problem!

 

[dkhmwilliams]

I have had my Nexus for a few weeks now and I have to say that it had been a great experience. This is the first time that I have bought an unlocked smartphone. I have always been envious of those who have had the Google Play version of the Nexus line. As far as the hardware, I really like it. The phone looks and feels sleek. It has a real premium feel to it. The phone is really snappy. I haven't had any issues with the phone not being responsive. The phone is powerful enough to meet all of my needs right now. Storage space hasn't been a concern. I have the 16 GB version and that seems to be adequate. I use cloud storage quite a bit so I don't have the storage issues. I also don't download a lot of apps/games. Battery life has been decent. I can easily get through a full day on one charge. The camera has been great. I have read that some Nexus users don't really care for the camera. I haven't had any issues with it. I believe it takes really good pictures. I thought that the videos it captures were really good too and I just found out this morning that I have shooting all of my videos in 720p. So I have yet to see what the phone is truly capable of in the video recording department. No skins, no bloatware, no contract. I can't say enough about this device. I know my review of this device is overwhelmingly positive but I truly have nothing bad to say about it. I can't believe that I only paid $349 plus tax for this device off contract. Its a steal. As it compares to the Google Edition devices, they are a lot more expensive therefore don't interest me. I would believe that the experience would be similar. The last thing I will mention is the lack of LTE. Coming from the iPhone 5 that had LTE, I haven't even noticed a difference. All of my YouTube and Netflix videos play just fine. Browsing is snappy. GPS works as it should. I know that LTE is faster, but in everyday use, I haven't seen a difference. That's my opinion. The phone is a must have.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[yfan]

To address your concerns, first the camera. The Nexus 4 takes gorgeous pictures outdoors in the daylight. I'm a nature lover, and have been taking lots of pictures outdoors. I don't take as many pictures at night or in low light, so while my experience is limited, it is certainly true that the quality could be better.

Storage: I'm one of the few that bought the 8 GB version and saved $50. I don't regret it for a minute. All of my files, including music, photos, etc. are in the cloud anyway, and I prefer it that way. Not for storage's sake, but for the ubiquity of access. I have enough cloud storage (and I don't pay a penny for it) to save all my stuff, and that's the way I want it. 8GB is enough for the cache of apps, the actual apps and the photos until they are uploaded to the cloud. Depending on cache size and my podcasts, I tend to have between 2.5 and 3 GB free on the phone most of the time, yes, even on this phone.

There is no doubt that 8 GB (or even perhaps 16 GB) won't be enough for you if you have large apps, or are a hardcore gamer, or prefer local storage for all your stuff over the cloud. Whether the Nexus 4 fits your life depends on your lifestyle.

Battery life: It's decent. It holds charge well, but you will only get about 3-4 hours of full on screen time.

One thing I will mention - hardware. The glass back is pretty, sparkly and a stunner. But be careful - it's slippery and tends to slip off tables and even your hand. Put on a case or a transparent (but not frictionless) back protector.

 

[petaf]

I'm still loving my N4. The size is just right for me and it performs smoothly. I use Lookout security and Auto Screen On (as I've mentioned before in a similar thread). With Auto Screen activated you just wave your hand over the screen to wake it up. I also use the Rinke case on it, the one with the clear back. All in all, this is a great device. My son inherited my Galaxy Nexus and loves it, too.

 

[planoman]

Just passing though and saw your post. If this was a few months ago I would say go for it but at this point you should either go for a google edition HTC One or S4. Not sure why you say the S4 looks cheap because it feels great in the hand, better than the N4 which is thicker. I had the Nexus 4 since January and sold it last week.

The phone works well in the end the major limitations in my opinion were:

Storage, camera and HSPA+ in that order

Storage: I had the 16GB and will never settle for that again. 32 GB is my absolute minimum with or without SD card which is why I waited for the 32GB S4. The cloud is fine but it is slow. I did not want to wait for wifi and it was slow uploading lots of pics and a 1 minute video would take several minutes. Need LTE for me!

Camera: Outdoor shot are ok but anything other than that and it is pretty much crap. I did not realize how crap the camera I until I got the S4, although I was down on the N4 camera which is why I was looking to replace the N4.

I already touched on HSPA+. The ones who say that is ok for them are probably not in premium LTE areas all the time. No more HSPA+ for me...

Battery life was adequate as I was able to get through a 12 hour day although I did have to top off some times.

I would say wait a few weeks to check out the new google editions. After selling my N4 with some other money I socked away I may be looking to jump on the HTC One google edition. Since I do enjoy the pure android and have never had an HTC or used sense, I will not know any better...

Not hating on the N4 I just think if you are in the market for a Nexus, you might as well wait to see the Nexus 5 or even the Moto X...

Good luck deciding!

 

[yfan]

Storage: I had the 16GB and will never settle for that again. 32 GB is my absolute minimum with or without SD card which is why I waited for the 32GB S4. The cloud is fine but it is slow. I did not want to wait for wifi and it was slow uploading lots of pics and a 1 minute video would take several minutes. Need LTE for me!

This begs the question, if it's the lack of LTE that was making 16 GB too small for storage, why would you still need a 32GB phone of the LTE variety (GS4)?

I already touched on HSPA+. The ones who say that is ok for them are probably not in premium LTE areas all the time. No more HSPA+ for me...

I tend to think that those who say LTE is that much better than HSPA+ probably have not seen the true HSPA+ 42 speeds (or markets). I am in one and on T-mobile, my Nexus 4 averages 12-14 mbps, and it's not that uncommon for my speed to be range high 20s to low 30s (26+ mbps) - which is pretty much exactly comparable to LTE speeds (both average and highest experienced). LTE is certainly potentially capable of higher speeds than HSPA+ 42, but right now, HSPA+ 42 is quite comparable to LTE.

 

[mr_nobody]

If this was a few months ago I would say go for it but at this point you should either go for a google edition HTC One or S4.

These phones are twice the price so not really comparable imo...

 

[planoman]

This begs the question, if it's the lack of LTE that was making 16 GB too small for storage, why would you still need a 32GB phone of the LTE variety (GS4)?


I tend to think that those who say LTE is that much better than HSPA+ probably have not seen the true HSPA+ 42 speeds (or markets). I am in one and on T-mobile, my Nexus 4 averages 12-14 mbps, and it's not that uncommon for my speed to be range high 20s to low 30s (26+ mbps) - which is pretty much exactly comparable to LTE speeds (both average and highest experienced). LTE is certainly potentially capable of higher speeds than HSPA+ 42, but right now, HSPA+ 42 is quite comparable to LTE.

Just saying the cloud is slow. Would
have been more bearable with LTE speeds. I want 32 because internal storage is faster and more reliable than sd card. Plus I feel better having 96GB of storage...

I can't remember the last time I did a speed test and it was below 40mbps. I do not even do them anymore because I know it's blazing. My wife has 42 hspa+ on t mobile and it is not comparable to att's LTE... just no at least not where we live.

But enjoy your 8GB Nexus 4 if it works for you. Just giving my opinion.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

 

[planoman]

These phones are twice the price so not really comparable imo...

Yeah, I am usually not attracted to the lowest price of anything. Not really a factor in my decisions. You get what you pay for my momma always said.

Plus the OP did not mention price as a critera.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337