[Q] Galaxy Nexus Prime or S3 Mini? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hi, I'm currently planning on buying my next android phone to replace my broken xperia ray.. Now I'm choosing between Galaxy nexus prime and samsung s3 mini..
I'm thinking about which phone will receive longer updates/support.. A friend of mine told me that nexus phones have a higher chance of getting android updates since they are google phones..
Here are what i want from each phone:
S3 mini 8gb - gorilla glass (i broke my ray's screen so i'm planning on buying a strong phone), smaller screen (I'll be keeping it in my pocket most of the time), physical home button, cheaper and microsd slot.
Nexus prime 16gb - higher density screen, better front-facing camera, 1080p recording, higher internal memory (but no microsd slot), and more updates (?)
Also, which phone has the better hardware.. I tried searching for a comparison of the two in google but couldn't find a direct one..
Thanks

Galaxy Nexus is the better device. S3 mini has always been a mid-low end device while the GNex was once a top of the line flagship and still is heavily developed for.

i see, thank you for your reply.. so nexus could get more updates than s3 mini? also, how's its performance for long term use? i haven't tried one yet so i only watched hands-on reviews on youtube.. and how's the battery life?

jzerman said:
i see, thank you for your reply.. so nexus could get more updates than s3 mini? also, how's its performance for long term use? i haven't tried one yet so i only watched hands-on reviews on youtube.. and how's the battery life?
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Click to collapse
the nexus will definitely get more updates. The nexus will get more updates than every phone on the market, except the nexus 4 which will outlive the nexus due to newer, more superior hardware.

alexdemonumber3 said:
the nexus will definitely get more updates. The nexus will get more updates than every phone on the market, except the nexus 4 which will outlive the nexus due to newer, more superior hardware.
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Click to collapse
That's good.. I would like nexus 4 but it's too expensive here in the Philippines. If only I live in a country where google is selling it then I might consider it.. So i think I'll just go for nexus 3
Thank you for replying

If shooting photos is your thing then dont get a nexus... Its camera is very disappointing imo. But i dont believe s3 mini will get more updates than nexus
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

taufiiqqq said:
If shooting photos is your thing then dont get a nexus... Its camera is very disappointing imo. But i dont believe s3 mini will get more updates than nexus
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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I see, may I know how bad is it? I tend use camera quite frequent (for instagram or facebook). Also, when it comes to speed, which one's faster? Thank you for your reply

I don't think the camera is too bad on the Gnex, I can't say which one is faster but I have no trouble with pics for facebook or instagram. Battery life is ok on the GSM version. I use the stock 4.2.2 rom and with my data, gps, bluetooth off until I need to use it I can make it a whole day easily on a full charge. I don't make many calls a day sometimes none but probably do 4-500 texts a day easily and some light web browsing and by the time I get home from work i still have a good chunk of juice left in the battery.
Overall the GNex is still a good phone, I wouldn't buy a CDMA version due to the LTE killing the battery fast but the GSM version is very good and still gets great data speeds on HSPA. There is a lot of roms to choose from but I stick with the stock one as there really isn't anything wrong with it. Plain android runs really good on this phone.

jzerman said:
I see, may I know how bad is it? I tend use camera quite frequent (for instagram or facebook). Also, when it comes to speed, which one's faster? Thank you for your reply
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Click to collapse
If you aren't printing the pictures out and only sharing them digitally you are a OK. There is a thread around here somewhere with "Post pics from your Gnex!!!" Or some other. You be the judge.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Thank you for your comments guys, I just got my hands on a galaxy nexus yesterday, I rooted it, flashed stock 4.2.2, and I'm loving it

Related

[Q] should I buy Galaxy Nexus?

Hi everyone,
I am thinking to buy either Galaxy S2X or Galaxy Nexus,
which one would you pick? reasons?
Thanks.
Nexus. Direct support from google. Enough said.
Galaxy s 2!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
shishilok said:
Hi everyone,
I am thinking to buy either Galaxy S2X or Galaxy Nexus,
which one would you pick? reasons?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with the Nexus, supporters of the GSII have ONLY GPU performance to back them up. But so far, my Nexus plays every game I throw at it BEAUTIFULLY. We might have the older SGX540 GPU, but it IS overclocked and is not the same one found in older phones. The SGX540 in the GNex runs at a higher frequency, and the performance boost is very noticeable. What do you need an overperforming GPU for when this one performs just as well on the user end?
Not to mention the beautiful 720p HD display on the Nexus. Do you want to be stuck on that ****ty 480x800 display of the SGSII? Not to mention, the GNex is outputting more pixels AND performs exceptionally. Our 'weak' GPU is a beast.
Lol. It's a Nexus. 'Nuff said
EDIT: Even our OMAP4460 outclasses that exynox garbage: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378551
So, GSII, do you feel special with your useless, overzealous GPU?
SGS2 is a solid phone. Great hardware and beautiful screen. Great battery life. No software updates like Nexus line of phone. Hence the reason its officially still at GB 2.3.5
GN is a solid phone. Great hardware and mind-blowing screen. Great battery life. Software updates arrive as soon as Google releases them. Currently running ICS 4.0.1
Its ur decision which way you want to go. I have both. Handed unlocked SGS2 to my wife. I am using GN and am very happy with it. Even though my cedit card still has a big dent in it. Lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
but do you guys think Galaxy Nexus has a lot of drawbacks?
Will Galaxy S2X be upgraded to ICS???
Buy the Nexus and don't look back stock is where its at.
daleski75 said:
Buy the Nexus and don't look back stock is where its at.
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Click to collapse
what do you mean???
I am in the same boat. I have been putting off upgrading to a new phone for quite some time now (i dont upgrade every few months due to student reasons).. lol.. but the new parade of phones is tempting me a lot!
I am still stuck on an ancient Nokia E72 with its 600mhz of glory!
I am deciding between GNex, SGS2 or the Iphone 4s. My primary usage is texting and calling, camera is not a very big deal breaker for me (i have a dslr and a small point and shoot, but all of these phones have a decent enough camera for those impromptu moments).
I decided against the iphone 4s since the design is still the same as the previous, IE, its made of glass and is very very delicate (accidents can happen).
So im left with S2 and GN. I kind of decided to go with the GN since its got a bigger and higher res screen (i do like the screen to look nice!) and the pure android does seem like a better choice.. Even ICS is only GN, S2 would be getting it soon, bt it will have the touchwiz etc on it.. id rather stay clear of the 'advancements' made by the individual companies and have pure android with me..
the only thing that is bugging me now is the battery life. i understand that its a smartphone with a ginormous screen so im not expecting 3-4 days battery (the type i get with my E72 with moderate to heavy usage), but i would like to get by the entire day with moderate usage and charge the phone at night while i sleep.. the forums have many people claiming really good battery or really bad battery (for me, really good battery is the ability to go without ur charger for the entire week, something that i have done on my fone, albeit with sending less than 20 texts and a phone call the whole day). but ya, i wouldnt mind if i have to charge the phone at the end of everyday..
What would you guys do??
shishilok said:
Will Galaxy S2X be upgraded to ICS???
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Click to collapse
Samsung's PR announced a planned ICS upgrade for Galaxy S2. But it is yet to be seen when that will actually be ready, and when or if carriers actually allow it to be released to devices.
Stock Android is the best, that's what he means.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
Tommebaas said:
Stock Android is the best, that's what he means.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
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Click to collapse
Precisely and you get updates as soon as google release them and no waiting for carriers to get their act together.
shishilok said:
Hi everyone,
I am thinking to buy either Galaxy S2X or Galaxy Nexus,
which one would you pick? reasons?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you want to do with the phone?
AllGamer said:
What do you want to do with the phone?
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Click to collapse
play games, whatsapp, take pictures
Galaxy nexus is better and smoother then i could imagine.
A friend of mine got a S II hand its a nice phone but The nexus is beyond that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
shishilok said:
play games, whatsapp, take pictures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then get the SGS2 i9100
GN will not get you what you want
here's another reason why it might not be such a great idea to get the GN http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1389430
AllGamer said:
then get the SGS2 i9100
GN will not get you what you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, what purposes is GN for?
Phone, Text, Web, Some games (not all games work in GN), 720p screen (which is also a double edged blade), Development
ICS4, Google music, Face Unlock, etc, all these also available on other phones
GN only represents "guaranteed" OS upgrade by Google, which doesn't seems to be holding true anymore from what we've seen already on the latest OTA upgrade
I love Google products with all their drawbacks, currently owning a Nexus S and this is a great phone, so Galaxy Nexus would be my pick for sure.

Switch to Nexus or stick to SGS2?

I am currently a happy SGS2 user for almost a year. BUt ive been thinking if i should switch over to the galaxy nexus by the end of this month. Actually the only reason that is holding me back from getting a nexus is the rather average camera. And the 1080p video recording has this really annoying wobbly effect which AFAIK does not have a fix. Hardware wise ive been told its a step down from the S2 but day to day performance is on par. So do you guys think its a good idea for me to switch over or should i just stick to my S2 for now and wait for the S3?
It would be best to think for yourself...
I have them both but the gs2 is on sale, and i will never go back to a non nexus device.
Btw, this exact question comes up every single day recently........
As a guy who had his 1st GN die
Had a GSII as a loan phone for a week.
and then got his warranty replacement GN
I much prefer the GN
Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind. Haven't been able to find many S2 users who migrated to GN to know about their opinions between the two..
Sent from my non-Apple device via XDA App
You should just wait for GS3. Honestly the gs2 is just a sidestep mostly. The only compelling reason that wins hands down is Google support and development. Besides if you get the nexus now, it kinda seems that you might kick yourself in da butt for not waiting a few more months.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.
I had the SGS2 and I switched from a nexus S and am now back to the Galaxy Nexus as awesome as the SGS2 and possibly the 3 are they will never be better than a Nexus device. The Nexus with the direct link to Google updates and pure android without bloat or a skin UI is always better and faster. The updates are going to be way ahead of carrier/hardware UI having phones. So in the end I wont ever buy a non Nexus Android again no matter the specs
Hi first I had galaxy s 2 i9100 then I got galaxy s 2 t989 for T-Mobile then paid 685 for galaxy nexus. I had all 3 then I sold the galaxy s 2 i9100 next galaxy nexus and I kept the T-Mobile version t989 its the fastest of them all. And it has all the bends for at&t T-Mobile 3g and 4g. Once it gets a ICS rom it will bee more faster. Cm9.
I am not here to BS I had all 3 Nexus has the software but has lots of shortcomings ( ext. SD and the processor, camera and so on) but its the best phone in hand.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
samoevn said:
Hi first I had galaxy s 2 i9100 then I got galaxy s 2 t989 for T-Mobile then paid 685 for galaxy nexus. I had all 3 then I sold the galaxy s 2 i9100 next galaxy nexus and I kept the T-Mobile version t989 its the fastest of them all. And it has all the bends for at&t T-Mobile 3g and 4g. Once it gets a ICS rom it will bee more faster. Cm9.
I am not here to BS I had all 3 Nexus has the software but has lots of shortcomings ( ext. SD and the processor, camera and so on) but its the best phone in hand.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can say is wow.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.
@rbiter said:
You should just wait for GS3. Honestly the gs2 is just a sidestep mostly. The only compelling reason that wins hands down is Google support and development. Besides if you get the nexus now, it kinda seems that you might kick yourself in da butt for not waiting a few more months.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz and Ice cream sandwich = yuck.
If the OP cares about development and having the latest and newest android version get the nexus. You won't disappointed. Sure the Galaxy S3 may have better specs but have you seen touchwiz on 4.0?
After all it is just a phone and galaxy nexus is already fast as it is.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.
cr0wnest said:
Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the GN picture thread in General then. A lot of ppl have posted pics taken with their GN.
zephiK said:
Check the GN picture thread in General then. A lot of ppl have posted pics taken with their GN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or Flickr.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
I'll check them out!
Also can someone enlighten me on the 1080p recording? In most video samples the video has this awful wobbly/wave effect while panning and focusing and it really spoils the whole thing. Is it due to the phone having a poor camera sensor or software settings?
Im refering to the wobbly effect seen in this video
While it should look something like this (No wobble)
To my surprise there doesnt seem to be anyone talking about this issue so im really curious to know!
cr0wnest said:
Interesting comments here. My sister's contract should be up by the time the S3 arrives in my country (Hopefully by mid July) so i can always get the nexus right now and switch over to the S3 later. No loss there. The only concern is if i were to get a nexus right now i will have to bear with it until the S3 is released later this year. I dont mind the specs and form factor of the phone, i got to touch one today for the first time and i think it feels better in the hand compared to the S2.
Honestly the camera is the ONLY thing holding me back right now. I hardly take HD clips on my S2 even though its great, but i do take a lot of pictures of random sights and objects. Not really a huge loss to me but i do take camera quality into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently switched from the SGS2 to GN. I'm almost completely happy with the S2 except:
- The necessity to depend on Samsung to publish new firmwares means it will be quickly abandoned in favour of the S3. The S2 is still the king of the hill for the time being but I have no doubt when S3 comes out the S2 will receive 1 or 2 minor upgrades at best.
- Compatibility, some apps and games do not work correctly with it (there are many examples that I don't feel listing).
- Not all games run smoothly, despite the powerful GPU due to compatibility problems (Gameloft is the prime suspect, although others such as Shadowgun is shaky as well).
Here are the pros of Nexus devices:
- Direct updates from Google, of course.
- Guaranteed compatibility for all apps
- All games should run smoothly or satisfactorily as they should be well tested with Nexus devices.
Hardware is a toss, if you are in it for benchmarks only I'd suggest waiting for the S3 (and prepare to replace it when S4 comes out). If not, go for it and be rest assured that the GN will still be good 2 years later.
If it sounds a lot like the iPhone/iPad situation, because it is. Hardware superiority means naughts if it's driving sub-standard/unsupported software.
The camera is fine, I do think it's a problem of pre-production devices. I took videos in daylight and night time and none of those exhibit the waving issue.
cr0wnest said:
I'll check them out!
Also can someone enlighten me on the 1080p recording? In most video samples the video has this awful wobbly/wave effect while panning and focusing and it really spoils the whole thing. Is it due to the phone having a poor camera sensor or software settings?
Im refering to the wobbly effect seen in this video
While it should look something like this (No wobble)
To my surprise there doesnt seem to be anyone talking about this issue so im really curious to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wobble is likely the video stabilization. There's an app which you can turn it on and off with the GN and it does have a smoother video with it on, but some wobble as well. Some people prefer that over the jittery video that the GN produces with stabilization off (which is quite obvious in the second video link you posted).
I see, does the cam corder have a built in option for video stabilization? I think the jittery is fine, i didnt even notice until you mentioned it. For now it seems quite likely that i'll be getting a nexus. Thanks for all your help guys, much appreciated.
The only thing that bugs me is the 5MP Camera... but about the S3 or a new GN or whatnot.... this always occurs every year or two so eventually you'll switch or maybe you stay... im really loving this GN...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Unless you really want the nexus support and updates.
I would recommend waiting for the next Samsung galaxy s device whether it is called sIII or s II plus...
I believe that the next Samsung galaxy s device will be better than the galaxy nexus in hardware perspective.(camera,thinness,build quality, battery, maybe even screen).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
My $0.02
It's all a matter of preference.
The GSII is an amazing phone; my girlfriend has that and I have the GNex. She would take her GSII over the GNex any day of the week, and vice versa. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of the screen, camera, speaker, and SD card slot; however, to me there's no replacement for basic, stock Android on a snappy phone. The radio in my GNex seems to be better than her GSII's, but that's a subjective thing.
Yes, you can root and install a ROM on the GSII. Overall, the GSII is a better piece of hardware. However, my preference is a solid phone that's supported by Google and has no bloatware or lockdown at all.
The main thing what makes Galaxy Nexus better than Galaxy S2 is faster updates and native support from Google. You will first get updated, fixes, you don't need to wait till Samsung will create their TouchWiz.
Otherwise these devices are very similar. Camera performance is equal, the screen is bigger for Galaxy Nexus and it has a bit weaker technology but you can't see with your eye so both are the same quality.
If you would have Galaxy S or some other phone then update would be must have but upgrade from SGS2 to Nexus is not worth it as both devices are with similar specs and performance.

Thinking about switching to a GNEX..

Currently have a SGSII on Tmobile but I get 20-25% at Verizon through work so I'm thinking about switching.
Am I going to be dissapointed?
Loved my Nexus one and Nexus S
thejron said:
Currently have a SGSII on Tmobile but I get 20-25% at Verizon through work so I'm thinking about switching.
Am I going to be dissapointed?
Loved my Nexus one and Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not.
i switch from a sgs2 everything is better but you`ll be dissapointend because of: lagg , can`t play latest games smooth , very low volume loudspeaker, display not so HD like its sad ... poor battery ///
the lte is awsome, youll really enjoy it (when you get a signal lol)
the gs2 was the other phone i really wanted on verizon but after using the gnex since launch i really like it alot, ICS is amazing
mine doesnt lag at all, games work perfectly fine for me lol
Just go ahead !
I just switched from the Sensation to this today, it's a beast!
NO lags whatsoever
My best buy yet.
Put it this way. I'll never buy a non-pure Google/Nexus phone again. And I've owned a LOT of phones (most recently an EVO, SGSII (GSM) and Note (GSM).
None of them beat my former N1/NS/GNEX [GSM] (current). None.
That help?
thejron said:
Currently have a SGSII on Tmobile but I get 20-25% at Verizon through work so I'm thinking about switching.
Am I going to be dissapointed?
Loved my Nexus one and Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say do it....though I really wish I had your job. I just get 15% for being government employee (US Navy) lol. Man 25% would be awesome....
Well tbh I got an amazing deal from Costco, set me up with the 65 and older plan ($40 + $9.99 each line) plus the double data (4GB for $30) on each line + 15% discount lol.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
burner07 said:
i switch from a sgs2 everything is better but you`ll be dissapointend because of: lagg , can`t play latest games smooth , very low volume loudspeaker, display not so HD like its sad ... poor battery ///
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may just be your device, cause i have not lag(its actually faster than my Epic 4g touch), i can play Zenonia or any of my other games without a problem, for volume just download Volume+ from the market and that problem is solved, the display is amazing, as for as the battery it's great, if your battery life isn't great then get the extended 2100mAh battery it works great i'm gettin 18+ hours with ease
---------- Post added at 01:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 AM ----------
i get a 25% discount too, 4gb of data(which i never completely use in a month), 450 minutes, with free mobile to mobile(with any carrier) for $70 a month, way cheaper then what i paid at sprint
Nothing beats a Nexus.....nothing.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
burner07 said:
i switch from a sgs2 everything is better but you`ll be dissapointend because of: lagg , can`t play latest games smooth , very low volume loudspeaker, display not so HD like its sad ... poor battery ///
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, don't listen to this person! I had the T989 and made the switch to the Galaxy Nexus (GSM version) and it's been the best decision I ever made regarding a phone. Sure, there is an occasional gaming issue but that's not because the phone can't run it...blame the app devs. The speaker is a little weak but there's apps to cover this issue and also I believe I read the volume has been increased in the 4.0.4 leak. The display is WAY WAY better than Galaxy S II. My recommendation? Do it! You won't regret it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jonathan3579 said:
OP, don't listen to this person! I had the T989 and made the switch to the Galaxy Nexus (GSM version) and it's been the best decision I ever made regarding a phone. Sure, there is an occasional gaming issue but that's not because the phone can't run it...blame the app devs. The speaker is a little weak but there's apps to cover this issue and also I believe I read the volume has been increased in the 4.0.4 leak. The display is WAY WAY better than Galaxy S II. My recommendation? Do it! You won't regret it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. I keep bouncing back to the nexus. It's a keeper.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium App
I just switched from the TMobile SII to the Nexus - actually won it directly from Samsung. So far I love the phone and don't really have any regrets about switching. I actually have more complaints about Verizon's network than the phone itself. After all the hype about Verizon's 4G LTE network, I expected the network to be better. First day with the phone, 4G was down half the day. Also, I am really surprised in the areas that I am not getting 4G, but rather 3G. I didn't really seem to have these issues with TMobile and 4G never went down. With that said, when I am getting 4G it's super fast.
In regards to the phone, I love the amount of development for it. The SGII's development was pretty stagnate. This is a huge plus for me and one of the main reasons I switched to the Nexus. Not sure if I would ever want to get a non Nexus phone again. In regards to the hardware, I would say I don't notice a big difference between the two. Actually, my Nexus is getting higher scores in Quadrant and Antutu than my SGII. I am not a hard core gamer, so take it for what it's worth. I haven't taken enough pictures with the Nexus to compare to the SGII, however, I really liked the SGII's camera and the fact that it is 8MP compared to the Nexus' 5MP.
HTH
I will only list some of the cons of this awesome phone, so you can maybe decide. The gps is dog slow. The battery life is mediocre even with the extended battery. No Google Wallet out of the box. No sd card slot, if that is important to you. People will bash your device bc they are jealous. Otherwise, it is a fantastic choice on vzw.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
jonathan3579 said:
OP, don't listen to this person! I had the T989 and made the switch to the Galaxy Nexus (GSM version) and it's been the best decision I ever made regarding a phone. Sure, there is an occasional gaming issue but that's not because the phone can't run it...blame the app devs. The speaker is a little weak but there's apps to cover this issue and also I believe I read the volume has been increased in the 4.0.4 leak. The display is WAY WAY better than Galaxy S II. My recommendation? Do it! You won't regret it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I've actually had both. I started off with the white Galaxy S2 - boy it was a really beautiful sleek phone to look at. I knew that pretty much all the hardware specs were better on the S2 than on the Nexus, but after a while I was getting fed up with not having ICS (the ICS modded roms ported to the S2 just weren't doing the trick.
So I found someone who took my new S2 and gave me a new Galaxy Nexus. And YES- it had all the same problems the previous poster described: lags, slow gaming, very low volume in both the ear speaker and the loudspeaker, and battery drain.
But the lag/slowness and battery drain was resolved after I installed the AOKP rom, and the loudspeaker was resolved after I installed the Volume+ app. However, the ear speaker is still very low and I have no idea how to make it louder.
That being said, the only two benefits to the Nexus is the larger screen, and that it has the latest Android version. Almost every other spec on it is said to be worse than the S2, including the camera. But I'd pick having the latest Android version over a better camera any day.
One other thing that bugs the hell out of me with the Nexus is that the front-facing cam only records video in 720p---it doesn't allow realtime Skype videochat in 720p or even 640, or even 480. The best I got was 320x240 which is the same resolution I got from my webcam in 2001, eleven years ago. Even the S2 transmitted in 640x480 on Skype.
KeithRVA said:
I will only list some of the cons of this awesome phone, so you can maybe decide. The gps is dog slow. The battery life is mediocre even with the extended battery. No Google Wallet out of the box. No sd card slot, if that is important to you. People will bash your device bc they are jealous. Otherwise, it is a fantastic choice on vzw.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truth. The amount of flack it gets out of jealously--mainly because of its name--is ridiculous.
Yeh you'll probably be disappointed with the lag compared to the S2, unless you want to root and install a custom rom on the Galaxy Nexus.
There's hiccups here and there with the stock launcher and I agree. A lil disappointed but believe me is not as people make it out to be and hopefully is a software issue.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
montrealguy said:
Well I've actually had both. I started off with the white Galaxy S2 - boy it was a really beautiful sleek phone to look at. I knew that pretty much all the hardware specs were better on the S2 than on the Nexus, but after a while I was getting fed up with not having ICS (the ICS modded roms ported to the S2 just weren't doing the trick.
So I found someone who took my new S2 and gave me a new Galaxy Nexus. And YES- it had all the same problems the previous poster described: lags, slow gaming, very low volume in both the ear speaker and the loudspeaker, and battery drain.
But the lag/slowness and battery drain was resolved after I installed the AOKP rom, and the loudspeaker was resolved after I installed the Volume+ app. However, the ear speaker is still very low and I have no idea how to make it louder.
That being said, the only two benefits to the Nexus is the larger screen, and that it has the latest Android version. Almost every other spec on it is said to be worse than the S2, including the camera. But I'd pick having the latest Android version over a better camera any day.
One other thing that bugs the hell out of me with the Nexus is that the front-facing cam only records video in 720p---it doesn't allow realtime Skype videochat in 720p or even 640, or even 480. The best I got was 320x240 which is the same resolution I got from my webcam in 2001, eleven years ago. Even the S2 transmitted in 640x480 on Skype.
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my oovoo was in 720p
G1-8701 said:
my oovoo was in 720p
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I would definitely challenge you on that. I just tried it. I installed it and called myself from my computer. I changed it to HR and then the following appears on the Gnexus screen: "HR: Resolution is Not Supported"
I want this phone so bad, its the only rhing I want ever. Its so expensive though. This is coming from a paycheck to paycheck family. I do the bills I would know. We have 316 dollars in bank with 277 to come out. What remains is what we have. Any chance?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Convince me to upgrade to galaxy nexus!

I have a nexus S looking to upgrade and I just cant make up my mind between galaxy S2 and galaxy nexus. I was waiting for S3 but it's nothing spectacular and I'll rather save money by getting a cheaper phone.
I obviously love the google experience and really glad how well google supported the nexus S, they got ICS running so well on it with 4.0.4. No other android OEM supports their year old phones like that. And I am not happy at all with how samsung treated the original galaxy S and galaxy S plus.
However I am just not sure about the hardware of the GN. The screen is touted as it's major feature but then I come across this,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1394358
How is that supposed to be the "best" screen? And then many tests have confirmed that the nexus has an extremely dim display compared to S2 and other amoled screens. How then is it the best display? Seems like it's just pixel density where it wins among amoled screens.
The other thing which worries me is the GPU and resolution combination. One of the only things my nexus S has really started struggling with is gaming, I surely want my next phone to be really good at it. But is the nexus very good at it with the old GPU but really high resolution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rElZzjJk3yM
Why do I see slight lag in there? Can the galaxy nexus not run temple run at stutter free 60FPS?
Lastly I have heard the loudspeaker is on the quieter side? Another strange thing for a samsung phone, how much worse is it than nexus S?
Updates directly from Google, better screen, NFC, Next official Google Rom very likely supported. SGSIII just announced, why get an S2.
Root it and it's the best device on earth.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
If you're looking for a reason to get the Galaxy Nexus and posting here you'll just get biased post. If you want it, just get the phone. Sitting there and being obsessed trying to justify your purchase won't get you anywhere, I had this obsession for like 1 week nonstop and gave in. I came from a Nexus S too.
Just do it.
Not sure whether or not to get it?
Go to a Verizon store and check it out for yourself.
I say if you aren't sure, then don't get it. Some we have a tendency to look for faults and more faults because of what we read. If you really want it on the other hand, go get it. The negative reviews you see at times will be brushed away because you like the phone you have. There isn't a perfect phone. What makes it perfect is the smile on your face every time you use it.
Just get it.
Don't like it. Return it.
Thing is, you'll love it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
I'm coming from a gs2 from tmobile and believe me the galaxy nexus is very nice. The gs2 development is slow and the phone is a bit laggy vs the GN. I say get it. Don't even bother with touchwiz and get pure Google's ics and way better development and faster updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I am using NS and my 1st GNex just came.
For real I don't see a better screen and a faster phone..
comparing both using stock lastest 4.0.4 rom...
Why do we need to convince you? What is in it for us?
Go to the store and play with one and see what you think.
If your after a cheaper phone than the SGS 3 i personally would say get the Gnex over SGS 2 ( i came from an sgs i9000 but my buddy has an s2 ) but its up to you.
Only you can say what you like best.
It depends how you use your phone and how much you flash it etc.
If your just a general user or a "hardcore" user.
They are both pretty much identical apart from the TW of course.
Easy; Don't think, just do it.
Sent from a Nexus is our Galaxy...
I also came from a Nexus S (just within the past 2 weeks actually), but was disappointed in the ICS experience on my Nexus S. I found it to be fairly laggy, especially with multiple apps open.
ICS on the Galaxy Nexus is a much better experience. The speaker volume on the Galaxy Nexus isnt as strong as the Nexus S, but its fine for normal use from what I've found. My screen has been just perfect too.
My recommendation is get the Galaxy Nexus if you are interested. I dont think you'll regret it. Its all the good stuff about the Nexus S plus better battery life and a better screen.
If you have a Nexus S, wait it out. See what Google has in store for Android and the Nexus program. Then invest.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
honestly coming from a gnexus user.. i would say go for S3.. gnexus has a weak battery imo and isnt really that smooth( even after installing ROMs etc) compared to my older htc desire hd which is pretty stupid. the speaker is pretty soft but volume+ should fix it. if u hate touchwiz that much just flash a vanilla ICS rom on S3
Smokeey said:
If you have a Nexus S, wait it out. See what Google has in store for Android and the Nexus program. Then invest.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
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Nexus S already received the ota. There's nothing to really wait for it. $400 is a really good price for a non contract phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Nexus...
'nuff said.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Thanks everyone for the responses. Can I please have some feedback on temple run performance?
http://ironicsurrealism.com/files/2012/03/not-This-****-Again.gif
sstang2006 said:
http://ironicsurrealism.com/files/2012/03/not-This-****-Again.gif
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Lol! He shoulda just posted on his title can the galaxy nexus run temple run properly .
Buy an ipod touch so you can play all the games you want

Too late to buy this?

I'm considering buying the Nexus now that it is 400 dollars but I'm not sure if I should wait for the next best phone. Suggestions?
Edit: I'm concerned that I will get a phone that has banding issues/purple tint. I've read a ton of threads about this issue and it is concerning.
Hattricked said:
I'm considering buying the Nexus now that it is 400 dollars but I'm not sure if I should wait for the next best phone. Suggestions?
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A lot of us here will tell you that the next best phone won't happen until the next nexus and none of us know when that'll be as there hasn't been any formal announcement.
I've got my galaxy nexus a little less than a month ago and I have no regrets.
You could pretty safely buy this for $399 and hold onto it for the next Nexus. The resale price won't be much lower. Or just hold onto the GNex why not.
Got my nexus 4 days ago, and I'm really glad i chose this phone. Haven't experienced any lag yet, and I have been running the most heavy 3D games available for android.. so you should definitely not be concerned about performance.
It's also easy to root, there's lots of development going on, it has a big super amoled hd display etc.. this phone will also be getting android jellybean when it's released.
Yes, there is several phones getting higher scores than the nexus in benchmarks, but performance-wise, there's actually not many areas where this phone could be improved. I don't really see the need of quad-core cpu's yet.
So, yea... I totally recommend you this phone!
edit: If camera is one of the most important things you're looking for in a smartphone, this phone's probably not for you... personally I take like 2-10 pictures a week .. so I really don't care about the cam..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
It really depends on what you use the phone for. Do you watch movies more than you take pictures? Do you use the speaker to listen to music? That's just two of many factors you have to look at. Do you root and flash roms? Overall this phone is a good device should you over for some time. I for one get tired of phones and have to change every 5-6 months. I love the gnex but I think the camera and speaker volume could be better.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ddgarcia05 said:
It really depends on what you use the phone for. Do you watch movies more than you take pictures? Do you use the speaker to listen to music? That's just two of many factors you have to look at. Do you root and flash roms? Overall this phone is a good device should you over for some time. I for one get tired of phones and have to change every 5-6 months. I love the gnex but I think the camera and speaker volume could be better.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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The speaker problem can be fixed with apps like Volume+, after installed it my speaker is quite loud. But the camera is really a concern.
I recommend this phone for almost everyone, the only exception is if you really need a good camera on the phone. This camera is average at best.
That said, I would buy this phone again today. The One X is really a temptation, but I know that being an Android geek that loves updated software I would regret to buy a not Nexus device. Did this 2 times and it was a pain in the ass, now I just buy phones from the Nexus line.
I am kind of in the same boat, lol. I just got the HTC One S, tho. I would like to switch to verizon for coverage reasons, but there seem to be issues with the 4G/3G connections. I played with one at the verizon store by my apartment, and it had a lot of issues. And I have read about the problems with data dropping, which it seemed to be doing at the store. I also love the loudness and clarity of the speaker on my one s. The one s camera has some fun things to it, tho. However I generally turn the pixel size down to under 5M anyway. Good luck with your decision. Maybe I will get the HSPA+ one and sell whichever one I don't like later.
I think I would miss having the MicroSD slot (even though I don't really use it). I don't have LTE in my area so that isn't really an issue for me. I'm slightly nervous about the display. I've read a lot about the banding issue that a lot of people have as well as the purple tint that others have. The prospect of fast updates sounds good (still waiting for ICS for my skyrocket...) but I'm not sure how much I really want the nexus.
The next best android phone comes out way too frequently. I personally wouldn't use this as a deciding factor. Do you like the gnex or not? Does it have features that will satisfy you? Does it have the community support that you want or need?
Day 2 with the Nexus. Only issue I have found is the signal. Love it besides that!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
indyred99 said:
Day 2 with the Nexus. Only issue I have found is the signal. Love it besides that!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Just curious, are you using AT&T or T-Mobile?
Hattricked said:
Just curious, are you using AT&T or T-Mobile?
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Verizon.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Just got my Sprint Nexus on Sunday and so far I'm psyched about it. I wanted a sexy looking device along with performance and the SG3/EVO LTE didn't have the look factor I wanted. I can sacrifice .2 ghz of a processor and don't find the camera all that bad on the Nexus. Plus Sprint was giving me 70 bucks for my Evo and 50 bucks through Google Wallet. So technically, after all is said and done, I'd pay $70 for the Nexus.
Sold my HTC inspire for $250 Bought my Nexus for 200 I made 50 bucks
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
indyred99 said:
Day 2 with the Nexus. Only issue I have found is the signal. Love it besides that!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Upgrade to the newest radios and see if that helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Hattricked said:
I'm considering buying the Nexus now that it is 400 dollars but I'm not sure if I should wait for the next best phone. Suggestions?
Edit: I'm concerned that I will get a phone that has banding issues/purple tint. I've read a ton of threads about this issue and it is concerning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honastly you cannot go wrong with this phone, I love the freedom that it has provided to me with being a pentaband phone. You will always be waiting for the next best phone. Unless your looking forward to all the graphicly intense games in the pipline for tegra 3.
But if your a normal user IE social networking, email, music streaming, and casual gaming. This phone should not disappoint, look at it this way.
if your picking this up now, for cheap I can only imagine what next years nexus will be priced at around this time next year.
Droid316 said:
Upgrade to the newest radios and see if that helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Will try that soon. I have been reading up on how to root/unlock this phone. Came from the revolution and got this phone as a replacement after 4 revos.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
A nexus always has the latest OS and the Galaxy Nexus has few bugs... You really can't beat this device. The HTC One X is a bit better, but it will always be on par or behind on upgrades. So, if you upgrade every year, sure wait.... If you upgrade every 2, then go with Nexus, it'll take longer for it to feel like an old device due to quicker software updates.
I bought mine a week ago. No regrets. I spent a year on Windows Phone and couldn't have asked for a better way to cone back to Android.
I'd heard some complaints about they camera, but mine is very good. I do have the international version. No blurriness or off colors.
The phone is fast. Nothing else to say about it. No lagging or stuttering, fast app switching, beautiful screen. I noticed pixels on the Galaxy S Pentile display, but this one is beautiful.
Oh yea, I've left the phone stock. I'm sure I'll mod it in the future, but right now I haven't found a reason to. It runs exactly how I want it to.
I say buy the phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
If the price 400..take it!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

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