Verizon Galaxy Nexus Review
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Tearing it up overseas and making its mark in the Android universe, it has surely been a roller coaster ride for US consumers, but Verizon’s version of the highly esteemed Samsung Galaxy Nexus is finally making its rounds in the US – with that oh so lovable 4G LTE connectivity in tow. Timing couldn’t have been any more favorable for the handset, as it’s seemingly chiming in at the literal tail end of the year, but despite that, it’s heading into serious competition against some other top caliber smartphones on Big Red’s lineup. And as we all know by now, you really need to bring you’re A+ game in order to be regarded as a profound competitor.
Yes, Verizon’s lineup is undoubtedly crowded and rich with handsets sporting their own specialty refinements – like the Motorola DROID RAZR’s impeccable design and the HTC Rezound’s Beats Audio support. Indeed, there were probably many people bummed by the fact that Verizon didn’t get the Samsung Galaxy S II – though, this one is easily regarded as one great substitution. Still, there’s no arguing that Verizon customers have plenty of options, but even before its official arrival, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was being heralded as a landmark device.
Knowing all of that, will it eventually reign supreme and be considered the one Android powered smartphone to rule all others? Naturally, we’re dying to find out, so let’s not waste any more time and simply dive right in!
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- microUSB cable
- Wall Charger
- Stereo Headphones
- Quick Start Guide
- Product Safety & Warranty Information
Design:
By now, you’re probably familiar that Verizon’s variant is similar in design to the GSM model – and rightfully so, that’s the initial perception upon holding it our hands for the first time. Almost everything about it is identical, like its appearance and choice of materials, with the exception that it’s minutely thicker at 0.37” (as opposed to 0.35”). Honestly, it’s not bad at all and is actually considered to be very streamlined by today’s standards. Moreover, it’s very comfortable to hold thanks to the Hyper Skin finish in the rear, its balanced weight (5.29 oz), and skinny bezel around its display. Unsurprisingly, it’s your typical Samsung construction as it utilizes an all-plastic body and decent build quality.
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The Verizon Galaxy Nexus is very comfortable to hold thanks to the Hyper Skin finish in the rear and its balanced weight | ||
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You can compare the Verizon Galaxy Nexus with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
When it’s turned off, it sports a clean looking facade because it doesn’t boast any of the typical capacitive or physical Android buttons, but beyond that, there isn’t anything particularly resounding about its overall design. Yes, we did drop the handset by accident, and seeing that it’s plastic, it endures some of the damages. As a whole, it doesn’t particularly wow us like the Motorola DROID RAZR, and honestly, it’s rather underwhelming as a whole, which is glaring considering that this is a flagship device.
Already, US consumers are all too familiar with 720p displays – like the ones found on the HTC Rezound and LG Nitro HD. Nevertheless, the 4.65” HD Super AMOLED display of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus still enthralls us thanks to its sharp details, high-contrast, wide viewing angles, and iridescent color production.
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The Verizon Galaxy Nexus has wide viewing angles | ||
In fact, since it boasts a resolution of 720 x 1280, it translate to an excellent pixel density of 316 ppi – thus, making even the tiniest of fine text remarkably visible. Sure it uses an RBGB PenTile matrix pixel arrangement, which can cause individual pixels to be discernible upon closer inspection, but from a normal distance away, it’s hardly noticeable. Furthermore, it sports a curved display, just like the Nexus S from last year, but it doesn’t offer anything that’s advantageous – rather, it’s merely there as a complementary aesthetic look.
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As we mentioned already, it flaunts a clean look with its display because Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich doesn’t rely on separate capacitive or physical buttons – rather, they’re integrated with the platform. Above the display though, there’s a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera that can shoot 720p videos, but more importantly, it’s used in tandem with the platform’s new face unlock feature. Finally, although it’s barely visible, there is an LED light smacked below the display that lights up for things like incoming phone calls.
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The Verizon Galaxy Nexus boasts a 4.65” HD Super AMOLED display | ||
Following in line to other Samsung’s Android powered smartphones, we dig the placement and springy feel of the handset’s volume rocker and dedicated power button. Around its sides, it features a 3.5mm headset jack, microphone, dock connection pins, and a microUSB port. With the latter, it doubles as an MHL port to provide us with the useful functionality of video-out – albeit, it’s an optional accessory of course.
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Volume rocker (left) | 3.5mm jack and microUSB port (bottom) | Power key (right) |
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Back | Speaker grill | Rear camera | Battery compartment |
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard Space to zoom in/out
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56 Comments
1. bobfreking55 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:04 8
I want the GSM version more. :) Though I like this because I like John V.
16. mannyfs posted on 19 Dec 2011, 10:45 1
there you have it fandroids, one more dissapoinment from your beloved android software.. im just waiting to see if they would ever come out with something good and stable
23. readingthissh1t posted on 19 Dec 2011, 13:21 4
and let the first hater speaketh!!!!
nexus = UPDATES
28. pdub73 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 15:13 4
why are u even reading if you "hate android" so much...??? LTE connectivity isn't an "android" problem...9.5 is a pretty good review for an phone thats not "good and stable" gtfoh...
44. jogutier posted on 21 Dec 2011, 18:27 2
Cuase he's a closet fan. LOL!
33. The_Miz posted on 19 Dec 2011, 23:00 2
Lol how about something that can actually make calls without them dropping?
39. wassup posted on 20 Dec 2011, 10:38 5
i think you're mixing this up with the iPhone.... this just shows the wrong signal... data and calling work fine even at 0 bars
42. c.hack posted on 21 Dec 2011, 12:24 0
Its hilarious how bad the reception is on this thing. My wife complains that the Nexus keeps dropping calls in the house - its only has 1 or 2 bars so of course. My iPhone 4s gets 4 or 5 bars and has yet to drop a call. I've heard poor reception is typical for Samsung phones.
Sure looks pretty, too bad its a lousy phone.
And why is it that Android phones keep scrambling the bottom buttons? Every time you get used to them they change placement or in this case just make them all useless.
2. HTCiscool posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:09 0
Well there aint much point to lte if it dont work. And the thicker profile doesnt help, but at least its pure ICS and a Nexus :D
43. c.hack posted on 21 Dec 2011, 12:25 1
Not pure if it has Verizon crapware and google wallet is blocked.
3. RORYREVOLUTION posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:11 2
Thank you John V for confirming my worries of signal and battery life. The RAZR easily gets 4-5 bars wherever i go. But with the Galaxy Nezus it goes to 1-2 and sometimes its at zero. Yet my data connection doesnt stop and runs at a decent speed. Hopefully this can be resolved with a future update. At least i can give it a extended battery too.
10. John.V posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:15 1
Honestly, I'm not bummed by the battery life, since it's typical of any 4G LTE smartphone I've used. However, it's the dropped 4G LTE connection that's sticking out in my mind. I've encountered it on pretty much all the other 4G LTE devices, but with this, it's simply happening way too often. Still, it'll depend on the person. For me, I don't mind just sticking with 3G connection, but for others, they may find it absolutely unheard of. Still, it's a great smartphone in many ways.
14. Synack posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:50 0
I want to clarify on this battery life. Currently I'm sitting in a 3 bars area with forced 3G on. I have lost only 2% in the past hour with just checking email. This battery life is VERY much tied into the service. Once they get us some good radios (modems, basebands) then we will be fine. We just have to suffer for now.
15. cfprelude posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:59 0
couldnt agree more.... i suffer from bad signal but still consistenyly have 12+hrs of battery with pretty heavy/moderate usage (just no streaming videos but 150+ texts, 60mins of talking, 2 emails and facebook syncing all day).... i cant complain about THAT but would expect it to get even better after the signal issue is worked out. thats gotta be taxing on the battery.
27. maxican16 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 14:50 0
I'm not getting anywhere close to that battery life. Is this with 4g turned on? Thanks in advance.
17. John.V posted on 19 Dec 2011, 11:16 1
Yes, I agree that service management is key to getting good battery life with the device. But when you simply don't want to be bothered by it, the battery life is typical of any 4G LTE smartphone I've encountered. It's not abysmal, like the LG Revolution, but it's clearly far from being great.
25. doubler86 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 13:51 0
I know Verizon has already confirmed the signal problem but I have to say I guess I'm just lucky. I do live in LA so I'm not sure if it differs in different LTE coverage areas, but I get 4G almost everywhere. It does drop every once in a while but I am coming from the Samsung Charge and I now have 4G in more areas. Still if Verizon updates me to get even better signal then I'm not going to complain.
I get about the same 12 hour to 14 hour battery life like everyone else. But I did order that extended battery when it was half off and waiting for it to come in.
34. The_Miz posted on 19 Dec 2011, 23:02 2
Unacceptable. Samsung had the same problem with 3G and 4G in the Nexus S and they still have the same problems in the GN. Now you see for yourself why the GN is a subpar phone just because it can not even hold its signal without dropping.
37. maxican16 posted on 20 Dec 2011, 07:34 0
We're not talking antenna gate here. Calls are not being dropped. Relax iphoneboy. The good news is that things will improve with updates; we won't simply be told we're holding it wrong.
40. TGreg104 posted on 20 Dec 2011, 11:53 1
Look, I'm usually a level headed guy, I do like android more then iOS but I see the advantages of both. This is honestly the most fun I've had on a phone ever, period. I love everything about it. And on the battery problem.. It is related to the LTE Radios. One day I was home for 8-10 hrs and I had it on wifi only and my battery that day lasted me 16 hrs. I also have a screen shot of it for proof. So its more of a LTE problem then an OS/Android problem.
48. richardyarrell2011 (banned) posted on 25 Dec 2011, 01:55 0
One thing is for sure REGARDLESS of signal issues WHICH WILL BE FIXED VERY SOON AS OF THIS ENTRY the Galaxy Nexus CLEARLY PIMP SLAPS all other android devices. Plain and simple...
4. arcq12 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:15 0
it's under VZW.. so its not gonna be as pure as how it should be.. VZW and all other US carriers will always mess into Google's updates and release them late with their useless crap add ons..
5. RORYREVOLUTION posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:19 3
One it only has my verizon and back up assistant and two its at 4.0.2 which is the latest version. So please do some research before trolling.
6. arcq12 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:24 0
so how much are you paying for the mobile hotspot feature thats supposed to be free to use on any nexus phones?
9. Synack posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:09 1
Sadly not free on Verizon's Nexus. Though once rooted you can use Google Wireless Tether and you're good.
7. cfprelude posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:28 1
thanks for confirming what i've experienced.... was on the phone with vzw for over an hour last night while they looked at signal data and other factors trying to dtermine why i dont get very good reception with my GN. it sucks because i REALLY like the phone, havent had much of an issue with the battery life but have CONSISTENTLY worse 3g and 4g reception than i did with my OGdroid, Thunderbolt, and the best reception yet was my RAZR)... the nexus is the only vzw phone that ive experienced dropped calls wiht (only 3 in 4 days but still) in the past 8 years and i still go to all the same places. for comparison purposes: @ Home Razr: 1bar 4g inside, 11mps down, and 6mps up.... GN: no 4g (even outside -ouch!). @ work Razr: 4bars 4g inside, 11.5mps down and 5.8mps up...GN: constantly flipping between no service, 4g 1 bar and 3g 3 bars.... download speeds from 500kbps to 9mps download (hasnt had 4g connection long enough to complete the upload portion of the speedtest). I REALLY hope this is a software thing and not hardware because i love the ICS, the form factor (just a hair thinner and easier to use than the razr), and of course the screen!!!
29. readingthissh1t posted on 19 Dec 2011, 15:38 1
its software bro, and dont worry, verizon and el goog are already working on a fix and a new update.http://www.phonearena.com/news
/Verizon-confirms-Galaxy-Nexus-signal-problems-fix-in-the-works_id24916
31. cfprelude posted on 19 Dec 2011, 22:56 1
glad to see that released. I've got my fingers crossed.
32. cfprelude posted on 19 Dec 2011, 22:57 1
jax, FL. Normally great coverage here too (especially when I had the razr)
8. SuperAndroidEvo posted on 19 Dec 2011, 08:41 6
I can't wait to get mine today. I says the scheduled delivery time is sometime today. I have a feeling I should have it before lunch time.
Man I hate the waiting game. lol
22. Alantef posted on 19 Dec 2011, 13:01 1
your really going to enjoy it....an awesome phone....dont forget about google wallet apk.
11. THE_RAY posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:18 2
I live in the triad area of NC and have had no connection issues at all. Phone works great. Best phone I have ever had........
12. terabyteRouser posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:28 1
I'm a proud Galaxy Nexus owner now. I returned my Rezound for this. It turned out to be a good decision. The Rezound scores in some places but I think the Nexus will outlive the Rezound.
Just wanted to add, that although I have less bars on my Galaxy Nexus than my Rezound. However, I have not had a reduction in quality of calls or data connectivity. The good thing about data is that if it works, it works -- due to the binary nature of data.
I really like this phone, I just wish it had a more capable GPU. I haven't read the review yet but look forward to doing so.
13. MorePhonesThanNeeded posted on 19 Dec 2011, 09:45 0
Is it me or do Samsung LTE phones on Verizon tend to have issues? They seem to always be on the low end when it comes to LTE connectivity, which radio supplier do they employ for this task? This phone while sporting ICS from the review is below the Razr. When the Razr gets it's ICS update then this phone with all it's tech will be just another phone. Tech is definitely moving at an accelerated pace, but at least this phone brought ICS out and we have a new version of Android to mull over. Now one thing I found interesting is they talk about panoramic camera ability, since when is this new my Droid X had this ability at launch...wtf?
I think the SGSII is the better overall phone, lets hope some software tweaks help this phone out, not sure about that battery life problem though. ICS should come with ability to disable non vital processes by default to save power. Seriously why is it the programming built to save power from jump?
18. nastynaps posted on 19 Dec 2011, 11:45 0
So let me get this straight...this LTE phone that can't carry an LTE signal got a 9.5? I'm getting this phone sometime this week and I'm sure I'll be pleased since it's gotta be better than an Eris, but aren't we paying a premium price for this LTE service? What's up with a fair review of the device? If it can't do what's advertised your review should not be based on hope but a reflection of what the phone can do. Furthermore, I don't think a phone's software should be enough to give it a near perfect score. The GSM version shouldn't even score so high when it's a good but not great camera, when it records at 24fps, gives a robotic voice, weak speakerphone and poor battery life. Let's not drink the ICS kool-aid here, if every other phone had it would this phone be a 9.5 or an 8.5? The OS is great I'm sure but it just doesn't warrant a 9.5 and neither does spotty connectivity.
19. Dwoogs posted on 19 Dec 2011, 11:49 3
Wait til you use the phone then you will understand why it gets a 9.5 even with its few issues
41. bucky posted on 21 Dec 2011, 11:02 1
I have used this phone and I can't understand why it didn't get an 8.5 MAX. This phone seems more overhyped than the iPhone 4s! laggy homescreen (especially with lwp), terrible camera, no sd, pentile screen and too large to use with one hand (I'm 6'1 so large enough hands).
46. christony1120 posted on 23 Dec 2011, 14:59 0
complainer just appreciate you even got a phone
56. QWIKSTRIKE posted on 23 Feb 2012, 21:50 0
6'1" has nothing to do with hand size man.I am 6' and have a palm span of 4+" and wear a size 12 ring, and from wrist to tip of middle finger about 8" in length. I know a guy shorter than me with a hand size a bit larger than me....lol, btw I am 235lbs also.
20. Dwoogs posted on 19 Dec 2011, 11:54 2
I've had this phone since launch and live in a city that doesn't have LTE yet and I have had 0 signal issues. 3-4 bars everywhere I go and all the time.
21. squallz506 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 12:14 0
If the screen curvature is solely aesthetic shouldnt that be evaluated undet design instead?
24. OfcJScottG posted on 19 Dec 2011, 13:37 1
I for one have not had any connectivity issues. As for the software, this is a BRAND NEW version and will take some times to get all of the bugs out. It will also take some time for the apps to become compatible with the new version. Most of my apps are OK but there are a few that do not play nice with ICS. Still the best phone on the market right now.
35. cappy718 posted on 19 Dec 2011, 23:18 1
Just hope that it doesnt take 4 months to roll out like it did for my Bionic....
36. Forsaken77 posted on 20 Dec 2011, 01:48 1
A 9.5 with a SERIOUS data connectivity problem? Are you kidding me??!! You're supposed to review the phone as it was shipped out to the public, not that it will hopefully be patched down the line and be better. This phone is a GS2 with ICS and bigger screen. I think they should make this phone in a 4.3" model as well. Most people do not want a tablet-sized phone in their pocket. Oh, but they can't... because then it'll be a GS2, lol.
38. snowgator posted on 20 Dec 2011, 09:01 4
9.5 seems a little high for a device whose looks, camera performance, video capture and battery life are all average or less. It almost seems as though the decision to give it a high mark was made before the review. But, boy that ICS interface is fantastic and that screen is beautiful and responsive. No doubt the Nexus is worth the price and it's performance is great. I might still lean to the RAZR myself, but I am looking forward to playing around with this first excuse I get.....
54. mobileuser posted on 17 Jan 2012, 07:39 0
I agree. Now with so many user complaints and reports regarding the constantly random reboot issues out of unknown reason and without any patterns and solution for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus after such a short launging period onto the market, I will be surprised to see people still rate the Galaxy nexus so high. I think Razr or Razrmaxx is overall better than the Nexus. At least I dont have that constantly randomly reboot issue on my razr.
49. regbs posted on 29 Dec 2011, 10:05 1
Its biggest weakness is its speaker. For watching video, it's almost unusable unless you're in a very quiet environment. If you want to watch a video with the ambient noise of a cafeteria or noisy waiting room, you're going to struggle and be forced to hold it close to your ear.
I still recommend this phone. I ordered it on its Thurs Dec 15 2011 release date and got it on Fri Dec 16. I came from the original Motorola Droid OG. Motorola's build quality and windshield mount are superior to Samsung's. Samsung deserves credit for the light weight. Still, after rooting my faithful Droid OG to Gingerbread builds that its processor couldn't handle, my trusty old Droid OG regularly experienced 20-second delays.
The GN's responsiveness is nice. Still, though, even with 2 1.2GHz processors and a GB of RAM, it's more laggy and less responsive than an iPhone 3GS. I hope Google can put a stop to bloatware and unseless skins at Motorola. Bad on Verizon for betraying the Nexus idea.
50. ChafedBanana posted on 02 Jan 2012, 21:55 0
I tried the Samsung MHL adapter with my Galaxy Nexus. At first I couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. Audio/video does not work at all unless a charge cable is plugged in first. I could not have been more dissatisfied. The video output is only 720P. Plugging a charger into the MHL adapter does not charge the phone at all and if you unplug the charger from the MHL adapter, the picture and sound stops. The tv picture settings had to be changed from 16:9 to fit to screen. The recent apps, home and go back button stay on the tv screen for pretty much everything except Netflix. Then the battery dies. I tested it on my 46 inch Samsung LCD and my 24 inch HP monitor. Kinda makes me miss how well my Bionic worked.
51. regbs posted on 03 Jan 2012, 21:04 0
False about the charging cable being necessary to play audio/video. Newer phones like the Galaxy Nexus will sense if an attached charger is the improper voltage/wattage and decline the charge. That might be the case with the MHL adapter.
My menu keys were good about disappearing on their own in landscape mode.
Maybe you got a lemon. You paid a premium price, so I'd be quick to tell VZW about it. I got a lemon Droid OG and VZW was great about replacing it at a store; my original-Droid replacement worked fine.
This phone's getting rave reviews except for its speaker phone and delicate feel. It's CNET's editor's choice:http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-nexus-verizon/4505-6452_7-35099738.html?tag=cntv&tag=cnt v.
52. jordan.300 posted on 05 Jan 2012, 09:03 1
WHY?!? You guys only review Smartphones these days. I would really love it to see you guys review some feature phones. Smartphones are NOT the most important device in the world.
55. mobileuser posted on 17 Jan 2012, 07:48 1
Now with so many user complaints and reports regarding the constantly random reboot issues out of unknown reason and with no solution to fix for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus after such a short launging period onto the market, I will be surprised to see people still insist on to say that G nexus is still better than the Razrmaxx or the Rezond or any highend smart phones out in the market now.
57. AlphaRider posted on 30 Mar 2012, 00:40 0
My Galaxy Nexus battery life is a major issue right now
Can barely last through half a day compared to my Nexus One which is quite ridiculous. Use to be that my Nexus One can last throughout the day without hiccups. I have to bring my charger with me when i use the original battery
Wish 4.0.4 update will address the battery issue here as this is becoming unbearable. In the meantime, i am using an extended battery which addresses the issue for an bit of extra thickness to the phone
http://www.amazon.com/QCell-Verizon-Samsung-Extended-Compatible/dp/B00746TQVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333084783&s r=8-1
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