Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.1
Codename Maguro
Toro (Verizon version)
Toroplus (Sprint version)
Developer Google, Samsung Electronics
Manufacturer Samsung Electronics
Series Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy
Compatible networks

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
HSPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100
HSDPA 21 Mbps
HSUPA 5.76 Mbps

LTE (Verizon, Sprint)
First released 17 November 2011
Predecessor Nexus S
Successor Nexus 4
Type Smartphone
Form factor Slate
Dimensions

135.5 mm (5.33 in) H
67.94 mm (2.675 in) W
8.94 mm (0.352 in) D

9.47 mm (0.373 in) D (LTE)[1]
Weight 135 g (4.8 oz)
Operating system Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich", upgradeable to 4.3 "Jelly Bean" (4.2 for the Verizon's Toro variant)[2]
System on chip Texas Instruments OMAP 4460
CPU 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9
GPU 307 MHz PowerVR SGX540[3]
Memory 1 GB
Storage 16/32 GB (depending on versions)[4][5][6]
Removable storage None
Battery

1,750 mAh (HSPA+ version)[4]
1,850 mAh (LTE version)[7]
internal user-replaceable
2,000 mAh (Official extended battery. Korean variants includes both 1,750 mAh and 2,000 mAh batteries)
2,100 mAh (Sprint/Verizon Extended Battery. Wider than the GSM model).[8]

rechargeable Li-ion
Data inputs Multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, A-GPS, barometer, 3-axis digital compass, proximity sensor, dual microphones for active noise cancellation
Display

4.65 in (118 mm) diagonal HD Super AMOLED with RGBG-Matrix (PenTile)[9]
1280×720 px *(316 ppi)
16:9 aspect-ratio

10 μs response time
Rear camera

5 MP (2592×1936 px)
Autofocus, zero shutter lag,[10] single LED flash
1080p video recording

(1920×1080 @ 24 fps)[11]
Front camera

1.3 MP, 720p video

(1280x720 @ 30 fps)[11]
Connectivity

3.5 mm TRRS
GPS
DLNA
Micro USB 2.0 with USB On-The-Go
MHL
Bluetooth 3.0
NFC

Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz)
Other

Wi-Fi hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
USB tethering

Oleophobic display coating
SAR
  • GT-I9250:
    Head: 0.43 W/kg (1 g)
    Body: 0.74 W/kg (1 g)
    Hotspot: 0.74 W/kg (1 g)[12]
  • GT-I9250M:
    Head: 0.4 W/kg (1 g)
    Body: 0.65 W/kg (1 g)
    Hotspot: 0.74 W/kg (1 g)[13]
  • GT-I9250T:
    Head: 0.36 W/kg (1 g)
    Body: 0.49 W/kg (1 g)
    Hotspot: 0.63 W/kg (1 g)[14]
Hearing aid compatibility M4[15]

The Galaxy Nexus (GT-I9250) is a touchscreen Android smartphone co-developed by Google and Samsung Electronics.[16] It is the third smartphone in the Google Nexus series, a family of Android consumer devices built by an original equipment manufacturer partner. The phone is the successor to Google's previous flagship phones, the Nexus One and Nexus S.

The Galaxy Nexus has a high-definition (1280 × 720) Super AMOLED display with a Dragontrail curved glass surface, an improved camera, and was the first Android version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich device.[17][18] The name is the result of co-branding between the Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus brands of Android smartphones. The device is known as the Galaxy X in Brazil, however, due to a trademark on the "Nexus" brand.[19]

The Galaxy Nexus was unveiled jointly by Google and Samsung on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong. It was released in Europe on 17 November 2011.[20] It is one of the few phones recommended by the Android Open Source Project for building Android from source.[21] By 29 October 2012, the Galaxy Nexus was no longer available for sale on the Google Play Store, following the release of its successor, the LG Nexus 4.[22]

History

Google's plans to continue the Nexus series and bring a third-generation Nexus to market were confirmed by Google's senior vice president of mobile platforms Andy Rubin in May 2011.[23] Samsung mobile put out a teaser video[24] for its "Google Episode" of Unpacked on 11 October[25] but later postponed (to 19 October)[26] the product announcement out of respect, following the death of Steve Jobs on 5 October.[27]

Before the official announcement, it was also referred to as the Google "Nexus Prime" by the general public and the media.[28] There had been repeated leaks containing almost accurate details about this device.[29] The phone was officially announced on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong, revealing the official name as "Galaxy Nexus".[30]

Hardware

The Galaxy Nexus hosts support for MHL through the use of its Micro USB 2.0 port,[31] allowing the Galaxy Nexus to output up to 1080p audio-visual content (through HDMI) to any supported external display such as a HD Television.[32] USB port supports both host and devices modes (OTG); as a note, its successor Nexus 4 supports only the device mode. The Galaxy Nexus has no physical buttons on the front, but instead features on-screen soft keys embedded into the system software (part of Android 4.0). Beneath the soft keys, a multicolored notification LED is featured, a feature missing from the Nexus S.[33][34][35] There is no card storage expandability (SD).

Software

Android 4.0, the original operating system of the Galaxy Nexus

The Galaxy Nexus was the first device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich,[36] introducing a large number of new features and improvements.[37] Beginning from 11 July 2012, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean began rolling out to the GSM Galaxy Nexus as an over-the-air (OTA) update.[38] The 4.2 update began rolling out on 13 November 2012 to the GSM Galaxy Nexus Takju/Maguro variant (smartphones sold in the USA and directly supported by Google) as an (OTA) update. Google started rolling out the update to the international version (Yakju/Maguro) a week later. Towards the end of December, however, not all phones had received the update. On 19 March 2013 Verizon Wireless began updating OTA their CDMA Galaxy Nexus Mysid/Toro variant to Android 4.2.2.[39]

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was released for GSM models on 24 July 2013,[40] and Sprint began OTA updates on 31 October 2013.[41]

Google has stated that the Galaxy Nexus will not receive Android 4.4 KitKat,[42] even after having 14,000 signatures requesting it.[43] New drivers may allow unofficial Android versions to be available for the device.[44]

Canonical's Ubuntu Touch operating system is also available and supported on the Galaxy Nexus.[45][46]

Google Wallet

The Galaxy Nexus is one of few devices that officially supports Google Wallet. The Verizon variant is the only variant that does not support Google Wallet officially. This unsupported feature has caused a controversy among US users. Verizon defends its actions with reasoning that the Galaxy Nexus uses a "secure element."[47] It is possible to side load Google Wallet and it will install and work. Care must be taken when using aftermarket batteries to be sure it has near field communication ability, since the NFC antenna is located in the battery.

Availability

In some countries, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is sold SIM-unlocked.[48] It is also hardware-unlocked (unlocked bootloader, allowing root access).[49][50] The fact that the Galaxy Nexus is sold SIM-locked in some markets—primarily where operators subsidize the phone or have exclusive selling rights—breaks the more liberal tradition of previous Nexus phones: Nexus One[51] and Nexus S.[52]

Europe

In the UK, the HSPA+ version of the Galaxy Nexus became available on O2 and 3 on 17 November 2011.[53] In Germany, the HSPA+ version was sold SIM-unlocked from Vodafone and O2. It launched in December 2011 in Portugal, by Vodafone.[54]

North America

In Canada, the device was launched on 8 December 2011.[55] The Canadian model was sold unlocked and supports GSM/UMTS/HSPA/AWS bands. A GSM/UMTS, SIM-unlocked version was officially released in the United States by Google in the Google Play Store. Sprint officially announced the Galaxy Nexus for their network at CES 2012, and was released on 22 April 2012, as one of Sprint Nextel's first LTE smartphones.[56] On 24 April 2012, the Galaxy Nexus was sold sim-unlocked on Google's Play Store for 399.99 then dropped to 349.99 later. The only difference between this variant and the internationally sold variant is the inclusion of "Google Wallet" out of the box.

Brief sales ban

On 29 June 2012, Apple was granted a request for a pre-trial injunction against the import and sale to the U.S. of Galaxy Nexus by Samsung. The order was issued by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California.[57] The ruling was based primarily on a patent which is defined as a "universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system". The injunction against Samsung took effect when Apple paid a $96 million bond that will be used to cover damages done to Samsung if Apple loses the case.[58][59] The Galaxy Nexus was temporarily unavailable for purchase on Google's Play store, and Google stated they would push a software update that would remove local phone searching.[60] On 6 July the ban was lifted.[61]

Asia-Pacific

On 3 May 2012, Samsung India officially announced that India will not have the official release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus,[62] despite numerous earlier reports that the device would be launched as early as mid-December 2011.[63] The Galaxy Nexus was released in Indonesia on 21 January 2012,[64] the Philippines on 28 January 2012,[65] Bahrain on 4 March 2012,[66] and Saudi Arabia in March 2012.[67]

Variants

The device was originally only available in black, developed under the codename "Tuna". A white version (with the front-panel in black[68]) was made available in February 2012.[69] There was a special edition released to Google employees with a unique back cover.[70]

Because the device was designed to work with carriers utilizing different network technology, there are several hardware variations of the Galaxy Nexus:

Accessories

The official Samsung accessory range includes a Desktop Dock with an HDMI port, a Desk Stand with a 3.5 mm jack, a stand with a charging port for a second battery and a car holder that will let users turn their Galaxy Nexus phone into a SatNav replacement. All of the Samsung accessories feature a microUSB port so the phone can be charged while it is being used.[73]

Reception

The Galaxy Nexus generated a high level of anticipation,[74][75] and received very positive reviews.[76] Engadget's Myriam Joire, praised the phone's speed, feel, display and battery life. Joire concluded that at the time of writing, the Galaxy Nexus is "the best Android phone available today" further concluding that it's "possibly even the best phone available today, period".[77] Ginny Mies of PCWorld echoed the previous statement, while saying that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is "a superb phone, and a great vehicle for introducing Android Ice Cream Sandwich to the world". Despite writing that Android has "a long way" to go, in terms of progression, the tweaks and updates Google has implemented throughout the operating system substantially improves the efficiency and ease of use of the operating system.[78] In their review, Mobilesyrup lauded the phone, saying "there is no going back". They praised its aesthetics, noting that the Galaxy Nexus combined design elements of the Nexus S and Galaxy S II. They also praised its software, as the "experience is just that much better", declaring the phone as "the first best Android device ever."[79]

Engadget's Darren Murph, described Ice Cream Sandwich as "smooth as ever" further saying that "without question, this is easily the slickest, most polished version of Android yet".[80] Murph was overall "thrilled with how the first Ice Cream Sandwich handset has turned out." with its "understated, sleek, beautiful" continuing with lauding the phone's display.[81] Vincent Nguyen, from SlashGear noted the fast performance of Android 4.0.1, the tight integration between the operating system and the hardware and concluded that "this is the best Android phone around today".[82] J.R. Raphael of Computerworld, stated "The Galaxy Nexus [...] is an exceptional phone, arguably the finest Android handset to date", saying it is "sleek and attractive, with a thin, light body and a beautiful HD display". Raphael ended the review writing that the Galaxy Nexus is "screamingly fast [...] delivering what may be the best overall performance of any mobile device available".[83]

In a T3 review, Thomas Tamblyn noted the camera was "quicker than many digital cameras", and praised the phone's experience to be "very fluid" and that "it feels like a version of Android that is already very polished."[84] The Verge's Joshua Topolsky stated the phone is one of the "best smartphones ever made, and with a couple of minor tweaks (particularly to the camera), it could be the best smartphone ever produced."[85] Charlie White, at Mashable, described the screen as "gorgeous", offering "an exquisitely sharp view", and describing the hardware design as "a spectacular success", concluding the Galaxy Nexus "is by far the best Android phone I’ve seen yet".[86]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Google Galaxy Nexus tech specs. google.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-01.
  2. ↑ "Factory Images for Nexus Devices". Google. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  3. ↑ "[Updated] Rumor Analysis: Is A New Galaxy Nexus With A TI OMAP4470 CPU Really In The Works?". AnandTech. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Tech Specs – Galaxy Nexus". Google. Retrieved 2012-07-01.
  5. ↑ Volpe, Joseph. "Samsung Galaxy Nexus specs leak, headed to Verizon as an exclusive?". Engaget. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  6. ↑ "Samsung's 32GB Galaxy Nexus will Make it to the Ball – International Business Times". Ibtimes.co.uk. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-20.
  7. ↑ Google confirms Verizon's LTE Galaxy Nexus dimensions and specifications. Engadget (17 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  8. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus extended battery (GSM) - a photo tour.
  9. ↑ Confirmed: Galaxy Nexus Includes PenTile. AnandTech. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  10. ↑ Rubin, Andy. (18 October 2011) Official Google Blog: Unwrapping Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy Nexus. Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ review". Engadget. 24 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-20.
  12. ↑ "OET Exhibits List, FCC ID A3LGTI9250". fcc.gov. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  13. ↑ "OET Exhibits List, FCC ID A3LGTI9250M". fcc.gov. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  14. ↑ "OET Exhibits List, FCC ID A3LGTI9250T". fcc.gov. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  15. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus by Samsung". Retrieved 2011-12-15.
  16. ↑ "Samsung, Google unveil latest Android OS, phone". Computerworld. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  17. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus – Full phone specifications. Gsmarena.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  18. ↑ "Samsung's Galaxy Nexus gets official: Android 4.0, 4.65-inch High-definition video Super AMOLED display (video)". Engadget. 18 October 2011.
  19. ↑ Apresentando Galaxy X. Apresentando Galaxy X. Retrieved on 2012-09-23.
  20. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus now available in UK, but still no word on US launch. VentureBeat (17 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  21. ↑ "Building for devices | Android Open Source". Source.android.com. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  22. ↑ Chavez, "Galaxy Nexus no longer available for sale in the Play Store, Nexus Q removed from device lineup", The Verge, 29 October 2012
  23. ↑ Google confirms there will be a Nexus 3. Techradar.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  24. ↑ SAMSUNG Mobile Unpacked 2011 – Google Episode Teaser Video. YouTube. Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  25. ↑ Samsung teases next week's 'Unpacked,' offers a momentary glance at a mysterious device. Engadget.com (5 October 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  26. ↑ Samsung confirms Ice Cream Sandwich event on 19 October. Engadget (13 October 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
  27. ↑ "Samsung Nexus Prime smartphone delay is 'Jobs tribute'". BBC News. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  28. ↑ Topolsky, Joshua (10 November 2011). "This is my next: the Galaxy Nexus". The Verge. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  29. ↑ Joseph Volpe (6 October 2011). "Samsung Galaxy Nexus specs leak, headed to Verizon as an exclusive? (updated)". endgadget.com.
  30. ↑ Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich roundup: specs, details and insight, oh my!. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  31. ↑ Molen, Brad (20 October 2011). "Behind the glass: a detailed tour inside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus". Engadget. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  32. ↑ "MHL Consortium shows some of the latest MHL features". ARMdevices.net. 30 October 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  33. ↑ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus hands-on: First look". GSMArena.com. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  34. ↑ Stevens, Tim (18 October 2011). "Samsung and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich event liveblog!". Engadget. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  35. ↑ The 3.5 mm headphone jack is located on the bottom
  36. ↑ Couts, Andrew. (19 August 2011) Google's 'Nexus Prime' with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich allegedly set for October release. News.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  37. ↑ Android – Introducing Ice Cream Sandwich
  38. ↑ "Android Jelly Bean roll-outs begin with Nexus devices". BBC News. 11 July 2012.
  39. ↑ Galaxy Nexus Updates to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  40. ↑ "Download Android 4.3 Factory Images And Binaries For The Nexus 10, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, And Galaxy Nexus (Yakju / Takju) Right Now".
  41. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus Software Updates". Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  42. ↑ Galaxy Nexus & Android 4.4 (KitKat) FAQs
  43. ↑ Galaxy Nexus Owners Send Sundar Pichai 14,000 Signatures Asking for Android 4.4 KitKat | Androidheadlines.com
  44. ↑ New TI OMAP4 GPU Drivers to Possibly Aid KitKat Development for the Galaxy Nexus – xda-developers
  45. ↑ "Ubuntu on phones". ubuntu.com. Retrieved 2013-12-08.
  46. ↑ "Ubuntu Officially Available for the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus". xda-developers.com. 2013-10-27. Retrieved 2013-12-08.
  47. ↑ Seifert, "Verizon won't offer Google Wallet for the Galaxy Nexus because it uses a 'secure element'", The Verge, 10 December 2012
  48. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus gets priced SIM-free". SlashGear. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  49. ↑ "Motorola RAZR open for unlocked bootloader business, if the carrier says so". Engadget. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  50. ↑ Mills, Adam (18 October 2011). "Motorola Droid RAZR Shipping with Locked Bootloader". Gottabemobile.com. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  51. ↑ "Buying the Nexus One unlocked is probably the best choice". ZDNet. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  52. ↑ ghileman. "Samsung Nexus S Review – Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  53. ↑ Samsung makes Galaxy Nexus release date official, available in the UK on 17 November. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  54. ↑ AEIOU – Investimentos Multimédia, S.A. "Samsung Galaxy Nexus lançado em Portugal pela Vodafone – Expresso.pt". Aeiou.expresso.pt. Retrieved 2011-12-20.
  55. ↑ Savov, Vlad (21 November 2011). "Galaxy Nexus launches in Canada on December 8th". The Verge. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  56. ↑ Dolcourt, Jessica (10 January 2012). "Sprint's Samsung Galaxy Nexus sweeter with Google Wallet (hands-on) | Crave – CNET". News.cnet.com. Retrieved 2012-02-20.
  57. ↑ Breaking: Judge grants Apple an injunction against the Galaxy Nexus, Ars Technica
  58. ↑ Apple Granted Preliminary Injunction on Sale of Galaxy Nexus in U.S, The Next Web
  59. ↑ Apple scores second legal win vs Samsung in a week, Reuters
  60. ↑ Apple enforces Galaxy Nexus smartphone ban in the US, BBC News
  61. ↑ Galaxy Nexus reappears in Google Play store CNET News
  62. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus Won’t Be Coming To India Anymore
  63. ↑ Makwana, Samir. (8 November 2011) Galaxy Nexus to arrive in India by Mid-December. Themobileindian.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  64. ↑ Launch in Indonesia "Launch in Indonesia". Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  65. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus now up for pre-order with Smart | YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews
  66. ↑ Batelco launches Galaxy Nexus
  67. ↑ http://www.ameinfo.com/blog/telecoms/stc-to-launch-google-galaxy-nexus-in-saudi-arabia/
  68. ↑ "White Galaxy Nexus image surfaces, not as white as expected – GSMArena.com news". Gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  69. ↑ Pierce, David. "White Galaxy Nexus coming to UK February 6th from Handtec". The Verge. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  70. ↑ Vlad Savov. Google hands out special edition Galaxy Nexus phones to employees. The Verge, 19 December 2011
  71. ↑ Google back in the smartphone sales game: unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ (GSM) available for $399
  72. ↑ Software Update Weekly Wrap – 19 September 2012 | Vodafone Australia blog
  73. ↑ "Official Samsung Galaxy Nexus accessories go on preorder – GSMArena.com news". Gsmarena.com. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  74. ↑ Singletary, Michelle (20 October 2011). "Ice Cream Sandwich debuted with Samsung Galaxy Nexus". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
  75. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus Prime & Ice Cream Sandwich Release, Price Leaked (video)". International Business Times. Newyork.ibtimes.com. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
  76. ↑ Galaxy Nexus review roundup, LTE release date Monday? – Computerworld Blogs. Blogs.computerworld.com (17 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  77. ↑ Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ review. Engadget (24 November 2011). Retrieved on 2011-12-31.
  78. ↑ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus Phone Review". PCWorld. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-19.
  79. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus Review Part 1: Hardware Overview (video)". mobilesyrup.com. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-17.
  80. ↑ Google Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0): a hands-on screenshot gallery. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  81. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Ice Cream Sandwich hands-on (video). Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
  82. ↑ "Galaxy Nexus Review". SlashGear. 27 October 2006. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  83. ↑ JR Raphael (22 November 2011). "Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Pure Google, pure delight". Computerworld. Retrieved 2011-12-19.
  84. ↑ Updated 18:31 26 October 2011 by Thomas Tamblyn. "Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: Hands on". T3. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  85. ↑ Newman, Jared (17 November 2011). "Galaxy Nexus Reviews: Of Course It's the Best Android". TheVerge.com. PCWorld. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  86. ↑ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review". Mashable.com. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.

External links