Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus

The Galaxy Nexus
Manufacturer	Samsung
Series	Google Nexus
Compatible networks	GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 HSPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100 HSDPA 21 Mbps HSUPA 5.76 Mbps LTE (region specific)
First released	November 17, 2011 (2011-11-17)[1]
Introductory price	Canada CAD$649.99 SIM unlocked
Predecessor	Nexus S
Related	Nexus One Nexus S
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
Weight	135 g (4.8 oz)
Operating system	Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich[2]
CPU	1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4460 ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core[3]
GPU	384 MHz PowerVR SGX540
Memory	1 GB
Storage	16/32 GB[4]
Removable storage	None
Battery	1,750 mAh[5] internal user-replaceable rechargeable Li-ion
Data inputs	Multi-touch, capacitive touchscreen Accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope A-GPS Barometer Digital compass Proximity sensor Dual microphones for active noise cancellation
Display	HD Super AMOLED PenTile[6] 4.65 in (118 mm) diagonal 720×1280 px at 316 ppi 16:9 aspect-ratio 16M colors 100,000:1 contrast ratio (typical) 10 μs response time
Rear camera	5 MP (2592×1936 px) Autofocus, zero shutter lag,[7] single LED flash 1080p video recording (1920×1080 @30 fps)[4]
Front camera	1.3 MP
Compatible media formats	Audio MP3, WAV, eAAC+, AC3, Vorbis, FLAC Video MP4, H.264, H.263, WebM
Ringtones & notifications	MP3 & WAV audio; vibration
Connectivity	3.5 mm TRRS GPS Bluetooth v3.0 + HS with A2DP DLNA Micro USB 2.0 MHL NFC Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz)
Other	Wi-Fi hotspot USB tethering Oleophobic display coating
References	[8][9]

The Galaxy Nexus is a touchscreen slate Android smartphone manufactured by Samsung for Google.^[10] The phone and operating system were developed collaboratively by engineers from both companies.^[11] It is the third generation successor to Google’s previous flagship phones, the Nexus One and Nexus S. It has an entirely new design and includes a host of hardware and software upgrades including a curved HD (1280×720 pixels)^[12] Super AMOLED display, an improved camera system, and Google’s new version of its Android operating system, version 4.0, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich.^[13] Before the official announcement, it was referred to as the Google Nexus Prime among Android enthusiasts. The name is the result of co-branding between the Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus brands of Android smartphones.

The Galaxy Nexus was unveiled at Google and Samsung's Ice Cream Sandwich event on 19 October, 2011 in Hong Kong. It was released on November, 17, 2011.^[14] Amazon UK has confirmed they will be selling the Galaxy Nexus starting on December 2, 2011.^[15]

Announcement

Galaxy Nexus hands-on after announcement in Soho, Hong Kong.

The unveiling of the Galaxy Nexus was postponed from the 5th of October due to the death of Steve Jobs. Before the unveiling, there had been repeated leaks of various details on the upcoming new Google phone.^[16] Specifications on the phone varied including information about the processor and the camera. After the official unveiling some started to worry about the 5 megapixel camera but most of the fears were put to rest when photo and video samples were shown.^[17] The phone was announced on 19 October, 2011 in Hong Kong,^[18] revealing the official name as "Galaxy Nexus".^[19]

Hardware

The Galaxy Nexus features a 4.65-inch 1280×720-pixel HD Super AMOLED PenTile^[20] curved glass display,^[4] a dual-core 1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4460 processor (ARM Cortex-A9)^[3] with an accompanying PowerVR SGX540,^[21] 1 GB of RAM. The processor can run from 1.2–1.5 GHz, but is underclocked at 1.2 GHz for smooth performance. However, it can easily run at 1.5 GHz once rooted (see Texas Instruments OMAP). Additionally, a 1,750 mAh battery, 1.3 MP front camera and 5 MP rear camera(with zero shutter lag^[22]) capable of 1080p video,^[23] 4G, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, barometer, and NFC^[18] and it has 16 or 32 GB of internal memory.^[24]

The Galaxy Nexus also hosts support for MHL through the use of its Micro USB 2.0 port.^[25] This means that the Galaxy Nexus has the ability to output up to 1080p audio-visual content (through HDMI) to any supported external display such as HD Television.^[26]

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.^[27][28]

The 3.5 mm headphone jack is located on the bottom of the phone, and the camera is located in the center of the rear side. The phone will have 16/32 GB internal storage depending on model.^[29]

Software

Android 4.0, the operating system of the Galaxy Nexus

Galaxy Nexus is the first device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich,^[30] introducing a large number of new features and improvements including, but not limited to, Face Unlock,^[31][32] voice typing,^[31] Android Beam (using NFC),^[31][33] Wi-Fi Direct^[31] among others.^[34]

Availability

The phone is sold SIM-unlocked^[35][36][37] and hardware-unlocked (unlocked bootloader, allowing root access),^{[38][39][40][41]} following the tradition of the Nexus phones: Nexus One^[42][43] and Nexus S.^[44]

Europe

In the UK, the Galaxy Nexus was made available on Vodafone, O2, and Three on November 17, 2011 at a price of £549.99. The version sold is the HSPA+ version.^[45] Only the 16GB version of the phone will be available in the UK.^[46][47] Clove Technology has announced the 32 GB model of the Galaxy Nexus will not be available in the United Kingdom. Amazon has listed the handset for £519.99.^[35] The independent mobile phone retailer Phones4U has temporary exclusivity among other independent retailers in the UK, such as Carphone Warehouse and Amazon.co.uk. They have been taking pre-orders since Friday 4 November 2011 for the launch date of Thursday 17 November 2011.

The phone is expected to launch in 20 other European countries on November 17, 2011.^[48]

North America

In Canada, Bell Mobility and Virgin Mobile will launch the device December 8th, and Rogers Wireless and Telus have announced a January 2012 release.^[49]

In the US, Verizon Wireless has announced that they will carry the LTE version of Galaxy Nexus, and it will be available by the end of 2011.^[50]

Asia-Pacific

The phone will be supported by the carrier NTT DoCoMo in Japan, where the variant sold there will be officially known as the SC-04D within the docomo NEXT series of smartphone devices.

In India, the Galaxy Nexus is expected to launch by the end of 2011.^[51] It is expected to be priced at around 35,000.^[52][53]

Reception

The Galaxy Nexus is a highly anticipated phone,^{[54][55][56][57][58][59]} even regarded as the most anticipated Android device of 2011,^{[60][61][62][63][64][65]} gathering very positive reviews.^[66]

According to Engadget editor Darren Murph, the Galaxy Nexus was "smooth as ever. Without question, this is easily the slickest, most polished version of Android yet"^[67] and that "The entire experience just felt polished. In a way, it's as if Android's growing a bit and maturing before our eyes", concluding with "Overall, we're thrilled with how the first ICS handset has turned out. It's understated, sleek, beautiful and packs a display that's destined to drop jaws."^[68]

In a T3 review Thomas Tamblyn noted the camera was "quicker than many digital cameras" and concluded saying "the whole experience is very fluid. Even in its current form [a pre-release version] It feels like a version of Android that is already very polished."^[69]

The GSMArena review concludes stating "The Galaxy Nexus is an impressive device on its own."^[70]

Mobilesyrup's review indicates "From our time with the device, we can safely say there is no going back. Every piece of Android hardware from this day on will be judged not on the speed of its processor or its pixel density but on whether it is running Ice Cream Sandwich. The Galaxy Nexus has a market lead so vast as to be a chasm; the experience is just that much better. [...] Samsung has wisely taken the best design aspects of the Nexus S and Galaxy S II variants and created the first best Android device ever."^[71]

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 Samsung Galaxy Nexus is by far the best Android phone I’ve seen yet."^[72]

Joshua Topolsky from The Verge stated "It's 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."^[73]

See also

• List of Android devices
• Comparison of smartphones

References

1. ^ Galaxy Nexus hits Europe Nov. 17, elsewhere thereafter. Androidcentral.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
2. ^ Queru, Jean-Baptiste (14 November 2011). "ICS is coming to AOSP". Google Groups: Android Building. http://groups.google.com/group/android-building/browse_thread/thread/4f85d9242667a85f?pli=1. Retrieved 18 November 2011. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Geller, Jonathan S.. (2011-10-06) Samsung Galaxy Nexus full specs revealed. BGR. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
4. ^ ^{a b c} Volpe, Joseph. "Samsung Galaxy Nexus specs leak, headed to Verizon as an exclusive?". Engaget. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/samsung-galaxy-nexus-specs-leak-headed-to-verizon-as-an-exclusi/. Retrieved 6 October 2011. 
5. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus Specs (unlocked) – Smartphones – CNET Reviews. Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
6. ^ Confirmed: Galaxy Nexus Includes PenTile. AnandTech. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
7. ^ Rubin, Andy. (2011-10-18) Official Google Blog: Unwrapping Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy Nexus. Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
8. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus – Full phone specifications". Gsmarena.com. http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_google_galaxy_nexus_i9250-4219.php. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
9. ^ "Official Galaxy Nexus Specs Revealed". Phandroid.com. 2011-10-18. http://phandroid.com/2011/10/18/official-galaxy-nexus-specs-revealed/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
10. ^ "Samsung and Google introduce GALAXY Nexus". MarketWatch. October 19, 2011. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/samsung-and-google-introduce-galaxy-nexus-2011-10-18. 
11. ^ "Samsung, Google unveil latest Android OS, phone". Computerworld. October 19, 2011. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220984/Samsung_Google_unveil_latest_Android_OS_phone. Retrieved October 19, 2011. 
12. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus – Full phone specifications. Gsmarena.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
13. ^ "Samsung's Galaxy Nexus gets official: Android 4.0, 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display (video)". Engadget. October 18, 2011. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/samsungs-galaxy-nexus-gets-official-android-4-0-4-65-inch-hd. 
14. ^ "This Is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google’s New Official Android Phone". Gizmodo. http://gizmodo.com/5851133/samsung-galaxy-nexus-the-greatest-androids-got-a-720p-super-amoled-display. 
15. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus 16GB Sim Free Smartphone". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-16GB-Smartphone/dp/B005XYU45E. 
16. ^ Joseph Volpe (October 6, 2011). "Samsung Galaxy Nexus specs leak, headed to Verizon as an exclusive? (updated)". endgadget.com. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/samsung-galaxy-nexus-specs-leak-headed-to-verizon-as-an-exclusi. 
17. ^ "Video Sample". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhlL-ys5iOA&feature=feedf. 
18. ^ ^{a b} Google Nexus Prime Set for October Launch. Brighthand.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
19. ^ Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich roundup: specs, details and insight, oh my!. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
20. ^ "Galaxy Nexus has curved PenTile OLED display". SlashGear. http://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-nexus-has-curved-pentile-oled-display-21189996. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
21. ^ OMAP™ 4 Platform: OMAP4430/OMAP4460. Focus.ti.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
22. ^ Search Online. Terrrra.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
23. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus camera and 1080p video samples. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
24. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus internal memory. Shugalmela.com (2011-10-20). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
25. ^ Molen, Brad (20 October 2011). "Behind the glass: a detailed tour inside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus". Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/behind-the-glass-a-detailed-tour-inside-the-samsung-galaxy-nexu/. Retrieved 24 October 2011. 
26. ^ "MHL Consortium shows some of the latest MHL features". ARMdevices.net. 30 October 2011. http://armdevices.net/2011/10/30/mhl-consortium-shows-some-of-the-latest-mhl-features/. Retrieved 01 November 2011. 
27. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus hands-on: First look". GSMArena.com. 19 October 2011. http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_nexus_hands_on-review-663p2.php. Retrieved 02 November 2011. 
28. ^ Stevens, Tim (18 October 2011 ---See '10.19PM' of event---). "Samsung and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich event liveblog!". Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/samsung-and-googles-ice-cream-sandwich-event-liveblog/. Retrieved 02 November 2011. 
29. ^ 18 October 2011, Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Ice Cream Sandwich hands-on, Engadget
30. ^ Couts, Andrew. (2011-08-19) Google's 'Nexus Prime' with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich allegedly set for October release. News.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
31. ^ ^{a b c d} Android 4.0 Platform Highlights | Android Developers. Developer.android.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
32. ^ Android Ice Cream Sandwich adds Face Unlock feature. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
33. ^ Google announces NFC-based Android Beam for sharing between phones (video). Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
34. ^ "Android 4.0 Platform Highlights | Android Developers". Developer.android.com. http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-4.0-highlights.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
35. ^ ^{a b} Samsung Galaxy Nexus 16GB Sim Free Smartphone: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics. Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
36. ^ Google Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9520 Android Smartphone (Unlocked, 16GB) #GT-i9520. Expansys USA. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
37. ^ "Galaxy Nexus gets priced SIM-free". SlashGear. http://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-nexus-gets-priced-sim-free-19189361/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
38. ^ "Motorola RAZR open for unlocked bootloader business, if the carrier says so". Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/motorola-razr-open-for-unlocked-bootloader-business-if-the-carr/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
39. ^ "Buy Samsung Galaxy Nexus 16GB (SIM Free/Unlocked) Reviews". Handtec.co.uk. http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/5527/samsung-galaxy-nexus-16gb--sim-free-unlocked-. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
40. ^ Mills, Adam (2011-10-14). "Can the Motorola Droid RAZR Compete with the Galaxy Nexus?". Gottabemobile.com. http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/10/14/can-the-motorola-droid-razr-compete-with-the-galaxy-nexus/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
41. ^ Mills, Adam (2011-10-18). "Motorola Droid RAZR Shipping with Locked Bootloader". Gottabemobile.com. http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/10/18/motorola-droid-razr-shipping-with-locked-bootloader/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
42. ^ K-Rivera. "HTC Nexus One by Google Review – Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/htc-nexus-one-by/4505-6452_7-33906802.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
43. ^ "Buying the Nexus One unlocked is probably the best choice". ZDNet. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/cell-phones/buying-the-nexus-one-unlocked-is-probably-the-best-choice/2879. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
44. ^ ghileman. "Samsung Nexus S Review – Watch CNET's Video Review". Reviews.cnet.com. http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-nexus-s-at/4505-6452_7-34431171.html. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
45. ^ Samsung makes Galaxy Nexus release date official, available in the UK on November 17th. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
46. ^ Galaxy Nexus is coming to Three. « Welcome to the Three Blog. Blog.three.co.uk (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
47. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus (16GB) Available To Pre-Order at Clove, £429 + VAT « Clove Technology’s Blog. Blog.clove.co.uk (2011-10-19). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
48. ^ European Galaxy Nexus availability. Android Central (2011-10-28). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
49. ^ Major Canadian Carriers Announce Impending Availability of Galaxy Nexus. Androidpolice.com (2011-11-15). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
50. ^ "Galaxy Nexus confirmed for Verizon 4G LTE". SlashGear. http://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-nexus-confirmed-for-verizon-4g-lte-21190098/. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
51. ^ Galaxy Nexus to hit Indian market this year not next | News | IT PRO India. Itpro.in (2011-11-07). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
52. ^ Makwana, Samir. (2011-11-08) Galaxy Nexus to arrive in India by Mid-December. Themobileindian.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
53. ^ Galaxy Nexus to Hit India by Mid-December. Siliconindia.com (2011-11-09). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
54. ^ Webster, Scott (2011-10-06). "Leaked Galaxy Nexus details point to Verizon exclusivity | Android Atlas – CNET Reviews". Reviews.cnet.com. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-20116674-251/leaked-galaxy-nexus-details-point-to-verizon-exclusivity/. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
55. ^ "Ice Cream Sandwich debuted with Samsung Galaxy Nexus". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ice-cream-sandwich-debuted-with-samsung-galaxy-nexus/2011/10/19/gIQALxeM0L_story.html. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
56. ^ "Rumor: Galaxy Nexus Coming to Verizon November 10th for an Ouchie $300". Gizmodo.com. http://gizmodo.com/5850411/rumor-galaxy-nexus-coming-to-verizon-november-10th-for-an-ouchie-300. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
57. ^ "Galaxy Nexus Prime & Ice Cream Sandwich Release, Price Leaked (video)". International Business Times. Newyork.ibtimes.com. 2011-10-17. http://newyork.ibtimes.com/articles/232581/20111017/galaxy-nexus-prime-ice-cream-sandwich-android.htm. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
58. ^ Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (October 28, 2011). "Galaxy Nexus releasing Nov. 17 — in the U.K.". Los Angeles Times. Latimesblogs.latimes.com. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/10/galaxy-nexus-release-uk.html. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
59. ^ Zeman, Eric (2011-10-06). "Samsung Galaxy Nexus: High-End Specs – Personal-tech – Smart Phones". Informationweek. http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal-tech/smart-phones/231900194. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
60. ^ The Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the launch that could have been. Android and Me. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
61. ^ Galaxy Nexus Review Part 1: Hardware Overview (Video). MobileSyrup.com (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
62. ^ The Samsung Galaxy Nexus Offers Super Camera Quality. Cmvlive.com (2011-11-14). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
63. ^ Samsung Releases Galaxy Nexus in U.K., to Launch in U.S.. Mobiledia. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
64. ^ The Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the launch that could have been. The Mobile Links. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
65. ^ Bell Canada Officially Announces Galaxy Nexus AndroidGuys. Androidguys.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
66. ^ Galaxy Nexus review roundup, LTE release date Monday? – Computerworld Blogs. Blogs.computerworld.com (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
67. ^ Google Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0): a hands-on screenshot gallery. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
68. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Ice Cream Sandwich hands-on (video). Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
69. ^ Updated 18:31 26 Oct 2011 by Thomas Tamblyn. "Samsung Galaxy Nexus review: Hands on". T3. http://www.t3.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-nexus-review. Retrieved 2011-10-27. 
70. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Nexus hands-on: First look". GSMArena.com. 2011-10-19. http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_nexus_hands_on-review-663p4.php. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
71. ^ "Galaxy Nexus Review Part 1: Hardware Overview (video)". mobilesyrup.com. 2011-11-17. http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/11/17/galaxy-nexus-review-part-1-hardware-overview-video/. Retrieved 2011-11-17. 
72. ^ Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review. Mashable.com (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2011-11-21.
73. ^ Newman, Jared. (2011-11-17) Galaxy Nexus Reviews: Of Course It's the Best Android. PCWorld. Retrieved on 2011-11-21.

External links

• Official website
• Galaxy Nexus at Samsung
• Official announcement video
• Engadget coverage