Google should know how to push Android. And with the Nexus 5 it proves it. When it comes to delivering a smartphone that is well thought out, does enough to hit every mark, and delivers a great Android experience, the Nexus 5 is on point.
The reviews are in for the Nexus 5, and it all points to the fact that this is a phone that delivers on value and experience. It doesn’t have the most extravagant camera module, or the best screen, or a slew of bubble gum accessories, but it does what it is supposed to do.
As a high-end Android phone, the Nexus 5 doesn’t exactly nail it in every category. However the price point, speed and quality of user experience makes the Nexus 5 a great device for regular people as well as nerds. Nexus doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best phone. But for enthusiasts, early adopters, performance freaks or anyone looking for a great device at the $350 price point, Google and LG have crafted a phone that’s more than worthy of your attention.
Ultimately, the only downside to this phone is that it’s slightly priced above the Nexus 4′s opening prices by maybe $50, so if that’s a major concern to you (which it probably shouldn’t be), then you can go ahead and just get the Nexus 4 at its new discounted price. Otherwise, the Nexus 5 is awesome, and even better for the price.
Of course, there is always the voice of dissent, surprisingly from the Macintosh News Network:
As the standard bearer for Android, it is certainly a highly sought after device, particularly for Android aficionados and developers alike. For consumers who can make the upfront payment, it is a very tempting deal. Right now though, if you want the best overall smartphone on the market, the iPhone 5s offers the best overall technology and the best integration of devices and software. This of course, comes at a price, while Google’s range of web services and content delivery is also excellent. Further, its open architecture, flexibility and hackability means that for many power users, Android remains the only choice. However, it is hard to shake the reality that the Nexus 5 is 2013 technology, while the iPhone 5s is still anywhere up to 12 months ahead (perhaps more depending on Google’s 64-bit plans), of where Android Is as a platform right now. As far as Android devices go, the Nexus 5 is one of the very best in just about every way that really counts and is certainly worthy of your attention – if you can get your hands one.
So, nothing is stand out about the Nexus 5, and the Nexus 4 is, arguably, great value now that it has had a price drop to make room for the 5, but if you have ever owned a Nexus, as I have, you’ll know that it is a solid product.
| Features | Nexus 5 | Samsung Galaxy S4 | Moto X | iPhone 5S |
| Operating system | Android 4.4 | Android 4.2.2 | Android 4.2.2 | iOS 7 |
| Display | 5-inch HD Super LCD; 1920×1080, 423 ppi | 5-inch HD Super LCD; 1920×1080, 423 ppi | 4.7-inch HD AMOLED; 1280×720, 316ppi | 4-inch IPS LCD; 1,136×640 pixels, 326 ppi |
| Price | $349/$399 from Google | $199/$249 Contract, | $199/$249 Contract, | $199, $299, $399 |
| 4G LTE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front camera | 13-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front camera | 10-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front camera | 8-megapixel, 1080p front-facing, dual-element flash |
| Processor | 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 (quad-core) | 1.9GHz Snapdragon 600 (quad-core) | 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro (dual-core, with X8 mobile computing | Proprietary A7 CPU (64-bit) |
| Memory | 16GB.32GB | 32GB.64GB, MicroSD slot | 16GB.32GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
| Battery | Talk time up to 17 hours | Talk time up to 17 hours | 24 hours usage | Talk time up to 10 hours on 3G; embedded |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint scanner | No | No | No | Yes |
| Dedicated fitness tracking | No | No | No | Yes |
| Weight | 130g | 130g | 130g | 112g |
| Colors | Gray, gold, silver | |||
| Carriers | Unlocked | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint |
| Network | LTE, CDMA, HSPA+, GSM, WiFi | LTE, CDMA, GSM, WiFi | LTE, CDMA, GSM, WiFi | LTE, CDMA, GSM, WiFi |
My top reasons to have a Nexus 5 are:
- It is unlocked. Every damn phone in the universe, contract or no contract, should be unlocked, dammit.
- It’s Gorilla Glass 3 is what it should be: tough. Every smartphone screen should be as tough as possible, dammit.
- It doesn’t blind you with its camera tech. Sure, it’s nice to have a camera, but I don’t want to have to be forced into paying for extra features that I don’t need or want.
- The speakers on this phone actually deliver sound. Most phone speakers are pretty useless, and in speaker mode, depending on where they are situated, they making talking on a call almost impossible with distortion.
- NFC. There should be more NFC enabled applications. Period.
- The 32GB version is $399 outright purchase. I can probably get $150 back when I trade it in a year for a new phone, meaning that is really worth $249, contract free, to me. Trying getting a deal like that on any other smartphone out there.
I am no Android fanboy, but I have to hand it to Google. They’re knocking it out the park with the Nexus.
