Google Nexus 4 Review

Google nexus 4 review NOTE: This is re-post of my AS English Language coursework which was modeled on the reviewing style of T3 magazine.

Google Nexus 4 Review

The Google Nexus 4 is sleeker, sharper and cheaper. But can it keep up with the heavyweights of the smartphone world?

In a world of carrier and manufacturer skins, the Nexus 4 features the refreshing feel of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean in its stock, unmolested form, a big difference compared to the manufacturer-ified skins we have come to expect from the likes of Samsung and HTC. Google’s new Nexus device is a marked upgrade from its Samsung-made predecessor featuring a sharper, larger screen and a smaller price tag to boot.  It is a high-end phone at a mid-range price point.

Google Nexus 4: Size and build

The Nexus 4’s build quality is remarkably high for such a modestly priced device.  It certainly matches the sleek fit and finish of top smartphones such as the HTC One X and the minimalistic beauty of the iPhone 5 whilst the back of the device is adorned with a subtle pattern that glistens majestically when it catches the light. It’s clear than no expense has been spared during the production of the handset.

   But instead of the machined aluminium featured on devices such as these, the LG made Nexus 4 is covered front and back with edge to edge sheets of Gorilla Glass 2.0, a material that is strong in theory (although owners of iPhone 4s will agree that this is not the case when the glass hits a solid surface having been dropped from height, this could also explain Apple’s rationale behind the aluminium exteriors seen on the iPhone 5).

The Nexus 4 also feels good in the hand; its rubberised outer casing provides you with a good grip and security for the delicate device, although many will deem Google’s official bumper case a worthy upgrade for added assurance. Despite featuring this textured casing, many consumers have complained that the phone’s slippery glass back is susceptible to sliding off surfaces that it sits on -although I myself have not encountered this problem.

 Google Nexus 4: Features

Google’s newest version of the Android OS which we have all grown to love offers up some useful updates for the Nexus 4, namely the new Photosphere camera  allowing one to take a 3D panorama shot using a similar technology as seen in Google’s StreetView mapping system.

In addition to this the device also contains some of Jelly Bean’s most useful features such as improved voice search through Google Now as well as the easy to use quick settings managers which can be accessed from the notification dropdown.

Google’s new design language is also present throughout the Nexus 4‘s OS featuring shiny graphics and pixel perfect designs. Transitions are also as smooth as ever, harnessing the power of what Google calls ‘Project Butter’ an algorithm which predicts touch gestures, providing a smoother experience across the OS.

One main feature omitted in this case is that of 4G LTE, although this technology is yet to catch on in the UK.

Google Nexus 4: Screen

Being the part of the device which you look at the most, the screen is very important and Google clearly know this. The Nexus 4 features a 4.7 inch pixel- smattering 720p screen; I challenge you to spot a pixel, go on.

The Nexus 4’s screen does a reasonable job of reproducing colour although the colours do appear a little washed out compared to the panels featured on the One X or the Samsung Galaxy S3, but I personally didn’t think this was a problem once I had adapted. Any budding phone-photoshoppers may have to take note though.

Google Nexus 4 : Camera

The 8 megapixel camera found on the Nexus 4 does a reasonably good job; it is especially comfortable in low light situations, bringing a good level of contrast to the table. It is certainly on a par with most of the smartphone giants but does not quite match up to the beast of a camera featured on Nokia’s latest Lumia range.

The aforementioned Photosphere software is also a great bonus feature.

Google Nexus 4: Performance

The Nexus 4’s 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU and 2GB of RAM are more than capable of providing a match the cream of the crop in the smartphone world. The high-end specs are more than capable of running demanding mobile games at playable frame- rates. It made mincemeat of games such as ‘Dead Trigger’ and of course ‘Angry Birds’ although struggled to run more intensive games such as ‘Beach Buggy Blitz’ at maximum graphics settings.

Overall, the Nexus is plenty snappy and is largely at home with anything you want to run on it. This device is especially good for those who like to game on the go.

Google Nexus 4: Verdict

While the Nexus 4 skimps on the price tag, this is certainly not the case when it comes to build quality and performance providing able competition to the world’s smartphone heavyweights.

The lack of 4G is a minor downside of this handset but most consumers shouldn’t worry about this just yet. And although the screen is high resolution the colour reproduction is not the best, these are both features which could tip your decision but will be a non-issue in most cases.

In the meantime, the Nexus 4 is right up with some of most full-featured devices out there, although it won’t be long before the chasing pack up their game.

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