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Here is my UNBIASED and HONEST Nexus 4 Review & Impressions

Hey all, hope everyone is doing good and had a nice weekend and enjoy the turkey day we have this week! Don't get too fat now, lol.
Anyways, I've had a chance to HEAVILY use and test Nexus 4 so I'm ready to write my review and give you impressions and what I do and don't like. I dropped 500 bills+tax $30 at T-Mobile store. They had last one in stock, I couldn't resist so I grabbed the last one. Yeah, I could of waited for Google to re-stock but I had to buy a phone for work right away, extra little extra cash laying around so it's not big of a deal. Keep in mind, before Nexus 4 I had and sold my GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 and also had Note 2 unlocked/International version. I also used/owned Galaxy Nexus.
So, first question a Galaxy Nexus user would ask if LG Nexus 4 is better than GNex. My answer to you is a thousand times YES. Its much faster, the display is better, camera is superb, built is 10x better than Galaxy Nexus. Android JellyBean 4.2 is the BEST mobile operating system, period.
Let's get one thing out there right away. Nexus 4 is without a doubt, the best phone I've ever owned. And it's coming from a Samsung fan who owned GS3/Note 2. I am really impressed with the built of this phone. And I don't know if its me but man the glass quality on this phone is ridiculous. The front glass just shines. As soon as you touch it you can feel the quality, not some cheap glass or plastic. One thing I really, really like is screen touch responsiveness. On my GS3/Note2 as soon as my finger touches screen, whatever gets touched it gets activated. With Nexus 4 you really have to AIM and PRESS what you really wanna touch and launch. This was a problem with my Note 2 and GS3. I was doing something and I accidentally would touch the screen which would screw up whatever I was doing before. So the screen on front is just amazing. The back is also nice, glossy and shiny, mostly unique due to the matrix coding underneath the glass. One problem with the back glass its extremely slippery. I bet tons of people will be breaking their Nexus 4's just because they are hard to keep in hand without a good case or a bumper which is a MUST for this phone. I don't have case nor bumper but I need to get a good one, so if someone knows a good case/bumper (quality made) please let me know. I just wish we didn't have to use case/bumper to hide the beauty of todays phones.
So the build and quality of the phone is SUPERB. But you drop this phone once and its a wrap. NEXT, I will talk about display.
Being a fan of Samsung and their screens I will say this. Nexus 4 screen is just a MILLIONS times better than any SuperAMOLED HD PenTile or Captivate display. The one and only display that will always be the best in my mind is SuperAmoled Plus. I wish Samsung made SuperAMOLED+HD now that would be a screen, but this TrueHD IPS LCD 2 Display is just much better. I compared GS3/Note2 to Nexus 4 screen quality and everything in Nexus 4 looks better. Colors are more "natural" and crisp. Also, I didn't notice any difference in BLACK/White levels between the two. But other colors Nexus 4 takes the cake. SuperAMOLED HD PenTile shows more vibrant colors but VIBRANT doesn't mean BETTER. I can have VIBRANT colors on my Samsung LED TV, but choose to display 55-60% of the color which gives it natural, realistic color where SuperAMOLED HD PenTile display feels like I have 80% or higher color on my TV. So being a fan of Samsung and SuperAMOLED screens, I can safely say TrueHD IPS LCD 2 display is just MAGICAL. You cannot see any pixels and I don't wanna mention RETINA display but Nexus 4 feels like it has Retina display with no pixels whatsoever. Being a smaller screen than GS3 text and everything else looks much sharper and I don't even want to compare it to the Note 2 considering its 5'5 inch screen with much less PPI. So the display of Nexus 4 easily stomps all over Note2/GS3 SuperAMOLED technology.
Next, sound quality. This is really personal choice but to me sound quality is nothing special in Nexus 4. Sometimes, depending on what your listening your speaker might have the robotic effect and not properly give you the high quality sound like GS3/Note would. So the sound is nothing special, medium at its best and cannot compare to GS3 and Note 2. Speaker is a lot louder than Galaxy Nexus though. If anyone knows how to enhance and better sound quality please let me know. Maybe Volume+ app could improve the overall sound quality.
Call quality is very clear and crips. I'm very impressed. Nexus 4 and GS3/Note 2 have just about the same call sound quality.
My BIGGEST problem with Nexus 4 is the battery life. Out of all phones I've used I think battery life is the worst. If you worry about battery life, I can tell you straight up, unless you plan charging your phone a lot, don't get this phone. I'm not a heavy user, have brightness to less than half, don't have many syncs but man the battery just SUCKSSSSS BALLSSSS. GS3/Note 2 ABSOLUTELY destroy Nexus 4 when it comes to battery life. And on top of all this, the battery is non removable which makes things even worse. Your battery at fully charged won't last ONE HOUR if your using GPS for an hour. My Nexus 4 was fully charged 98% and I wen't to a casino which is 1 hour away from my house. I had to use GPS and by the time I arrived at the Casino my battery was at 3% after 1 hour of GPS usage. This is just not acceptable. So the battery life on Nexus 4 is just horrible.
No LTE ? Should I buy Nexus 4 ? And my answer is IT DEPENDS. I live in Boston, and T-Mo HSPA+ is fantastic. Depending where I am, I can get 20+mbps. I have a buddy with Verizons LTE network and sometimes my HSPA+ is faster than his LTE. I have pre-paid account with T-Mo $60 everything unlim + 2gb of HSPA+ which is enough for me. So if you live in area where you get good HSPA+ speeds you won't need LTE trust me and chances are you'll have higher success finding more HSPA+ coverage than LTE anyways. So, Nexus 4 / T-Mobile doesn't have LTE but you will be more than happy with HSPA+. At least I am.
No SD Card ? Should I still buy NEXUS 4 ? Again, it all depends. If you really use sd cards and store a lot of sonds/apps or whatever than you shouldn't buy this phone. I never used SD Card so for me it doesn't matter if it has sd card or not. I use DROPBOX so I'm fine with that.
Now to some basic specs review. The phone is just GS3/Note2 on STEROIDS and Growth Hormone when it comes to speeds. Don't get fooled by benchmark scores. I was a benchmark whore before and wouldn't buy a phone if it didn't have the highest benchmark score but after doing some research I can tell you BENCHMARKS sucks and don't ever judge a phone by benchmarks and only by their quad core processors, judge it by the latest operating system. Nexus 4 is just FASTER and 10x more fluid than my GS3/Note 2. JellyBean 4.2 ProjectButter is where its all at baby. For those of you who are curious about benchmark scores I will just say I get over 5000 on Quadrant after 2nd or 3rd run. But constant score remains about 4800 and up never less. There is NO LAG at all, and everything is just SUPER SUPER smooth when opening and closing things. QuadCORE+2GB of RAM + 4.2 = heaven.
So, what score would I give it to Nexus 4. 8/10. I will take 2 points for battery life/non removable battery and one point for not having an option to use removable sc card (even though I don't use it, its still very important to the community). Everything else on this phone is just fantastic. Even with those 2 points off, I really believe Nexus 4 is the best Android phone right now. Popularity wise not, Galaxy S3/Note 2 will always be more popular and appealing just like iPhone is, but to experts and true Android fans, Nexus 4 is the best phone right now.
AND with all this said, the phone is $349/$299. This alone is better than anything Samsung/Apple have to offer.
And goodluck getting 4.2 on GS3 or Note 2.
Feel free to comment.

GPS kills my GNex too. I never really use it unless i know i am going to charge it soon.

Nice question.
Thanks for this though, good to get an unbiased review.

TL; dr version ?

Let me get this straight, one hour of GPS use killed your battery?

Even with a little sync, data always on, GPS, and half brightness the battery will suffer hugely compared to disabling data when not in use, no sync, GPS off, and lowest brightness .
You could pull a lot better times. Still, I agree the battery seeks to be a disappointment. I believe there is a new governor introduced on the N4 because it only seems to stay at it's highest and lowest values... So with some kernels in development hopefully the. Attery gets better!
Nexus S (GSM i9020a)
AOKP (Milestone 1 - 4.1.2)
Matrix Kernel (24.0 - CFS)
Ondemmand (Screen On) (800/100)
Wheatley (Screen Off) (400/100)
Deep Idle (N/A - Deadline)
BLX (N/A - Inverted Apps)
Black Exodus (Stock Voltage)

dieselfatal said:
Nexus 4 screen is just a MILLIONS times better than any SuperAMOLED HD PenTile or Captivate display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Caps lock + exaggeration = biased
Still a nice review though.

if it wasn't for the poor battery life which i think will hugely improve with an update from Google, would you choose the Nexus 4 over the Note 2? i am asking because i will paying the price of the Note 2 on this Nexus since i don't have Google Play in my country.

Anubis007 said:
if it wasn't for the poor battery life which i think will hugely improve with an update from Google, would you choose the Nexus 4 over the Note 2? i am asking because i will paying the price of the Note 2 on this Nexus since i don't have Google Play in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus. Just wait, once developers start popping out kernels the battery will be better. I've even seen people currently pull 4-5+ hours screen time in 18-22 hours.
Nexus S (GSM i9020a)
AOKP (Milestone 1 - 4.1.2)
Matrix Kernel (24.0 - CFS)
Ondemmand (Screen On) (800/100)
Wheatley (Screen Off) (400/100)
Deep Idle (N/A - Deadline)
BLX (N/A - Inverted Apps)
Black Exodus (Stock Voltage)

you must have a rogue app or something...killing a full battery with gps on for just 1 hour doesn't sound right

Anubis007 said:
if it wasn't for the poor battery life which i think will hugely improve with an update from Google, would you choose the Nexus 4 over the Note 2? i am asking because i will paying the price of the Note 2 on this Nexus since i don't have Google Play in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 4 is a better phone FOR ME and what it has to offer. I had Note 2 before and yes the screen size is nice and all and the S Pen features but Nexus 4 is just better. Faster, snappier and its fast in a good way I cant describe it. And the display cannot be compared. But you will suffer with poor battery life non removable and no SD. This can be fixed. Charge battery more and use DropCloud.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Dropbox I meant. DropCloud where did I get this from hahaha
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

My 2 year old Galaxy S with slimbean 3 owns ur nexus 4.
Seriously though, ud better wipe all the jizz off ur nexus 4 before it does any lasting damage...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

dieselfatal said:
Nexus 4 is a better phone FOR ME and what it has to offer. I had Note 2 before and yes the screen size is nice and all and the S Pen features but Nexus 4 is just better. Faster, snappier and its fast in a good way I cant describe it. And the display cannot be compared. But you will suffer with poor battery life non removable and no SD. This can be fixed. Charge battery more and use DropCloud.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, it feels good to hear that since many people call me crazy for choosing the Nexus over the Note 2. i don't care for the insane amount of storage since i am no gamer and i don't have thousand of hours of music. i just know this Nexus has a very capable hardware (including battery size) and that's all what matters i guess.

Seems legit thanks for review

knuckles1978 said:
My 2 year old Galaxy S with slimbean 3 owns ur nexus 4.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except.. not at all.

Great review I am loving mine also.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

knuckles1978 said:
My 2 year old Galaxy S with slimbean 3 owns ur nexus 4.
Seriously though, ud better wipe all the jizz off ur nexus 4 before it does any lasting damage...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please dont hijack my thread with negative comments bro. This is Nexus 4 section. I make good money so I rock with whatevers the best. Had Note 2 and GS3 was impressed. Nexus 4 dethroned em both. Move on.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Anubis007 said:
if it wasn't for the poor battery life which i think will hugely improve with an update from Google, would you choose the Nexus 4 over the Note 2? i am asking because i will paying the price of the Note 2 on this Nexus since i don't have Google Play in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are paying the same amount gor both phones. Note 2 is a much better and more powerful phone. Pure Android experience is great and all but the features of Note 2 is worth more than just that.
Sent from my GT-N7100

knuckles1978 said:
My 2 year old Galaxy S with slimbean 3 owns ur nexus 4.
Seriously though, ud better wipe all the jizz off ur nexus 4 before it does any lasting damage...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A wild Samsung fanboy appeared!

Nexus 4 vs Galaxy s3

I had to do it.. It was needed specially after the iphone 5 comparison video I got a lot of pms and requests so I had both of them at home and said..why not?
Remember..this is not stock vs stock, however a ROM'd s3 but for the purpose of the video I think it works just fine
Well enjoy
http://youtu.be/yVnT-s5gzlA

Galaxy s3 is for a general population who are inclined to buy stuff form ads but have no idea what an Android is.

rault18 said:
I had to do it.. It was needed specially after the iphone 5 comparison video I got a lot of pms and requests so I had both of them at home and said..why not?
Remember..this is not stock vs stock, however a ROM'd s3 but for the purpose of the video I think it works just fine
Well enjoy
http://youtu.be/yVnT-s5gzlA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great review. Wow, the nex 4 screen looks beautiful.
sent via xda premium with nexus 7

Call me superficial but I don't think I could go back to using a phone with logos on the front.

TrueBrush said:
Galaxy s3 is for a general population who are inclined to buy stuff form ads but have no idea what an Android is.
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Click to collapse
Its not only for them. Also for the android enthusiasts. It has an unlock boot loader and great Dev support.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

If it wasn't for the nex 4 I would have gotten either an gs3 or a note2. The GS3 is definitely a decent phone. Still for the money I think the nex wins.
sent via xda premium with nexus 7

TrueBrush said:
Galaxy s3 is for a general population who are inclined to buy stuff form ads but have no idea what an Android is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SO DAMN TRUE!!!
And you see people saying oh look how fast it is, and the previous device was a nokia with flashlight or an iphone
WTH! -_-

For my two pence worth I had the s3 went back to my gnex awaiting the n4. I love just stock. Also I agree with the comment above about going back to operator logos on handsets. Its hideous. I know why they do it but its horrid. As for the s3 it was very very fast and more than enough for most but after 4 months of use and adding all my stuff to the device it did slow a bit. Not a huge amount by any means but for hard core users it was there plus I couldn't live with the dismal redraw issue when coming out of apps yo the home screen . I know the Gnex is far from perfect but besides battery life I would have the Gnex as my every day phone anytime. So I decided to go for the n4 as my main phone for the next year as it should perform just the same but look better and have a bit more use with the bigger battery although I know tests don't show it being much better. A little would do me. Anyway awesome video and thank you for taking the time to do it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

manlisten said:
Call me superficial but I don't think I could go back to using a phone with logos on the front.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this.
Sent from my Apple iPhone using Tapatalk 2

TrueBrush said:
Galaxy s3 is for a general population who are inclined to buy stuff form ads but have no idea what an Android is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. For a user like myself in the states, the lack of LTE was the deciding factor for me between the GSIII and N4. I wouldn't call myself general population and I know what Android is, lol.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Galaxy series is brilliant, but touchwiz is a piece of shyte next to stock android. Also there's no substitute for getting updates on time.

The Nex 4 looks nice, but not having a removable battery like my old EvoLTE and only having 16GB of storage without the ability to upgrade are killers for me. The GS3 development community is Legit as well. I only have 4GB left on my microSD and 3GB left on my onboard 16GB GS3. The battery and storage issues are a Fail IMHO for the Nex4. There is no way I could use it as my everyday camera, video recorder, offline music player, and document storage device. Also, when traveling out of town, you realize how much having extra batteries around makes things a whole lot easier, especially when you are using your phone as a GPS and listening to your offline music on flights (I did have the mobile battery juice device when I had the EvoLTE but it really didn't help).
I use Nova Launcher and HD Widgets so no need for TouchWiz. I will say the Sense and TouchWiz Calendar and Appointments look and function way better than the stock Android Calendar.
Sent from my GS3 via TapaTalk 2

TrueBrush said:
Galaxy s3 is for a general population who are inclined to buy stuff form ads but have no idea what an Android is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is truly one of the most ignorant statements I've seen on xda in quite some time...and there have been a bunch lately. Besides having more storage, LTE, removable battery, nicer camera and more options...yea, I'll stick with my "general population" phone...Lol. I had the Galaxy Nexus for a while and just left the One X for the Note 2 (similar to the S3...that's why I chimed in)...the first thing I do with any of my Android phones (this is my 6th) is change to Nova Launcher...so while pure Android had it's advantages a year or more ago, that is far from the case now with the heavy duty processors being offered in combination with these launchers. I have debloated my phone, run Nova and also have all the little motion gadgets that are actually useful that are not options on pure Google. It's nice to be able to call someone within a text conversation just by putting the phone to your face or to have the screen automatically stay on as long as you're looking at it. These are features that I actually consider highly useful in the real world. Flame away, but with today's processing power and Samsung's openness to bootloader unlocking and dev community, I actually consider pure Google to be a step backwards FOR ME.
Glad that you guys are starting to get your phones though. I canceled after I received the bo email.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

I got a SGH-I747 from Telus. Paid $0 for it.
It's "only" a dual core, but it has 2 gigs of RAM. And not a single logo on the front.
I'm running CM10 on it. With the 4.2 keyboard and camera/gallery. So maybe I don't know what Android is all about.
I might still get a N4 if Google ever allows me to buy one. But for now, I'm enjoying my S3 very much.

I can't wait for my n4 please please let it arrive this week!!
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app

I love my Nexus and exclusively buy Nexus brand phones ever since the Nexus S, but I wouldn't call the GS3 just a device for the general consumer. Its component sheet is very good and is still considered a high end phone several months after its release. It does have some good dev support (though Samsung could be a lot more helpful with getting more info about their processors out there) and considering many chose that device after the Galaxy Nexus failed to impress when it was finally announced. Personally I prefer stock Android but there are a couple features I wouldn't mind cherrypicking from the S3 like screenshots, tap to top, and not having the screen go to sleep when you're looking at it. Having sais that, the phone I chose is definately the right one for me and I belive it to be superior to the S3. Also it will be supported longer than the S3 from Google and the dev community.

manlisten said:
Call me superficial but I don't think I could go back to using a phone with logos on the front.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I just thought.. Though I don't have the nexus 4 right now, I will never go back to a device with a ****ty logo on the front.
Sent from my SGS II

barondebxl said:
Its not only for them. Also for the android enthusiasts. It has an unlock boot loader and great Dev support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, no. How is that Exynos 4 without any kind of documentation treating you?

powerwagon said:
That is truly one of the most ignorant statements I've seen on xda in quite some time...and there have been a bunch lately. Besides having more storage, LTE, removable battery, nicer camera and more options...yea, I'll stick with my "general population" phone...Lol. I had the Galaxy Nexus for a while and just left the One X for the Note 2 (similar to the S3...that's why I chimed in)...the first thing I do with any of my Android phones (this is my 6th) is change to Nova Launcher...so while pure Android had it's advantages a year or more ago, that is far from the case now with the heavy duty processors being offered in combination with these launchers. I have debloated my phone, run Nova and also have all the little motion gadgets that are actually useful that are not options on pure Google.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have played around with my friend's Note 2 for a whole day and i decided to install Nova to see if stock Android isn't worth it anymore. it turns out it is. Nova + Touchwiz was not as stable or fast (by that i mean touch responsiveness) as my Galaxy Nexus. i wanted to believe it since i am paying almost as much for the Nexus 4 and i really appreciate the Note 2's battery but i just wasn't convinced.

Hmmm... I've sold my SGS2 and waited for N4 but.... SOLD OUT...
This gave me more time to think about and I've realized that getting N4 was like step back to me.. Didn't want to end up like all iPhone users... Easy to break glass all around, very limited storage and non-removable battery.. I'm Not saying N4 is bad but it's Not perfect... (to me not even close to perfect...)
Android Support will be better for N4 and the Hardware is slightly better but I'm very happy with what I've got. It runs super smooth, using GO launcher, 2GB RAM makes a huge difference comparing to S3 tho.
To me GT-I9305 FTW
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda app-developers app

N4 or Galaxy Nexus?

Thinking of upgrading, a friend offered to buy my Galaxy Nexus and so I was thinking of selling it(for U.S.$150) and buying an N4. Is there $150 worth of difference in the two? I have never seen an N4 in the wild, so I have no frame of reference. The added bonus is my friend would be switching from an iPhone 4 so we'd be gaining a convert LOL. As far as ROMS and Unlocking/Rooting how is the N4? It's SUPER easy with the GNex of course, same with the N4?

I've owned both, in all honesty I preferred the galaxy nexus
The n4 is nice, but ruined by the fact that it's battery lasts 10 seconds, even with custom kernels
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app

Eh I say neither. The leaked lg device is likely the opt g2, which will obviously lead to a rebranded nexus 5. I like the g2's design, so I say wait for Google I/o for any leaks.
If you must have one then get the n4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I've owned both. Even when on a bad kernel/rom combo and having problems, the n4 battery life is still significantly better for me. Color tuning can get the screen pretty dang close to the amoled saturation.

3473 said:
I've owned both, in all honesty I preferred the galaxy nexus
The n4 is nice, but ruined by the fact that it's battery lasts 10 seconds, even with custom kernels
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3hrs screen on time is average for the N4.. Hardly 10 seconds and hardly anything to complain about either considering the hardware in the thing.

3473 said:
I've owned both, in all honesty I preferred the galaxy nexus
The n4 is nice, but ruined by the fact that it's battery lasts 10 seconds, even with custom kernels
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine lasts 15 seconds, booooy!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Galaxy Nexus used is worth more than $150.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

pwc realtor said:
Galaxy Nexus used is worth more than $150.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with the above statement. I still see GNexi selling for $200-$250. If you're cutting your friend a deal that's one thing. If not, don't short change yourself.
I've owned both, and my opinion is the GNex feels better in hand. The N4 will have a longer upgrade time as the GNex hardware slowly becomes obsolete.
I would say pick up the N4. If nothing else for having a new shiny toy to play with.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

3473 said:
I've owned both, in all honesty I preferred the galaxy nexus
The n4 is nice, but ruined by the fact that it's battery lasts 10 seconds, even with custom kernels
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how long the GNex's battery lasted but on PA with the calibrated kernel that comes with it (if I'm not mistaken that is essentially just the stock kernel) I had 24 hours with 2 hours screen on time (lowest brightness) and still 20% left. If that's not good enough for you then you'll need to buy a phone with a huge stock battery or the ability to swap out an extended battery.

3473 said:
I've owned both, in all honesty I preferred the galaxy nexus
The n4 is nice, but ruined by the fact that it's battery lasts 10 seconds, even with custom kernels
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wrong, I've owned both too and the battery is a tad better on the N4. With custom rom and kernel I was averaging 3.5 hours of SOT with the GNex, but I get around 4 hours on the N4 all stock and no root.

10 seconds?? Am I reading it right?
Its around 5 hours screen on time with franco kernel

In terms of pure performance, the N4 is really good. It has the same GPU as the Galaxy S4, HTC one, Sony xperia Z etc etc etc. This means that most games will be optimized for these phones, and the N4 should age well. IF you are into games this could be worth considering. If not, I've seen the galaxy nexus with jellybean and it was very smooth indeed - so it's not like performance lacks with that phone.
The screen will look very "dimm"/undersaturated compared to your galaxy nexus. I personally used some "saturated" pre-set and calibrated the screen to 2.2 gamma on RGB - and I subjectivly think the screen looks amazing now (day and night difference between stock settings and calibrated). Requires root i believe!
Battery life is just fine for me (~4h screen-on-time) with franco.kernel. I don't have any complaints, but i know many others do. So you should compare what you get with the galaxy nexus and see what people with the N4 get.

Danny.ns said:
In terms of pure performance, the N4 is really good. It has the same GPU as the Galaxy S4, HTC one, Sony xperia Z etc etc etc. This means that most games will be optimized for these phones, and the N4 should age well. IF you are into games this could be worth considering. If not, I've seen the galaxy nexus with jellybean and it was very smooth indeed - so it's not like performance lacks with that phone.
The screen will look very "dimm"/undersaturated compared to your galaxy nexus. I personally used some "saturated" pre-set and calibrated the screen to 2.2 gamma on RGB - and I subjectivly think the screen looks amazing now (day and night difference between stock settings and calibrated). Requires root i believe!
Battery life is just fine for me (~4h screen-on-time) with franco.kernel. I don't have any complaints, but i know many others do. So you should compare what you get with the galaxy nexus and see what people with the N4 get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4 and HTC One have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 cpu. The N4 and Xperia Z have a Qualcomm S4 Pro cpu

gee2012 said:
The S4 and HTC One have a Qualcomm 600 cpu. The N4 and Xperia Z have a Qualcomm S4 Pro cpu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I wrote GPU mate. That is, the graphics card of the SoC. They all have the same Adreno320.
Also, I might add, the difference in architecture between the S4 Pro and 600 is minimal. What runs fast on the 600 will run fast on the S4 Pro as well.

Danny.ns said:
Yes, I wrote GPU mate. That is, the graphics card of the SoC. They all have the same Adreno320.
Also, I might add, the difference in architecture between the S4 Pro and 600 is minimal. What runs fast on the 600 will run fast on the S4 Pro as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You`re right, misread that. Haven`t been up for so long .

I have them both and if you enjoy playing games don't even think about it. Now I can use the phone as a game console and it is just amazing. Believe me or not, I even prefer it's IPS screen. When I look back at my gnex I can see pixels due to its pentile distribution and I just don't like anymore it's over saturated display. It's a matter of getting use to it I imagine... When you first have it in your hands you really miss it but after some days you love it.
You've got a TOP phone for many years with this. And gpu is even compatible with the upcoming OPENGL 3.0
Let's see what Google IO brings in a couple of days.
Regarding the battery, it's non removable battery is a drawback. Got around 3:30 hours SOT with stock or performance kernels as trinity. But franco kernel is just awesome. Easily getting nearly 5 hours of screen time out of it and performance boosts just when needed in a very smart way.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Please use the Nexus 4 vs. Any other phone thread that can be found in the sticky rollup thread.
Closed

I know "best" is subjective, but...

Would you still say that the nexus 4 is the best device the market despite its age?
With all my apps and background processes going, it hasnt slowed down a bit, ir doesn't know what lag is. It is fast, smooth, beautiful and functional and I'm on totally stock unrooted 4.3.
The s⁴, note ² and other more popular phones can not say this despite their superior hardware.
(I'm discounting google editions).
What do you think?

dodgebizkit said:
Would you still say that the nexus 4 is the best device the market despite its age?
With all my apps and background processes going, it hasnt slowed down a bit, ir doesn't know what lag is. It is fast, smooth, beautiful and functional and I'm on totally stock unrooted 4.3.
The s⁴, note ² and other more popular phones can not say this despite their superior hardware.
(I'm discounting google editions).
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I totally agree when it comes to performance. That is the big pro running stock android in its pure state.
There are definitely cons where it can't reach the new phones, but I'm totally OK with 'em.
Battery life is good to go trough my work day. Storage is enough (for me). Don't really need a better camera on my phone.
Yes, I'm pretty happy with my nexus and I think it will satisfy me until there the next generation this fall... :thumbup:

Yes, I am very happy with mine and I know people who have GS3, GS4 or iPhone 5 and none of them reaches the quality of my nexus 4 imo. And I am so glad to be part of this awesome community!

dodgebizkit said:
Would you still say that the nexus 4 is the best device the market despite its age?
With all my apps and background processes going, it hasnt slowed down a bit, ir doesn't know what lag is. It is fast, smooth, beautiful and functional and I'm on totally stock unrooted 4.3.
The s⁴, note ² and other more popular phones can not say this despite their superior hardware.
(I'm discounting google editions).
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 2 does not have superior hardware. It has same processor as the S3 which is quad core version of the processor in S2.
Coming to S4. Exynos version beats N4 by long margin as it's A15 processor. The US and European versions of S4 use a slightly improved version of the processor that's in N4 so it's sort of tie of you check benchmarks.
Touchwiz shows Samsung phones. Even the S4 lags badly at times.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Since the thread is subjective, as OP stated, I'll have to say that I wouldn't trade my N4 for any other phone. I actually plan on keeping it after my contract has run out in Dec 2014. It's that good.
I'm sure I'll figure out a way to replace the battery as well.:victory:

vanmarek said:
Since the thread is subjective, as OP stated, I'll have to say that I wouldn't trade my N4 for any other phone. I actually plan on keeping it after my contract has run out in Dec 2014. It's that good.
I'm sure I'll figure out a way to replace the battery as well.:victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why..? is the battery is no good.? or is it just as a standard procedure after long usage..?
Hit Thanks if I helped : from Tapatalk

Iphone users used to say this 3 years ago;
It just works.

Nope. As an owner of all the ones you mention...I'd say the Note 2 is the Best. Its a sweet smartphone.
Just my opinion and I currently am using a Nexus 4 as of a few days ago and I am surprised how great it runs...I agree the n4 is an excellent device though...no complaints at all (well except the small 4.7 screen).
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Note 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9 belong in the dash of a Cadillac or limo roof, no need for big ass phones that don't fit normal pockets.
"iPhone=Boat shoes,sweaters over shirt/tie,whores,non prescriptive glasses with slicked hair,hipster concerts,too much ignorance"-sent from my NEXUS 4

It's certainly the best bang for your buck. At $300/$350 for a device of this caliber, how could you go wrong?
Sent by carrier pigeon

Hell yea the Nexus 4 Is still a top notch phone, Not only Price But Software as well. Love My Nexus:good::good:

yeah there's no other phone that comes closer to price/performance ratio...the price is a steal.

nexus 4 is perfect excepting the battery life...especially compared to iphone 5

Honestly for the price you pay and its excellent performance its value seems to be, personally much more than that of another Samsung device.

Yeah sure...we're in nexus 4 section on xda. I don't wanna sounds like a **** but I guess 90% of us think the same about our device. So is it really necessary to open a new thread for that?
I am sure that even after 2 years you'll find people that think this way about N4 here. Just check s2 or GN section, you'll easily find posts saying that GN is still one of the very best handsets (hardwarewise) or that S2 running Cm10.1 (with not working project butter) is buttery smooth

10 words
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

No LAG!!!!! If you wanna play games buy a console,..S4 is nothing special
"iPhone=Boat shoes,sweaters over shirt/tie,whores,non prescriptive glasses with slicked hair,hipster concerts,too much ignorance"-sent from my NEXUS 4

Cream$ickleHJ said:
No LAG!!!!! If you wanna play games buy a console,..S4 is nothing special
"iPhone=Boat shoes,sweaters over shirt/tie,whores,non prescriptive glasses with slicked hair,hipster concerts,too much ignorance"-sent from my NEXUS 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No better way to say it.

Lag on n⁴ is so rare its unbelievable, far less than on the iphone 4s.
I really love the nexus range now and couldn't imagine leaving unless it was for a future Note model but even then it would be a work device/second device to a nexus, the n⁴ is the first phone to enamour me since the HTC HD 7 (which still runs amazing on stock wp7.8 after like 3 or 4 years)
I previously had s3 international and if was nice and made me finally like android, I hated it pre-ics/jb and pre-quadcore as it was so horrible to see the mess and lag...
Right now though, android and nexus = pure phone heaven
------------------------------------------------------
Sent by my right hand, which surprisingly enough, is not busy right now.
Nexus ⁴ stock unrooted 4.3 with Kii Keyboard.

I definitely say the Note 2. Of course this crowd is biased towards aosp where as people in the note forums will say anything under 5x is a joke. I for one love the spen actually prefer twiz over aosp. I am not using gnex because I wanted the "pure Google experience" Nein! I am using this because I had to sell my note 2 because I am broke and the gnex seemed to the best suitable downgrade from the N2. Rest assured I will probably get the Note 3 come tax season. Might even buy Note 2 once the value decreased for the N3
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

The SINGLE best thing about my N5

Total noob to the Nexus line... owned MANY phones, and just came from iphone 5, then SG3, and this phone absolutely tunes them all. Best phone Ive ever owned, and a customer for life.
Coming from the S3, I have to say... (and the point of this thread is the SINGLE thing you love the most ---- but make it ORIGINAL... see my example)
The SINGLE best thing about my N5, is that my screen doesn't come on after I receiver EVERY. SINGLE. SMS. It was quite possibly the most annoying and infuriating thing about my S3. drove me nuts from day one. such a useless feature and w the amount of SMS i receive, a total waste of battery.
So... coming from your LAST phone, what's the SINGLE feature you love most?

Soulfly3 said:
Total noob to the Nexus line... owned MANY phones, and just came from iphone 5, then SG3, and this phone absolutely tunes them all. Best phone Ive ever owned, and a customer for life.
Coming from the S3, I have to say... (and the point of this thread is the SINGLE thing you love the most ---- but make it ORIGINAL... see my example)
The SINGLE best thing about my N5, is that my screen doesn't come on after I receiver EVERY. SINGLE. SMS. It was quite possibly the most annoying and infuriating thing about my S3. drove me nuts from day one. such a useless feature and w the amount of SMS i receive, a total waste of battery.
So... coming from your LAST phone, what's the SINGLE feature you love most?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comming from an Xperia Play, i love the Performance, nothing out-beats it!

Coming from the cdma Samsung galaxy nexus (Verizon).
I love the battery life and how smooth it runs compared to the gnex.

Coming from the nexus 4 I love how light the phone is and the soft touch in the back, so sexy
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Coming from too many phones to list I like the N5 for its perfectly calibrated super sharp and super bright screen. Of course I like it for many other reasons as well but the display stands out and also stands above the rest
Nexus5

Single feature I like is stock android right out the box and getting updates straight from Google.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Coming from the Galaxy Nexus (Verizon) I LOVE the battery life of this phone. Amazing.

for me it was the ability to run a true AOSP rom which I couldnt do with my d2spr

not a"cheap" device
the nexus is ok but at $349 it's far from being a "cheap" device

Coming from a Galaxy S4 I love using Vanilla Android with Gravity Box. No bloated skin etc. Love the Nexus line. Definitely sticking with it.

storm007 said:
the nexus is ok but at $349 it's far from being a "cheap" device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto X has a nicer build quality but i was like NAH to its 720P Screen and its badder camera and its lacking of the newest flagship CPU/GPU
the Snapdragon 800

$349 for a top-of-the-line smartphone... sorry breh, that's DIRT CHEAP

storm007 said:
the nexus is ok but at $349 it's far from being a "cheap" device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does this have anything to do with this thread? Cheap is a relative term, you're right the nexus really isn't a "cheap" device, its quite good quality. But in comparison to other similar devices it is a VERY low priced device.
My single favorite thing about the N5 specifically is probably the sheer speed and smoothness, its so gratifying to use the phone even for just basis tasks. Most of my other "favorites" about the N5 could probably be applied to the whole nexus line in general.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Pizza_Dox said:
Comming from an Xperia Play, i love the Performance, nothing out-beats it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have to agree with Pizza_Dox, we both came from the Xperia PLAY forum. Of course the single best thing about the XP was the dedicated built-in game controller. The N5 is so freaking fast and smooth on everything I throw at it... so Performance... hands down.

Coming from the S4, I love the total lack of Touchwiz and all that Knox nonsense.

Coming from the xperia play as well I love the screen size/look if this phone. The xperia play was 4 inches and I have giant hands. It made the game pad awkward to use. The screen also was pretty low quality I think it was 480p. This one blows it away.
I know it's only one thing but I gotta say a second one. It's nice to have the newest android version. On the play I was constantly flashing Roms because of being stick on ginger bread
Also the thin size of this. Lol too many good things for me to pick just one
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Coming from N4
lots of things but if it has to be only one
SCREEN. marvelous. crystal clear and has far better colors to my eye.

Comin from a Galaxy ace I love the performance !
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk

-Snapdragon 800!
-Being able to say I own a 'Nexus', sounds awesome doesn't it! Lol.
Google has done a superb job IMO.

Came from n4 and probably the snapdragon 800 + bigger screen and better camera over the n4. Everything else is just a plus