LG and Google announce the Nexus 4

I'm hoping it wont be that much more expensive in Canada but of course everything is always a couple hundred bucks more here, but we'll see. I've been wanting to replace my Blackberry Pearl, but I don't want data (pointless, the caps are ridiculous) and don't want to pay 600 bucks for a phone. If it actually is in the <$400 range I might consider it. I was more in the market for used at that price, but if I can get new, even better. All I really want a smart phone for is the wifi and apps and I'll just have a basic voice plan.
 
I think a little perspective helps with the new Nexus 4, and this is the amazing low price of $299/$349. Sure it is lacking features like 4G/LTE and 32GB storage, I agree those would be nice.

But what other brand new smartphone can you buy, off contract, not subsidized, for $349 ? None that I know of. Other popular smartphones, going full retail out of contract like the iPhone5...Galaxy S3...Note II...One X+ are all selling for $600 - $700, twice the price of the Nexus 4.

Are these others phones, twice as good as the Nexus 4 ? No way. Sure they do offer 4G and larger storage which is nice, but is it worth paying double that of the N 4 ?
 
CHANG3D said:
I like how Samsung hype has made it that HTC MUST have a S-Pen and not HTC Scribe...
Click to expand...

Not sure about the phones (Note/Note 2), but on the tablet side the S-pen is more than just a stylus. It's pressure sensitive and uses a wacom digitizer. It does many things that the Scribe simply cannot do.

The Scribe was the first capacitive stylus that was more than just a pen-shaped finger. But HTC chose to not enhance it or truly market it. Samsung took the idea and ran with it. Today's S-Pen is more than the Scribe ever was. Hopefully the success of the Note phablets/tablets has woken up HTC and they bring the Scribe back with major enhancements. Competition is a good thing. I'd love to see a Note 10.1 equivalent not made of paper.

And on that last comment, I tend to agree with Change to a degree on Samsung build quality. A co-worker of mine and I both had HTC Droid Incredibles. Him for 2 years (before SGS3) and me for 1 year (before SGS2). We abused those things, to the point where my phones get a case and screen protector before ever being charged and turned on. I can't comment on my SGS2's durability because it's never been out of a case. But his SGS3? He has a crack in it that is noticeable, and he has no idea where the hell it came from. He claims to have never dropped it. My wife's Note 10.1 feels like garbage. I told her, PLEASE, put it in a case. That was too much money for me to blow on a whim.

I'm all for polycarbonate construction. But cheap, thin, flimsy plastic? I beg you, put your hands on a Note 10.1, anyone, and tell me that it doesn't feel cheap. Chinese knockoffs have better quality.
 
Medion said:
Not sure about the phones (Note/Note 2), but on the tablet side the S-pen is more than just a stylus. It's pressure sensitive and uses a wacom digitizer. It does many things that the Scribe simply cannot do.
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I'm not referring to the product or feature itself. I'm talking about marketing. People want a S-Pen on a non-Samsung product. Like how people ask for the iPhone or the iPad when all they're asking for is a smartphone or a tablet. Congratulations to the Samsung hype machine.

Having a E4GT for nearly a year now makes me want another phone. The build quality is severely lacking. Without a case, I would drop the phone all the time. The plastic back pops off all the time when I don't intend to. And it just feels cheap when you had held a GS3, GSN2, an iPhone (and especially now an iPhone 5), Nokia Lumia 900/920, and HTC One X and 8X. It's ridiculous how cheap the E4GT feels, and the GS3 or GSN2 isn't much better on top of that. I like the looks of the GSN2, but it's so slippery its stupid how they designed it. Until Samsung makes a phone with a better build quality, I'm not going to buy into the hype.
 
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Zorachus said:
I think a little perspective helps with the new Nexus 4, and this is the amazing low price of $299/$349. Sure it is lacking features like 4G/LTE and 32GB storage, I agree those would be nice.

But what other brand new smartphone can you buy, off contract, not subsidized, for $349 ? None that I know of. Other popular smartphones, going full retail out of contract like the iPhone5...Galaxy S3...Note II...One X+ are all selling for $600 - $700, twice the price of the Nexus 4.

Are these others phones, twice as good as the Nexus 4 ? No way. Sure they do offer 4G and larger storage which is nice, but is it worth paying double that of the N 4 ?
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3G barely works where I live, half the time I bumped down to 2g to get reception in odd areas.
 
Was so ready to sell my GS3 and get a Nexus 4 + Sansa Clip but now I dont think I can because I'm using medianet. Word is that all Play Store Galaxy Nexus phones are being flagged (after going months without), and it looks like at least initially, the play store will be the only way to get the Nexus 4....

Hopefully there are region specific versions like the docomo and Korea specific GNexes with different IMEI pools, but for now, looks like I'm stuck on my T999 :(
 
brucedeluxe169 said:
Was so ready to sell my GS3 and get a Nexus 4 + Sansa Clip but now I dont think I can because I'm using medianet. Word is that all Play Store Galaxy Nexus phones are being flagged (after going months without), and it looks like at least initially, the play store will be the only way to get the Nexus 4....

Hopefully there are region specific versions like the docomo and Korea specific GNexes with different IMEI pools, but for now, looks like I'm stuck on my T999 :(
Click to expand...

It took AT&T about 6 months to add the IMEI database for the Galaxy Nexus. The SGS3 (GT-i9300) got added at the same time. There's no guarantee that any phone will be Medianet compatible forever.

Also, phones sold in other parts of the world don't get a different IMEI database unless they are an altogether different model. For example, the Galaxy S2 international (GT-i9100) and AT&T (SGH-i777) are different models, hence why one works on Medianet and the other does not. A Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4 from another country won't work on Medianet any differently than the Pay Store model unless it's a different model number.

I'm on an SGS2, and I'm sure that my days on Medianet are numbered.
 
I can't wait to leave Verizon, for Straight Talk and no contract with the Nexus 4. It is outrageous the monthly bill from Verizon, almost $250/Month for my Wife and I, just two phones only. With Straight Talk two phones will be just $90/Month, that is a MASSIVE savings to me. No fucking way Verizon is worth 150% higher price, LOL , uh No.
 
Medion said:
It took AT&T about 6 months to add the IMEI database for the Galaxy Nexus. The SGS3 (GT-i9300) got added at the same time. There's no guarantee that any phone will be Medianet compatible forever.

Also, phones sold in other parts of the world don't get a different IMEI database unless they are an altogether different model. For example, the Galaxy S2 international (GT-i9100) and AT&T (SGH-i777) are different models, hence why one works on Medianet and the other does not. A Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4 from another country won't work on Medianet any differently than the Pay Store model unless it's a different model number.

I'm on an SGS2, and I'm sure that my days on Medianet are numbered.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you are right... then perhaps the GNexes in other parts of the world really are different models then. For example, the NTT DoCoMo GNex has a model number sc-04d, instead of i9250 like the play store Gnex.... despite being able to be flashed with the same firmwares...

Word on the xda forums is that the DoCoMo GNex and a few other versions from international markets still work just fine on medianet.... so my guess is that indeed, there are different IMEI pools for different local markets throughout the world...

I don't know of many T-Mobile specific phones that have been flagged by AT&T, so I'm just hoping that my T999 continues this trend...
 
Perhaps you are right... then perhaps the GNexes in other parts of the world really are different models then. For example, the NTT DoCoMo GNex has a model number sc-04d, instead of i9250 like the play store Gnex.... despite being able to be flashed with the same firmwares...
Click to expand...

Different model number denotes different model.

Word on the xda forums is that the DoCoMo GNex and a few other versions from international markets still work just fine on medianet.... so my guess is that indeed, there are different IMEI pools for different local markets throughout the world...
Click to expand...

Nope. An i9250 from the US will have same IMEI series from an i9250 from Italy. You need to use a different model number, but also ensure that the different model uses radios compatible with your carrier of choice, IE, you don't want an SGH-i516. That's a 16GB CDMA Galaxy Nexus.
 
Medion said:
Different model number denotes different model.



Nope. An i9250 from the US will have same IMEI series from an i9250 from Italy. You need to use a different model number, but also ensure that the different model uses radios compatible with your carrier of choice, IE, you don't want an SGH-i516. That's a 16GB CDMA Galaxy Nexus.
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Yea, when I said international markets, I meant models like the sc-04d, m420, i9250T, etc, thought that was obvious, but I guess it wasn't...

either way, looks like I'll be trolling the internet for an unlocked DoCoMo GNex .... would go TMO prepaid, but medianet is still a better deal, and I don't get TMO reception in my building :(
 
brucedeluxe169 said:
Yea, when I said international markets, I meant models like the sc-04d, m420, i9250T, etc, thought that was obvious, but I guess it wasn't...

either way, looks like I'll be trolling the internet for an unlocked DoCoMo GNex .... would go TMO prepaid, but medianet is still a better deal, and I don't get TMO reception in my building :(
Click to expand...

I hear ya. Medianet is a great deal, especially on family plans. But, T-Mobile value plans are a better deal and they offer better service in the area that I just moved to. I can see a switch in my future.
 
Medion said:
I hear ya. Medianet is a great deal, especially on family plans. But, T-Mobile value plans are a better deal and they offer better service in the area that I just moved to. I can see a switch in my future.
Click to expand...

So can I, hoping to make the switch shortly after my move next year.
 
For you who hates embedded batteries looks here:
51300.png

51301.png

Yes, the Nexus 4, which Anand's review unit was having issues, had poor battery life, but look at the HTC One X's battery. It's got less capacity than the GS3 and yet has superior battery life. If Anand gets another Nexus 4 to test, then we'll know better about the Nexus 4.
 
The Nexus 4 review units, have be known to have early unfinished buggy software. I bet the shipping retail phones will be fixed with better kernel.
 
It better release with better life then that, I don't care how good the phone is, when you officially have worse battery life then HTC you have done something wrong.

Those numbers are atrocious.
 
Trimlock said:
It better release with better life then that, I don't care how good the phone is, when you officially have worse battery life then HTC you have done something wrong.

Those numbers are atrocious.
Click to expand...

What amazes me is that the HTC One X and the SGS3 use the same hardware. The SGS3 uses a 2100mah battery, and the HTC One X (USA) uses an 1800mah battery. But, look at the difference in battery life!
 
I'd wait on the final review from AT before passing judgement. Remember, they posted a preview, not a review, and the review units out there don't have final software. They are normally pretty good at speaking with the manufacturer and getting more info on this sort of stuff.

It'll be interesting to see what things are like on launch day. I remember reading somewhere that one of the new features touted to be in Android 4.2 is not present in the current review units, and reviewers were told that particular feature would be available on launch day via an update.
 
Medion said:
What amazes me is that the HTC One X and the SGS3 use the same hardware. The SGS3 uses a 2100mah battery, and the HTC One X (USA) uses an 1800mah battery. But, look at the difference in battery life!
Click to expand...
The SGS3 uses Exynos Quad core vs the HTC One X's Tegra 3. Or in US it's S4 dual core which is far less power hungry (28nm CPU, isn't it?).

Got to hand it to Apple, by sticking with a smaller screen they can beat the other flagships quite comfortably.
 
TheReproducer said:
The SGS3 uses Exynos Quad core vs the HTC One X's Tegra 3. Or in US it's S4 dual core which is far less power hungry (28nm CPU, isn't it?).
Click to expand...

I'm aware of that. In the benchmarks, they specify US vs. International for the One X. You'll have to guess which they're using for the SGS3. If the US, then same hardware as the US One X, which makes the battery life differences all the more impressive.

If using the International version, Exynos Quad and Tegra 3 Quad are the same CPU. However, Tegra 3 is 40nm, while the Exynos 4412 is 32nm. So in either case, it's damn impressive that HTC is getting that much better battery life than Samsung out of similar hardware.
 
I think that because those are web browsing figures, you'll find the HTC will always win because the SGS uses AMOLED. If we use video playback as a battery benchmark then the SGS3 will take a big lead over the One X.

GSMArena battery tests
 
For me price is everything, and at $349 for an off contract phone, the Nexus 4 is too good a deal to pass up. Activate it on Straight Talk for $45/Month, and that is too sweat a deal not to go with. My Brother has the GSM Galaxy Nexus on ST, said it is rock solid perfect in Chicago, no issues.
 
This is my next. I looked at the Lumia 920 today, and it is a GREAT phone. Nokia and MS have done an awesome job, and I'm sure they'll sell plenty. However, my reasons for going with the N4 are:

1) It's factory unlocked. I can use it straight away on any GSM network. Don't have to wait for unlock codes. Don't have to pay $600-700 for an unlocked version.

2) The WP8 ecosystem just isn't there yet. Skype isn't out yet. Nokia Maps doesn't link with Nokia Drive (as opposed to Google Maps and Google Navigation). Doesn't have separate volumes for media/ring tone etc.

I definitely think MS has something different on their hands, in a good way. However, the apps just aren't there yet. I think Google is ahead of them in that regard. I think MS will get there eventually, but I'm not prepared to wait 6-12 months. I think a Windows Phone will be my next after the N4, I'm sure the ecosystem will have matured considerably in a few years time. Until then, N4 it is for me.
 
ggplay said:
Anyone think this will cause other phones (GS3) to drop in price?
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No

OEMs rely on carrier subsidies in order to jack up the price of their hardware which gives them much better margins. It's a mutual relationship where carriers get guaranteed customers for 2 years and OEMs get much much better profits since $650 devices appear to be only $200 to the average customer who at this point is trained to only buy new phones at "upgrade" time.

Google has been trying to break this trend for a while and has made little headway IMO. Even after MULTIPLE Nexus phones, Nexus devices still barely penetrate the market. If Google wants their Nexus line to be like of the same caliber as the iPhone, then Google will have to learn how to play nice with the carriers or make a lot more friends in the FCC.
 
ComputerBox34 said:
No

OEMs rely on carrier subsidies in order to jack up the price of their hardware which gives them much better margins. It's a mutual relationship where carriers get guaranteed customers for 2 years and OEMs get much much better profits since $650 devices appear to be only $200 to the average customer who at this point is trained to only buy new phones at "upgrade" time.

Google has been trying to break this trend for a while and has made little headway IMO. Even after MULTIPLE Nexus phones, Nexus devices still barely penetrate the market. If Google wants their Nexus line to be like of the same caliber as the iPhone, then Google will have to learn how to play nice with the carriers or make a lot more friends in the FCC.
Click to expand...

Awesome post. There are many who think that Google is selling their Nexus line at a loss. That is highly unlikely. Given that the BOM for most new devices is $180-$225, and the Nexus has lower internal storage, no LTE, and no MicroSD slot, it's safe to assume that the Nexus costs as much as or less than the typical high-end device. Due to this, it's reasonable to assume that even accounting for costs like R&D, wages of those making the device, and distribution, LG and Google are still making some degree of profit.
 
Storage these days is cheap though. A microSD slot probably only costs maybe 50 cents to add. LTE is probably where it's expensive with the patent licensing, additional radios, and stuff, but I can't imagine that it costs several hundred dollars more just to add LTE.
 
Pylon said:
Storage these days is cheap though. A microSD slot probably only costs maybe 50 cents to add. LTE is probably where it's expensive with the patent licensing, additional radios, and stuff, but I can't imagine that it costs several hundred dollars more just to add LTE.
Click to expand...

It doesn't. It's likely about $10-$15. I'm talking about BOM (bill of materials). For example, the iPhone 5 is estimated to have a BOM of $199 for the 16GB model, and $230 for the 64GB model. Yet those same models go for $649 and $849, respectively.

http://www.isuppli.com/Teardowns/News/Pages/iPhone5-Carries-$199-BOM-Virtual-Teardown-Reveals.aspx

What I'm saying is that the Nexus 4 likely costs less to manufacture than this, not more. So many people think that Google is selling at a loss at $299/$349. Due to their single distribution channel, it's likely that they and LG are still turning a profit, albeit a small one.
 
ellroy80 said:
This is my next. I looked at the Lumia 920 today, and it is a GREAT phone. Nokia and MS have done an awesome job, and I'm sure they'll sell plenty. However, my reasons for going with the N4 are:

1) It's factory unlocked. I can use it straight away on any GSM network. Don't have to wait for unlock codes. Don't have to pay $600-700 for an unlocked version.

2) The WP8 ecosystem just isn't there yet. Skype isn't out yet. Nokia Maps doesn't link with Nokia Drive (as opposed to Google Maps and Google Navigation). Doesn't have separate volumes for media/ring tone etc.

I definitely think MS has something different on their hands, in a good way. However, the apps just aren't there yet. I think Google is ahead of them in that regard. I think MS will get there eventually, but I'm not prepared to wait 6-12 months. I think a Windows Phone will be my next after the N4, I'm sure the ecosystem will have matured considerably in a few years time. Until then, N4 it is for me.
Click to expand...

I feel the same way. I've had a Dell Venue Pro (WP7/7.5) since it's release, and while it has been a pleasure to use I simply cannot overlook the $350 vs $6-700 unlocked price difference. If there was a WP8 device selling unlocked for the same price on TMobile I'd hop on it in a heartbeat. Since there isn't, it's time to see what Android is all about. :)

I also hope that a bunch of these Nexus 4 devices sell. I'd really love to have more unlocked/unsubsidized phones with great hardware for sale in the future at this affordable price point.
 
So how many of us are going to be refreshing the Google Play page tonight / tomorrow?

If I refresh and it says "backordered" I think I'm going to punch my screen...LOL
I wonder how many they have really for the launch?
 
I'm going to wait till there are accessories available. I haven't seen a Nexus 4 case yet!

I also want to see how much that wireless dock costs.
 
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