Samsung Galaxy Nexus (unlocked)
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: GT-i9250
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a big step forward for Android, but it's not the giant leap you may have been expecting. As impressive as it is, Ice Cream Sandwich can be messy, and without it, the Galaxy Nexus is just another Nexus device.
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CNET editors' review
Samsung Galaxy Nexus (unlocked) price range: $14.99 - $347.91
- Reviewed by: Kent German and Jessica Dolcourt
- Reviewed on: 11/16/2011
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Nexus brings a ton of new and very welcome features with Ice Cream Sandwich. The design is sharp, the screen is gorgeous, and the internal performance is fantastic.
The bad: Ice Cream Sandwich has eliminated some of Android's learning curve in some aspects, just to re-create it in others. There was some static on calls, and there's no external memory card slot. Also, like other Samsung Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Nexus feels rather fragile.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a big step forward for Android, but it's not the giant leap you may have been expecting. As impressive as it is, Ice Cream Sandwich can be messy, and without it, the Galaxy Nexus is just another Nexus device.
User reviews
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this review/reviewers pisses me off.
by gazpeiti on November 17, 2011
Pros: Most anticipated OS/phone of the year!
Gorgeous screen.
ICS
100% Android phone
Zero shutter lag when taking photos
Fortified GlassCons: Just release it now!!
Summary: This people from CNET should be neutral when making review.Lacks lots of information. Engadgets reviews are more detailed
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/galaxy-nexus-ice-cream-sandwich-roundup-specs-details-and-ins/Summary: This people from CNET should be neutral when making review.Lacks lots of information. Engadgets reviews are more detailed
http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/galaxy-nexus-ice-cream-sandwich-roundup-specs-details-and-ins/6 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Phone for the gods.
by jhgchjg on November 17, 2011
Pros: Godlike.
Not iphone.
Not by motorola.
Not by HTC.
No physical buttons that will trap dirt.
No cons.Cons: None.
Too many pros.Summary: Only Jesus and you can own this phone.
Summary: Only Jesus and you can own this phone.
7 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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can you stop being so bias.
by Kevinlated99 on November 27, 2011
Pros: -Fast
-Easy to use
-Best os I have used on a mobile phone
-Quick flash browsing, actually loads some sites faster than my computer
-Large market
-Looks amazing and can customize to your liking
-very efficient use of keyboard, great gps navigationCons: -Some people may not like the feel of the phone and the light weight.
personal preference.Summary: The galaxy s2> iphonebut you fail to see this constantly trying to find faults in android devices. Almost all other credible reviewers gave the s2 5/5.
This site ...Summary: The galaxy s2> iphonebut you fail to see this constantly trying to find faults in android devices. Almost all other credible reviewers gave the s2 5/5.
This site is seriously losing credibility...ice cream can be sloppy? please get out of here and go play with the simple limited ios. P.S I am an iphone user but am not not living in a fantasy world. Either write less bias reviews or quit.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome product, so smooth, slim and fast. Great OS
by masterpfaii on November 19, 2011
Pros: OS - Ice Cream Sandwich is what Android needed to be.
Browser
Market
Music
Data management
Screen
Camera
Video playback
Face unlock
Slimness of the phoneCons: Not many, too new to tell.
Awaiting ICS versions of some appsSummary: I had been holding out for a new phone for some time with many phones being considered, until I saw the introduction of the Galaxy Nexus. This phone has exceeded ...
Summary: I had been holding out for a new phone for some time with many phones being considered, until I saw the introduction of the Galaxy Nexus. This phone has exceeded all my expectations so far with more discovery to come I'm sure.
In summary to my own personal review, we have to remember that the Nexus range, never have been a "Chart Topper" in terms of specs when compared to other Android phones, but as an example of what is possible from, what some would term, minimal specs.
Well done Android and Samsung, I now have a phone with an Awesome screen and a superb camera (Mega Pixels are not the whole story.
I like the smoothness and the way this phone handles everything I have thrown at it, so far, without any lag or hiccups whatsoever.
The integration of my bookmarks from my Google Chrome account is another welcome addition along with the effortless surfing on the pre-installed browser, that with the ability to make pages available offline, makes for a welcomed inclusive package.
Music and the integrated Google Music is another great feature, I have my entire music library and playlist available along with the ability to make these available offline too.
So glad I made this move and the added benefit of receiving any OS updates first being the Google propriety DEV phone.
Give it a try if coming from any other Android phone you will not be disappointed, if coming from iOS, RIM or WM, welcome, welcome to a new way of doing things, so many users cannot be wrong.
P.S.
In reply to the OP
"As impressive as it is, Ice Cream Sandwich can be messy, and without it, the Galaxy Nexus is just another Android device."
I fell this is the same as saying the iPhone 4s without iOS5 is just another iPhone or Nokia Lumnia without Mango is another WM phone, after all these phones are judged as a package OS included. With the tweaks, especially to the Galaxy Nexus, to bring the best out of the components included, this package to me is a winner
Updated on Nov 19, 2011
The likes of Samsung and HTC will release phones with better cameras/lenses, faster processors, more RAM and ROM, frankly more of everything, but with these guidelines set out in the Nexus brand, the Target has been set.
Opinions always will remain personal, so many will still prefer either WM or an iPhone, both I have tried and with hands on with a iPhone 4s on a regular basis, I haven't regretted the day I adopted the Green Robot over 2 years ago, once and now with this screen too, 3.5" just doesn't do it for me.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't like this phone? then you are probably jealous
by djgang on November 18, 2011
Pros: ICS , FaceUnlock, Text Dictation, screen , Camera (shutter speed) and lots more
Cons: The CNET reviewer is sooooo biased !! OMG ! That was horrid !! My respect for CNET is gone forever !!
Summary: Its a great phone. You will experience pure android with this device and it will get all future OS updates first before any other phone.
Summary: Its a great phone. You will experience pure android with this device and it will get all future OS updates first before any other phone.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Review is fine but needs more clarification.
by GameDiversity on November 18, 2011
Pros: I agreed with the point I believe the reviewer is attempting to make: The Galaxy Nexus as a presentation of ICS is an unparalleled success; however, as a total package (software and hardware), it is an excellent, but not outstanding phone.
Cons: If you are not an UI sophisticato, or Android purist, you might find the phone overly complicated, or complex. The hardware is good-to-excellent, but does it beat the Samsung Galaxy S2 LTE (if you reside in Canada)?
Summary: An UI sophisticato, or Android purist - you must own this phone ... an Android adventurous - you must own this phone .... someone looking for great hardware, great functionality, great accessories ...
Summary: An UI sophisticato, or Android purist - you must own this phone ... an Android adventurous - you must own this phone .... someone looking for great hardware, great functionality, great accessories and a mild UI that uncomplicates the using experience ... Motorola Razr ..
Me, I have the Razr and still getting the Galaxy Nexus3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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horrible review.
by mikerouche on November 18, 2011
Pros: the phone has a lot of pros.
the writers of this review do not.Cons: the reviewers.
Summary: first off, what the frontdoor. are you guys paid by apple to write this horrible crap? GET OVER IT , ANDROID WILL NEVER BE MADE FOR SIMPLE MINDED IDIOTS. holy crap ...
Summary: first off, what the frontdoor. are you guys paid by apple to write this horrible crap? GET OVER IT , ANDROID WILL NEVER BE MADE FOR SIMPLE MINDED IDIOTS. holy crap you complain about earlier android software that were missing certain things yet you dont complain about apples IOS5 which is STILL missing things. has steve jobs been mind controling you from the grave? and it doesnt look cluttered at all to me, you people have issues. oh and btw i have an epic touch made by samsung , its plastic and guess what, ive dropped it counltess times and not a single crack/scratch. my sister dropped her iphone 4 one time and its screen exploded. id rather have a plastic long lasting phone then a glass phone (who thinks of such a stupid idea?O.o
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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NOT as EASY as it LOOKS.
by Mr_Aaron on December 17, 2011
Pros: - Amazing Screen.
- Super Fast!
- Super Fast Camera!
- Great Navigation.
- Pretty thin and light for a phone of this size.Cons: - Really confusing UI. Not user friendly at all in my mind.
- Battery is marginal (but expected).
- Cheap feel to it, unless you put a durable cover on it.
- Screen may actually be a bit on the "Too Big" size.Summary: I am a Mac guy at heart I guess. But not a devout follower which led me to WAIT for this phone. I figure everyone deserves a chance to knock ...
Summary: I am a Mac guy at heart I guess. But not a devout follower which led me to WAIT for this phone. I figure everyone deserves a chance to knock the king off his perch. And I was really rooting for this phone to do it. I'm with the rest of the crowd that hates it when manufacturers hold out on us and don't put the obvious upgrades on their phones that WE WANT. i.e. Apple 4s - No 4" or bigger screen, No 4s, No Adobe Flash, etc. But somehow we'll see it on the 5 im sure.
Back to the NEXUS. It has ALL those great features, but in my humble opinion in a VERY annoying, confusing interface. Yeah, its fairly easy in some aspects and confusing in others. I'm sure if I had someone walk me through the ANDROID language and interface I'd understand it more and like it better. But for me, if you buy something this expensive you should be able to navigate (from a basic standpoint) without needing a professional sitting next to you.
- Wallpaper, I tried to make a Facebook picture my wallpaper and it gave me some annoying grid to crop the picture. The grid wouldn't use the whole picture it would off center it, blow it up, and other crazy annoying stuff.
- The icons dont make sense (need to get used to Android I guess) and you have to look online for the Rossetta Stone to decode it.
- The Vertical to Horizontal transition is pretty slow.
- Screen is actually on the verge, if not is TOO BIG? Somewhat awkward to hold but can work with it.
- Not a world phone either, which for a phone like this I thought would be standard.
If you are a tech freak and love figuring things out and manipulatingit, than this phone is for you and all the gadgets and toys it employs. They are on the right track with this phone. However if you just want a nice smartphone without MASSIVE bells and whistles, that any person can use and interact with easily without a class, I would go iPhone 4s.
The speed of 4G is great but does eat up your battery and isn't available everywhere yet anyway, so at this point its a crapshoot.
It just seems so difficult to navigate its giving me a migrane. For the amount of $$$ you spend on a a phone like this, it shouldn't be so hard and annoying to operate. It should be easy and a joy to have. I hate to say it but I'm probably gonna swap for iPhone 4s. Had this phone for 4 days. Maybe next time Droid.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I'm the BIGGEST Apple Fangirl & I approve this message.
by imkatty on January 13, 2012
Pros: Ice Cream Sandwich, Screen Resolution, and Build Quality.
Cons: Android Market is still lacking in comparison to the App Store.
Summary: WOW, this phone is AMAZING! I have had a lot of phones from Blackberry 8830, HTC Hero, Palm Pre, to the iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 and then Samsung Galaxy S ...
Summary: WOW, this phone is AMAZING! I have had a lot of phones from Blackberry 8830, HTC Hero, Palm Pre, to the iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 and then Samsung Galaxy S II. I have never felt the urge to write a review until now -- I feel that the CNET review was pretty harsh on their (video) review and not really "fair" in their assessment. Ice Cream Sandwich will flabbergast you... the ease of use will stun you. In regards to build quality, this phone is SOLID especially in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S II, where I dropped it Day 1. It is the perfect width, similar feel to the iPhone 4/4S and is a perfect fit in the hand (sorry Ken, don't agree on how bendy it feels at all). However, all that being said... if you have have NEVER owned an Android phone of course there will be a learning curve, and of course that's where Apple shines best. But, for previous Android users, this is what you've finally been waiting for :)
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bad Screen - warning
by agsn on January 3, 2012
Pros: The device size.
ICSCons: This amoled hd screen produced by samsung is just plain bad.
Summary: his is a warning to all who intends to buy this device for watching video. "Almost" all the devices have faulty screens, dark scenes in video's look horrible on ...
Summary: his is a warning to all who intends to buy this device for watching video. "Almost" all the devices have faulty screens, dark scenes in video's look horrible on these screens. Just ignore any one who jumps to this device screen's defense, either they have never played back a video with a lot of dark scenes or plain have never played a video on this device(If some one still insists on disputing this, post a photo of your screen displaying a still of a dark scene in a video ). This problem also exist on almost every galaxy note devices.
http://androidforums.com/verizon-galaxy-nexus/465326-horrible-blue-aliasing-artifacts-black-areas-during-video-playback.html
Here is the detailed reason why. Every video that is compressed leaves behind artifacts, the video compression engines(every one) tries to compress the darkest parts of the screen into block if they are too dark to be visible on the screen(think dark grey of the shadows). This screen cannot lower its min brightness below a certain level (in this case the level is almost 30/255). so everything that is below that brightness stills shows up as spots on the screen. This combination makes for some horrible playbacks.
It should be just plain embarrassing for the reviewers, as none seem to have caught this problem. Most like they all just played the brightest and the most colorful videos to test the screens quality.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: GT-i9250
- Description: The Galaxy Nexus by Samsung is slim, powerful and fast. Equipped with Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and a variety of features, it's built to perform on the go.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Touch
- Phone Design PDA
- Integrated Components GPS receiver,
2nd camera,
Digital camera,
Digital player,
Voice recorder - Width 2.7 in
- Depth 0.35 in
- Height 5.3 in
- Weight 4.7 oz
- Body Color Titanium silver
Cellular
- Technology LTE
- Band WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
- Mobile Broadband Generation 3G
- Service Provider Unlocked
- Operating System Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Application Software Movie Studio,
People - Input Device(s) Touch sensitive screen (multi-touch)
Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services MMS,
SMS - Instant Messaging Services Google Talk
- Supported Social Networks and Blogs Google+
- Messaging & Data Features Text messages,
Multimedia messages (MMS),
E-Mail - Mobile Services Google Music,
YouTube,
Google Earth,
Gmail,
Google Search,
Video Call,
Google Search by Voice,
Google Calendar,
Google Play Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE,
HSPA+,
HSUPA,
HSDPA - Wireless Interface NFC,
Bluetooth 3.0,
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n - Bluetooth Profiles Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
- Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Voice control,
Call timer,
Conference call,
Flight mode,
Speakerphone,
Voice dialing,
Vibrating alert - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Sensors Proximity sensor,
Accelerometer,
Ambient light sensor,
Gyro sensor,
Barometer,
Digital compass - Additional Features Screen capture,
Video editor,
Wi-Fi direct,
Picture editor,
Face Unlock,
Multitasking,
Widgets support Organizer
- Personal Information Management Synchronization with PC,
Calendar,
Calculator,
Reminder,
Alarm clock Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards eAAC+,
AAC +,
MP3,
AAC - Supported Digital Video Standards MPEG-4,
H.263,
H.264 Processor
- Clock Speed 1.2 GHz
Memory
- RAM 1 GB
- Bult-in Memory 16 GB
- User Memory 16 GB
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
- Still Image Resolutions 2560 x 1920
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Camera Light Source LED light
- Video Recorder Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
- Features Video recording,
Red-Eye Reduction,
Multi-shots,
Zero Shutter Lag Navigation System
- GPS Navigation GPS receiver
- Navigation Software & Services Google Maps 5.0,
Google Maps Navigation Display
- Type OLED display - Color
- Technology HD Super AMOLED
- Diagonal Size 4.65 in
- Display Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
- Color Depth 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
- Features Wallpaper
Connections
- Connector Type Headset jack - Mini-phone 3.5 mm,
Micro-USB Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 1750 mAh
- Run Time Details Talk ( GSM ) - up to 1176 hour(s),
Standby ( GSM ) - up to 210 hour(s),
Talk ( WCDMA ) - up to 510 hour(s),
Standby ( WCDMA ) - up to 200 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Data cable,
Power adapter,
Headset
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001


