LG Nexus 4 Review: It Really Is All That But Can You Handle It?
The LG Nexus 4 debuted recently to claims that it’s the best Nexus device so far. It has amazing specs and a relatively low price for an off-contract phone. It’s amazing, but is it for you?
There have been some criticisms, like the lack of LTE, and this might put off a lot of US buyers, as LTE is massive in the States.
Despite this, it still sold out online within minutes. It’s the Optimus G with frills, like brilliant design, build quality and a pure Android experience. It only comes in black, but it has a faint glitter when it’s held up to the light. This is a device that can stand up to the iPhone 5.
The Nexus 4 weighs 138g and measures 133.9×7.0×9.1mm. It’s not as small or as light as the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the iPhone 5, but it has amazing hardware and a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor. There’s also a 4.7” IPS screen with a 1,280x768p resolution. There are 8 and 16GB versions, but no SD. You’ll also get an 8MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front one. There’s a lack of LTE, but you will get HSPA+, as well as microUSB and NFC. It has a 2,100mAh battery and runs on Jelly Bean 4.2.
Even though it has a lower ppi than the iPhone 5, the Nexus 4 has a great screen, which is easy to read and is one of the best displays currently around.
The Nexus 4 performed well on Geekbench tests, beating the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5, and even the Optimus G, but this may be due to the Android 4.2 build.
Its cameras are average, but make for clear images. You’ll also get PhotoSphere and several filters. A single charge will last for a day, although films will reduce this to 4.5 hours. The Nexus 4 is amazing, and also cheap – an unlocked 8GB will cost $299. The lack of SD is a pain, like the fixed battery, but the price helps to soothe the discomfort.
You have to think about a lot of things here – pure Android, brilliant price and even better specs. If you’re not too fussed about LTE, and don’t store much, it’ll do you just fine. If you need space and LTE, though, then you may lean towards the iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S3.