Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review

"FOR: Nicely built; big screen; fast interface and internet browsing; smooth motion to video.
AGAINST: Audio lacks a little excitement; colours are slightly dull."

At the time of release, the Galaxy Nexus is the first Android 4 smartphone to hit the market, and though it is certainly a powerful handset and has a lovely big screen, Computer Act!ve declared it to have a few issues. The construction is a bit too plastic, the camera is only average, and although the screen is high res, it could have been sharper. Better phones will no doubt follow.

Value for money: 7

The 'Nexus' handsets are the ones developed by Google itself, and so they offer the latest cutting-edge tech. The Galaxy Nexus' huge screen, dual-core CPU and sheer amount of hardware features make it one of the most appealing Android phones on the market in Micro Mart's opinion despite its mediocre camera, but the imminent arrival of the Galaxy S3 might make it better to wait.

A real benefit is the use of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich which, according to What Mobile, feels like using a 'proper computer'. The range of apps has greatly expanded and are 'fantastic'. The main let down is the 'mediocre' camera, which seems a waste but based on software, this phone may be 'as good as it gets' regarding Android... for now.

For those wanting the very latest and best Android experience, the Galaxy Nexus is the handset to go for, say Know Your Mobile. Its dual-core CPU makes it a jaw-dropping performer, its screen is a real treat for the eyes and Ice Cream Sandwich is a huge step forward for Android in all areas. Simply put, it's one of the best two or three smartphones on the market right now.

Aside from a plastic chassis, Samsung's Galaxy Nexus impressed Mobile Choice with its hardware, but they say Ice Cream Sandwich is the phone's real draw. It's the best version of Android so far, but it's not quite perfect, and the lack of a memory card slot may be a disappointment for some. They don't think it's the ultimate Android phone, but it does bode very well for the OS.

PC Advisor found Samsung's Galaxy Nexus to be an excellent smartphone and a great host for Android Ice Cream Sandwich. They felt that the tweaks Google had made throughout the Android OS made a considerable difference to its usability as well as its capabilities. Overall, they consider it to be the best Android phone currently available.

Thanks to a combination of great hardware and a heavily updated version of the Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is one competent smartphone. Being the only phone made for Ice Cream Sandwich that's currently available to buy obviously adds to its appeal, but IT PRO feel that other manufacturers will soon be able to beat it, so as tempting as it is, they're inclined to wait.

Some irritating bugs become evident by some of the apps not being optimised for Ice Cream Sandwich yet, the camera produces rubbish image quality, and the battery life is killed by the bright screen. That said, Wired.com declared the Samsung Galaxy Nexus to be the best Android phone yet. The OS is easier to use, the screen looks sharp and colourful, and there are lots of cool features.

Value for money: 8 out of 10 points, "Recommended"

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the flagship phone for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and with the software making such a huge leap forward, it's nice to see that the hardware does it proud. The size of the phone is helped out by the good ergonomics, and Trusted Reviews found the screen to be superb and the processor to keep the software running smoothly. It takes the Android lead, at least for now.

"FOR: Desirable design; fast, intuitive interface; brilliant HD screen; clean, punchy sound.
AGAINST: Battery life isn't class-leading; no Flash support yet."

The Samsung Nexus is certainly deserving of its title; this desirable Android leader has a giant screen, dual-core processor and superb camera. Expert Reviews, however, thought that the real winner here was the Android 4.0 operating system. The screen is a bit dim, and the plastic construction is a drawback, so it might be worth holding on for the next Android 4.0 competitor.

Value for money: "poor" (2 out of 6 stars)

PC Pro were very pleased with the merits of Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich, but felt that Samsung had done a poor job with the hardware for the Galaxy Nexus. The high-res screen is not on a par with that used in the Galaxy S II, and the battery life has remained the same. It is the only option at the moment for those wanting the latest Google OS, but the price is high.

In The Inquirer's opinon, the Galaxy Nexus is a jawdropping offering that's only kept from achieving perfection by a somewhat plasticky build and a slightly worse camera than its iPhone 4S rival. Android 4.0 is a fantastic operating system, battery life is not bad for a smartphone and the Super AMOLED display is a joy to behold. In short, a truly spectacular device.

Though the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a great choice for Android fans who are dying to get their hands on an Ice Cream Sandwich phone, it still has a few bugs that will make other people think twice before splashing the cash. It offers an excellent performance, and Android 4.0 is a huge improvement, but Know Your Mobile were underwhelmed by the specs.