Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review

I’ve had my Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone for a little over a week, and I can honestly say that it is one of the best phones I’ve ever owned.  It’s right up there with the Motorola Original Droid, which was finally retired last weekend.  There are many reasons why I love the Galaxy Nexus, of which will be discussed in the following post.

I love the screen on the Galaxy Nexus.  The Super AMOLED screen is brilliant to look at, and fun to use.  I wasn’t sure how much I’d like a screen that big, but it’s definitely one of the best selling points of the phone.

This brings me to the second aspect of the phone- the form factor.  I used the Galaxy Nexus for a day without the Otterbox case for the Galaxy Nexus.  The form factor was similar to the Samsung Galaxy S II that I have for work.  I actually prefer the Otterbox on my phone, as it adds some bulk and gives me a better grip on the phone.

I was a little worried about the reception on the Galaxy Nexus, but it has been great for me.  I am in the midst of 4G and 3G signals, and it transitions flawlessly as I enter an area with 4G turned on.  I am just waiting for Verizon Wireless to turn on 4G in Sunderland, MA.  Speed tests at my apartment (with 3G) are about 1.85 Mbps Down, 1.2 Mbps up.  My original droid was getting around 1.4 Mbps Down, .9 Mbps up.

The touchscreen buttons in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is enjoyable.  I was worried I would miss physical buttons, but I love being able to use even more of the screen in full screen applications.  Ice Cream Sandwich also provides the ability to create folders on desktop, in which you can group applications.  I feel a lot more organized when I’m using this phone because every application has its own place.

Overall, I would hands down buy this phone again (even at full retail if my phone were to break or go missing).  The only downside so far is the Verizon Network when I travel to visit my “old” home (in which many towns between Sunderland, MA and Gardner, MA don’t have service).  I look forward to using this phone for the next 2 years.