Samsung Galaxy Nexus Specification Overview
Samsung Galaxy Nexus: A Retrospective Look at a Landmark Android Device
Samsung galaxy nexus specification – The Samsung Galaxy Nexus, released in 2011, holds a significant place in Android history. It was the first device to launch with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Google’s mobile operating system. This review delves into its specifications, examining its design, performance, and features to understand its impact and legacy.
Device Overview
The Galaxy Nexus boasted a sleek, minimalist design for its time. Its unibody construction, crafted from a smooth, high-quality plastic, offered a comfortable in-hand feel despite its relatively large size. The device featured a curved back, a departure from the flat designs prevalent then, making it surprisingly ergonomic. The overall aesthetic was clean and modern, reflecting Google’s design language incorporated into Ice Cream Sandwich.
The build quality, while not as premium as some contemporary metal-bodied phones, felt solid and durable. The plastic material, while susceptible to scratches, contributed to its lightweight nature. This was a conscious design choice, balancing durability with portability.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Nexus | iPhone 4S | HTC Sensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm | 115.5 x 63.5 x 11.3 mm |
| Weight | 135 g | 140 g | 145 g |
Display Specifications
The Galaxy Nexus featured a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 316 ppi. At the time, this was a high-resolution display, providing crisp text and vibrant colors. Super AMOLED technology offered deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios, contributing to a visually rich user experience.
Compared to other phones of its era, the Galaxy Nexus’s display was considered top-tier. While some phones offered slightly higher resolutions later on, the Galaxy Nexus display stood out for its color accuracy and vibrant image reproduction. The viewing angles were also quite wide, making it easy to view content from various positions.
The user experience was characterized by smooth scrolling, sharp text rendering, and highly saturated colors. The display’s responsiveness was excellent, contributing to a generally fluid and enjoyable interaction with the device.
Processor and Memory
The Galaxy Nexus was powered by a Texas Instruments OMAP 4460 dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz. It came with 1GB of RAM, which was sufficient for multitasking in 2011. The combination of processor and RAM provided a responsive user experience, though it showed limitations under heavy multitasking.
- Dual-core processor for improved performance.
- 1GB RAM for smooth multitasking (relative to the time).
- Adequate performance for most apps and games of the era.
While capable of handling most apps and games available at the time, demanding applications or intensive gaming sessions could sometimes lead to slight lag or slowdowns. This was not uncommon for smartphones of that generation.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy Nexus featured a 5-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.6 and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. The camera software offered features like HDR, panorama mode, and various scene modes. While not groundbreaking in terms of megapixel count, the image quality was respectable for its time, producing decent photos in well-lit conditions.
Compared to competitors, its image quality was competitive, though not necessarily leading the pack. Low-light performance was a noticeable weakness.
- Strengths: Decent image quality in good lighting, HDR mode.
- Weaknesses: Subpar low-light performance, limited features compared to later models.
Operating System and Software
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus launched with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), a significant update that introduced a redesigned user interface and numerous improvements over previous versions. The software experience was smooth and intuitive, benefiting from the hardware’s capabilities. The device received several software updates, though its longevity was limited compared to modern devices receiving extended support.
Compared to modern Android versions, the user interface felt simpler and less feature-rich. However, the clean design and smooth performance were appreciated by users at the time.
Connectivity and Sensors
Source: phonegg.com
The Galaxy Nexus offered a comprehensive range of connectivity options and sensors typical for a flagship device of its era.
| Connectivity | Sensors |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Magnetometer |
| Bluetooth 3.0 | |
| NFC | |
| HSPA+ |
These features enabled seamless connectivity to various networks and enhanced the overall user experience through features like GPS navigation and gesture controls.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Nexus housed a 1750 mAh battery. Battery life varied depending on usage, with moderate to heavy use resulting in needing a recharge by the end of the day. Charging technology was standard for the time, lacking the fast-charging capabilities found in modern smartphones.
Compared to modern smartphones with larger batteries and power-efficient processors, the Galaxy Nexus’s battery life appears significantly shorter. This reflects the advancements in battery technology and power management over the years.
Storage and Expansion, Samsung galaxy nexus specification
Source: phonesdata.com
The Galaxy Nexus was available in 16GB and 32GB internal storage options. Crucially, it did
-not* support expandable storage via microSD card. This limited the user’s ability to expand storage capacity beyond the initial purchase option. This lack of expandable storage impacted the user experience, particularly for users who consumed a lot of media or installed many apps.
Storage management was therefore a key consideration for users. Careful app management and media selection were necessary to maximize available space, given the absence of expandable storage.
FAQ Corner: Samsung Galaxy Nexus Specification
Was the Samsung Galaxy Nexus waterproof?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was not waterproof.
Did the Galaxy Nexus have expandable storage?
No, it did not support expandable storage via microSD card.
What was the typical battery life on a single charge?
Battery life varied depending on usage, but generally lasted a full day with moderate use.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus, released in 2011, boasted impressive specs for its time, particularly its then-cutting-edge Android operating system. However, its design paled in comparison to later models like the Samsung Galaxy Alpha, whose specifications you can find detailed here: samsung galaxy alpha specification. Comparing the two highlights the significant advancements in smartphone technology within a short timeframe; the Galaxy Nexus’s legacy lies in its pioneering role, while the Alpha represented a step towards a more refined aesthetic.
How did its camera compare to competitors at the time?
Its camera was competitive for its time but lacked the advanced features and image quality of some higher-end contemporaries.