Nexus 5 Review

Published: January 27, 2014 9:00 AM /

Reviewed By:


In today's review we are going to be focusing on the new Nexus 5 by LG and Google. You see the Nexus is a very important phone especially to Google as it represents their direct answer to Apple's iPhone 5s. For the next year or so the Nexus 5 is the standard for android devices and what OEM should be modeling their next devices after. So how does it stand up to the task?

Software: The Nexus 5 is running androids latest and greatest in terms of software, Kit Kat or 4.4.2. This minor Os upgrade brought a host of new features to the Os and several specifically to the Nexus 5 such as the Google experience launcher, Saying “Ok Google” from a home screen to launch search, HDR +(which we will talk about in the camera section) and audio tunneling. Besides that the update was an update that focused on making the android experience more fluid and “user friendly”.

Nexus 5

Hardware: As far as the hardware is concerned the Nexus 5 is easily most Android fanboys dreams if it weren’t for its smaller batter at 2300 mAh. It’s Qualcomm 800 processor paired up with Kit Kat allows it to fly thru even the most intensive and memory hogging apps with ease. While the simply stunning 5 in display(1920 x 1080 display, 445 ppi) truly brings those apps to life. The only complaint with the screen personally is that the Gorilla Glass display did scratch rather easily on mine and I’ve had it less than a month. All of this is wrapped in a sleek black or white plastic case unfortunately. However once you actually hold the device any hate for plastic will soon be forgotten as the soft touch matte finish does wonders in hiding the cheap feel of plastic.

 Camera: The camera on the Nexus 5 is probably one of the best and worst parts on this phone depending on who you ask. If they say the camera is trash they are only telling you part of the story as the camera in everyday photos for FB, Instagram or Snapchat excels. especially after the software update that fixed a host of issues in the speed, start-up, use and basically everything in the new KitKat camera app. With a 8 mp shooter with optical image stabilization the camera does not fail to impress in real everyday tasks. Now in certain low light situations the camera does not have the best quality image BUT turning on HDR + should fix any major low lighting issues that you may run into.

Battery: Unfortunately I rooted my device on day one of having it and can’t give battery stats running the stock rom/kernel but I will update when I flash back with results.

                         All in all the Nexus 5 is a great option for those looking for a high-end smart phone. The Nexus 5 shows that Google and it's hardware partners are heading in the right direction as far as the Nexus line is concerned. Moreover at its phenomenal price of $349.99 (16 gb)  it's really hard to find a reason not to give this device consideration.

 Will James

Review Summary

9.4

By far the best android smartphone experience to date! Would recommend the device really to anyone who is looking to get a high end android device.

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