The Google Nexus 4 Thread

[RedMileDJ]

Along with the new skin on the back of my Nexus 4, I've finally decided to start playing with a custom launcher.

See my new home screen below:




I downloaded and installed Nova Launcher (paid for the prime version, $4). MetroStation Icon pack and TeslaUnread Plugin (this one puts a count of unread emails, text, missed calls).

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by PsYcNeT

So I've postulated this on other Nexus related forums, and have yet to receive an answer, and I'm just tired of Googling random speculation, so maybe someone here has an answer.

Anyway:

I've owned a Galaxy Nexus for well over a year now, still think it's a great phone. However, I have a stock Rogers GT-I9250M (w/ bloatware) non-rooted phone, and am travelling to China for a few weeks.

1. Will the phone work with a non-Rogers SIM? I've seen more than my fair share on conflicting information (ie, Rogers' official stance is that the GN on their network is locked, but 99% of the internet says all Nexus products are unlock at OEM), and I'd like to know for sure.

2. If so, will the phone work on either of the major Chinese telecom's network bands?

1) I hope I change the 99% into 100% confidence when I say it's absolutely unlocked.

2) According to this and GSM's data on the Galaxy Nexus, you will receive talk/text support (900mhz) and data (2100mhz).

I can't say which exact telecom as I'm not familiar with them so you'll have to check whether either of them use different frequencies a la AT&T and Verizon.

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by Anduril

1) I hope I change the 99% into 100% confidence when I say it's absolutely unlocked.

2) According to [url = http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html] this[/url] and [url = http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_nexus_i9250-4219.php] GSM's data on the Galaxy Nexus[/url], you will receive talk/text support (900mhz) and data (2100mhz).

I can't say which exact telecom as I'm not familiar with them so you'll have to check whether either of them use different frequencies a la AT&T and Verizon.

Awesome, yer a pal.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by PsYcNeT

Awesome, yer a pal.

Anytime, and fixed my links.

[Galakanokis]

Originally Posted by PsYcNeT

Awesome, yer a pal.

Just to reaffirm, I run a Roger's nexus on a Telus network without doing anything to the phone.

[Brannigans Law]

If I don't mind spending the extra money, is there any reason to consider the nexus 4 over the weekend HTC one? Or is the build quality of the one too far ahead

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Brannigans Law

If I don't mind spending the extra money, is there any reason to consider the nexus 4 over the weekend HTC one? Or is the build quality of the one too far ahead

Other than that and guaranteed extended (roughly 2 years) plus immediate software support, nope.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Brannigans Law

If I don't mind spending the extra money, is there any reason to consider the nexus 4 over the weekend HTC one? Or is the build quality of the one too far ahead

After having an HTC, with all their bloat-ware (HTC sense) and going to a pure android experience on the Nexus 4, I won't go back anything except a pure Android.

Ie: Nexus.

Get the Nexus 4, in my opinion.


Edit: and to add: I believe the Galaxy Nexus is not a pure android experience. I think Samsung has their own software on their. I could be wrong. Can someone verify?

[cal_guy]

nm

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

After having an HTC, with all their bloat-ware (HTC sense) and going to a pure android experience on the Nexus 4, I won't go back anything except a pure Android.

Ie: Nexus.

Get the Nexus 4, in my opinion.


Edit: and to add: I believe the Galaxy Nexus is not a pure android experience. I think Samsung has their own software on their. I could be wrong. Can someone verify?

Other than the one Roger's app, the GN has no bloat ware (unlike the SIII, which is crammed to the gills with S crap).

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Red-Mile-DJ

After having an HTC, with all their bloat-ware (HTC sense) and going to a pure android experience on the Nexus 4, I won't go back anything except a pure Android.

Every non-Nexus Android phone I've had before the HTC One was immediately unlocked/rooted/flashed with an AOSP or CM ROM. Sense 5 is the first Android "flavour" I've used with apps that were actually totally useful and usable with a couple of small exceptions (which have been removed).

Also - the HTC One source has been out for weeks so if you aren't scared of flashing a ROM you'll be able to put an AOSP ROM on it before long.

[Galakanokis]

I don't think I will ever run a phone on stock software, I will root a flash pretty much the same day I get it. With that said I just look at hardware specs and aesthetics, to me the HTC One is a kick ass phone and the clear choice for me.

[jeep991]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can answer a couple questions for me. If I buy a Nexus 4 and get the $20 plan from Wind, would I be able to switch the sim card from the N4 with the one from my Gnex which is on the old $40 plan? Would that give the N4 my unlimited everything and the Gnex the $20 plan? And also, anyone know of a good tutorial on how to unlock, root and flash the Gnex and N4? I've googled the Gnex but the ones I've checked out don't really have a step by step tutorial on how to do all these things. Thanks.

[comrade]

Originally Posted by jeep991

Hi, I'm hoping someone can answer a couple questions for me. If I buy a Nexus 4 and get the $20 plan from Wind, would I be able to switch the sim card from the N4 with the one from my Gnex which is on the old $40 plan? Would that give the N4 my unlimited everything and the Gnex the $20 plan? And also, anyone know of a good tutorial on how to unlock, root and flash the Gnex and N4? I've googled the Gnex but the ones I've checked out don't really have a step by step tutorial on how to do all these things. Thanks.

I can't speak to your Galaxy Nexus but I can't think of a reason not to buy the Nexus 4 from Google Play (if you weren't already). It's cheaper than you can get from Wind (even with a $20 plan) and it's unlocked so you can stick the SIM for the $40 dollar plan in it no problem and not have a plan hanging over your head. If you really wanted a second plan you could just get a month-to-month plan that you could cancel after each month without incurring any sort of penalty.

Is there a specific reason you want 2 phones running 2 plans?

[jeep991]

Yeah, my wife was wanting a Gnex after she saw mine but she doesn't want to spend a lot of money for one, so I offered her mine and I would buy a new N4 from the Play store. I want to keep my unlimited everything plan and she basically only needs texts, which the $20 plan I think is unlimited. So then swapping the sims is no problem? If so, that would be perfect.

[Azure]

I think I have to eat some crow and admit that the HTC One is the better phone.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Azure

I think I have to eat some crow and admit that the HTC One is the better phone.

Not trying to rub anything in your face but curious what made you change your mind.

[Galakanokis]

Originally Posted by jeep991

Yeah, my wife was wanting a Gnex after she saw mine but she doesn't want to spend a lot of money for one, so I offered her mine and I would buy a new N4 from the Play store. I want to keep my unlimited everything plan and she basically only needs texts, which the $20 plan I think is unlimited. So then swapping the sims is no problem? If so, that would be perfect.

Should be no problems swapping sim cards around. I do it all the time.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Not trying to rub anything in your face but curious what made you change your mind.

I have the S3, and love it. But I rooted it on the first day and installed SlimBean. For me it works amazingly.

But, I also know quite a few other people that have the S3, and out of the box it is simply a horrible phone. The hardware is fine, software is horrible. TouchWiz is crap. Can't believe Samsung generates $7 billion in profit per quarter with that garbage.

HTC might not be as big as Samsung, but I like Sense 4.0 much better. Plus the build is nicer, which is a nice plus, although not a valid difference maker in my book.

Android is not the problem here. Samsung is. Sadly.

[WilderPegasus]

Originally Posted by Azure

I think I have to eat some crow and admit that the HTC One is the better phone.

I picked one up a week ago and I love it so far. But I'm coming from an iPhone 4 and I don't miss it all.