Nexus 5 Review: Smartphone Continues Google's Legacy Successfully
After months of rumors and leaks, Google together with LG finally released the Nexus 5 smartphone earlier this month.
The new device is the successor to wildly popular Nexus 4 that debuted around this same time last year. It features many of the same strengths of its predecessor and certainly continues the legacy successfully. However, it does little to innovate the line aside from giving it a larger display.
The Christian Post recently had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with the device and here's what we thought.
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Display
The Nexus 5 features a 4.95-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution at 445ppi. The screen can easily keep up with some of the finest ones currently found on the market found on devices like the Galaxy S4 and HTC One. In a side to side comparison, the Nexus 5 and S4 displays were almost evenly matched in terms of clarity and color. The size increase does not sacrifice anything in the resolution department from the Nexus 4 and provides for a pleasurable experience with gaming and videos. Other tasks also maintain this same clarity.
Speed
The marriage of Android 4.4 KitKat and the device's Snapdragon 800 2.26GHz processor provides for a uniquely smooth experience with Google's OS. The lag found on some of the current Android devices such as the Galaxy S4 and HTC One is certainly not present here. Instead, what you get is the smoothness and precision found on the Nexus 4 and iPhone 5S with a perfect pairing of hardware and software. Tapping apps opens them faster than ever and load times are virtually non-existent. 2GB of RAM also doesn't hurt.
Software
The Nexus 5 is the launching pad for Android 4.4 KitKat software. The latest version of the OS looks brighter and cleaner than its JellyBean predecessors and features bigger icons for apps and an updated notifications menu. It also runs a lot smoother and apps respond rather quick to all commands.
Design
The Nexus 5 closely resembles the Nexus 4 aside from the sparkly backing, which is missing this time around. The all black and white body is solid and sturdy. The back plate cannot be removed and it feels quite smooth. Its edges are rounded at the top and bottom as well. Google has not really changed much here, though; there was not much of a need since the company got this part right with the Nexus 4.
Camera
The Nexus 5 takes great pictures thanks to the added Optical Image Stabilization feature as a shakey hand will no longer affect the picture. The resolution on the photos is impressive and it can keep up with some of cameras found on smartphones created by its competitors.
Conclusion
The Nexus 5 is every bit as impressive as its predecessor. The only problem is users could purchase a Nexus 4 and not really miss out on much here aside from a larger screen. The starting unlocked price of $349 is certainly enticing along with the larger screen and wireless charging, but a Nexus 4 certainly still holds up well against the new model. In a market where smartphone makers are struggling to innovate, Google and LG played it extremely safe this time around.
