Totally Hardware

One of the most anticipated Android smartphones of 2011 is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, given the fact that its outward appearance is not only stunning, but also because it was the first smartphone to hit the market that featured the Ice Cream Sandwich by Android.

Formally known as Android 4.0, most people wanted the mobile phone simply to see how the new upgrade of the Android OS would operate as the actual specs of the Galaxy Nexus were not that stunning when placed on paper besides other.  However, toss in the new OS and a great 4.65” Super-AMOLED display and the balance is a bit better.

Of course, now that it is out, the real jury can actually start to weigh it up as people have now had about a month to use it. First off, in order to sport this much larger display the mobile has grown heavier which some users are responding to and others or not.  It does feel sturdier than the Samsung Galaxy S2, but once again it is up to the individual to decide if they like this or not and those who carry in their pockets may fall on the other side of the debate.

Taking a look at the top of the mobile phone you can see where the five megapixel camera eye is built into the mobile, which is a funny choice given the fact that Samsung usually installs much better cameras for its phones. It is nice that they left the logo out of the design of the phone because after paying a few hundred pounds for a mobile phone and locking yourself into an expensive contract it’s nice to know that you can carry your phone without offering free advertising of the product for the company.

The actual casing of the phone is made out of a thin plastic which is a bit flimsy looking but seems to hold up fine and nicely compliments the curved glass design of the front that was first seen on the Nexus S.  There is not one physical button on the mobile which is different than the previous Android phones which all had their set of basic commands (Menu, Back, Home, and Search).  Likely this was taken out to allow for the larger display and a trend that it would be nice to see continue on Android mobiles.

The top of the mobile does not have any ports or buttons which is nice since it’s always awkward to plug in something from the top, but along the bottom you will find a 3.5mm audio hack and a USB port allowing for full use of the phones capabilities.

Finally, if the Galaxy Nexus has one standout feature outside of the Ice Cream Sandwich it is the Super-AMOLED display which offers top of the line colour saturation and contrast, allowing images to come across the way they should.  The attention to detail is excellent due to the fact that every pixel on the phone emits its own light.