We take a look at some of the Nexus 5's features that could have been improved upon.
Google has launched the Nexus 5 internationally and the smartphone packs in an interesting set of features. It is available in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and Korea. It is listed as a coming soon item in the Indian Google Play store and we think it will launch before the end of the year. The 16GB version of the Nexus 5 is listed at Rs. 28,999 and the 32GB version is listed at Rs. 32,999.
Starting off with the specifications, the Nexus 5 has a 4.95-inch True HD IPS Plus display with a 1920×1080 pixel resolution giving it a pixel density of 445ppi. Under the hood, a 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM powers the device. The rear of the smartphone has an 8MP camera with OIS and the front has a 1.3MP camera. A 2300mAh battery powers the device. It runs on Google’s latest mobile OS, Android 4.4 KitKat.
Check out our Nexus 5 video review below.
Even though the LG has packed in the best available hardware under the hood, there are a few aspects of the smartphone that have left us a tad disappointed.
An image of the LG G2
When LG launched the Nexus 4 last year, the LG Optimus G was used as a reference. Similarly, for the Nexus 5, the LG G2 is used as a reference only for the specifications and not the design.
Starting with the camera, the Nexus 5 has an 8MP BSI camera, very similar to the camera on the Nexus 4. Publications that have reviewed the device say that the camera on the Nexus 5 isn’t impressive. The camera on the back of the G2 is a 13MP one and its performance is good. We wish this translated to the Nexus 5 as well.
Considering the design of the G2, LG managed to pack a 3000mAh battery in the smartphone. The battery life of the phone is really good. It has the ability to last for a day with above average use. The Nexus 5 on the other hand has a 2300mAh battery. This is really disappointing. Yes, the Snapdragon 800 chipset is power efficient and the KitKat OS is optimized too, but that can affect the smartphones battery life to a small extent only. A 2300mAh battery will be really limiting.
LG G2 (left), Nexus 5 (right)
The LG G2 and the Nexus 5, both pack in a True HD IPS display. We have seen the LG G2 in action and we have to say that you can’t help but ogle at the display. We hope the same is the case with the Nexus 5. In the case of the Nexus 4, the display of the LG Optimus G was way better. We hope the same is not the case when the display of the G2 and the Nexus 5 are compared side by side.
Coming to the design of the Nexus 5, LG and Google have played it safe. It has the standard rectangular design. The large ring around the camera is a stand out but apart from that there is nothing here to set it apart. When the Nexus 4 was launched it borrowed design elements from the iPhone 4 and had a glass back. This was susceptible to scratches and was easily breakable but it looked really cool. Another cool design element with the Nexus 4 was the textured design beneath the rear glass panel that was reflective in light and looked very cool. The Nexus 4 really made efforts with the design and it showed. The Nexus 5 on the other hand has played it safe.
Is the Nexus 5 worth it?
Well, the price of the smartphone is high in India and will only appeal to those that want the best stock Android experience and the latest updates as and when they are out. The Nexus 5 is slimmer and lighter than the LG G2 and that is great, but its design is very simplistic, not necessarily a bad thing but we hoped for more.
For what it offers, the Nexus 5 is a great smartphone and worth the price of admission. But, If you are one looking for the best flagship Android phone in the market, we suggest you take a look at the Sony Xperia Z1. The device has impressive specification, a great camera and above all, it is waterproof so you don’t need to worry if you drop the phone in the bathtub while watching a movie.