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Galaxy Nexus

From Alfawiki
Samsung Electronics
IndustryConsumer electronics
FoundedMarch 1, 1969; 57 years ago (1969-03-01)
Headquarters
Suwon
,
South Korea
ProductsSmartphones, tablets, consumer electronics

Overview

The Galaxy Nexus (model GT-I9250) is an Android touchscreen smartphone collaboratively developed by Google and Samsung Electronics. It represents the third installment in the Google Nexus lineup, a series of Android devices produced in partnership with original equipment manufacturers. This model follows Google's earlier flagship smartphones, the Nexus One and Nexus S.

Featuring a high-definition 1280 × 720 resolution Super AMOLED display protected by curved Dragontrail glass, the Galaxy Nexus introduced enhancements such as an upgraded camera system and was the inaugural device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The product name combines branding elements from both the Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus series. In Brazil, it is marketed as the Galaxy X due to trademark restrictions on the "Nexus" name.

Officially announced by Google and Samsung on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong, the Galaxy Nexus became available in European markets on 17 November 2011. It is among the select devices endorsed by the Android Open Source Project for compiling Android from source code. The smartphone was sold through the Google Play Store until 29 October 2012, when it was succeeded by the LG-manufactured Nexus 4.

History

In May 2011, Google's senior vice president of mobile platforms, Andy Rubin, confirmed the company's intention to extend the Nexus lineup with a third-generation device.[1] On 11 October, Samsung mobile released a teaser video[2] promoting its "Google Episode" segment of the Unpacked series,[3] although the product unveiling was subsequently delayed until 19 October[4] to honor the passing of Steve Jobs on 5 October.[5]

Prior to its formal introduction, media outlets and the public commonly referred to the device as the Google Nexus Prime.[6] Numerous leaks had surfaced, revealing nearly accurate specifications for the handset.[7] The official announcement took place on 19 October 2011 in Hong Kong, where the device was unveiled under the name "Galaxy Nexus".[8]

Hardware

The Galaxy Nexus incorporates support for MHL via its USB hardware 2.0 port,[9] enabling it to transmit up to 1080p Audiovisual signals through HDMI to compatible external displays such as HD TVs.[10] This USB port supports both host and device modes (OTG); notably, its successor, the Nexus 4, only supports device mode. The front of the Galaxy Nexus lacks physical buttons; instead, it employs on-screen soft keys integrated into Android 4.0's system interface. Positioned below these soft keys is a multicolored notification LED, a feature absent from the Nexus S.[11][12][13] The Galaxy Nexus does not provide expandable storage via an SD card.

Software

Main article: Android (operating system)
File:Android 4.0.png
Android 4.0, the initial operating system installed on the Galaxy Nexus

The Galaxy Nexus was the inaugural device to feature Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich,[14] which introduced numerous enhancements, bug resolutions, and new functionalities.[15] Starting 11 July 2012, the GSM Galaxy Nexus began receiving the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update via over-the-air (OTA) distribution.[16]

The rollout of Android 4.2 commenced on 13 November 2012 for the GSM Galaxy Nexus Takju/Maguro variant—the US-market models supported directly by Google—through OTA updates. A week later, Google extended this update to the international Yakju/Maguro versions. By late December, some devices had yet to receive the upgrade. On 19 March 2013, Verizon Wireless initiated OTA updates for their CDMA Galaxy Nexus Mysid/Toro variant to Android 4.2.2.[17]

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was released for GSM models on 24 July 2013,[18] while Sprint began distributing OTA updates on 31 October 2013.[19]

Google officially announced that the Galaxy Nexus would not be updated to Android 4.4 KitKat,[20] despite a petition garnering over 14,000 signatures requesting the update.[21] Nevertheless, newly developed drivers might facilitate unofficial Android releases compatible with this device.[22]

The Ubuntu Touch operating system by Canonical was available for and supported on the Galaxy Nexus,[23][24] though support was discontinued as of 13 January 2014.[25]

An unofficial port of Android 7.1 ("Nougat") has also been developed for the Galaxy Nexus.[26]

Google Wallet

The Galaxy Nexus was among the limited number of devices to officially support Google Wallet, which preceded the NFC-based Android Pay payment platform. Notably, the Verizon model was the sole version lacking official Google Wallet compatibility. This omission sparked dissatisfaction among US consumers, with Verizon justifying its stance by citing the device's use of a "secure element."[27] Despite this, users could sideload Google Wallet, which would install and operate properly. It is important to verify that any replacement batteries include NFC functionality, as the NFC antenna is integrated within the battery itself.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

Availability

In various regions, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is available SIM-unlocked.[28] The device also features an unlocked bootloader, enabling root access.[29][30] However, in certain markets—mainly where carriers provide subsidies or hold exclusive distribution rights—the Galaxy Nexus is sold SIM-locked. This practice contrasts with the more open approach seen in earlier Nexus devices, such as the Nexus One[31] and Nexus S.[32]

Asia–Pacific

Samsung India officially declared on 3 May 2012 that the Galaxy Nexus would not be released in India,[33] contradicting earlier reports that anticipated a launch around mid-December 2011.[34] The handset became available in Indonesia on 21 January 2012,[35] followed by its release in the Philippines on 28 January 2012,[36] Bahrain on 4 March 2012,[37] and Saudi Arabia during March 2012.[38]

Europe

In the United Kingdom, the Galaxy Nexus featuring Evolved High Speed Packet Access Plus (EHSPA+) was launched on 17 November 2011 through the carriers O2 and 3. In Germany, Vodafone and O2 offered the EHSPA+ variant unlocked and without SIM restrictions. Meanwhile, Vodafone introduced the device in Portugal during December 2011.

North America

The Galaxy Nexus became available in Canada on 8 December 2011. The Canadian version was sold unlocked and compatible with GSM, UMTS, HSPA, and AWS frequency bands. In the United States, Google officially released a SIM-unlocked GSM/UMTS model via the Google Play Store. Sprint announced its support for the Galaxy Nexus at CES 2012, subsequently launching it on their network on 22 April 2012 as one of their initial LTE smartphones. On 24 April 2012, Google’s Play Store offered the unlocked Galaxy Nexus at a price of $399.99, which was later reduced to $349.99. The U.S. model differed from international versions mainly by including Google Wallet pre-installed.

Temporary sales prohibition

On 29 June 2012, Apple secured a preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, preventing Samsung from importing and selling the Galaxy Nexus in the U.S. This ruling centered on a patent concerning a "universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system." The injunction took effect after Apple posted a $96 million bond to cover potential damages should they lose the case. As a result, sales of the Galaxy Nexus were halted temporarily on Google’s Play Store, with Google announcing plans to release a software update removing local phone search functionality. The ban was lifted on 6 July 2012, allowing sales to resume.

Variants

Initially, the device was launched exclusively in black and was developed under the codename "Tuna". A white edition, featuring a black front panel, was introduced in February 2012. Additionally, a limited special edition with a distinctive back cover was distributed to Google employees.

Due to the necessity of compatibility with various carrier network technologies, multiple hardware versions of the Galaxy Nexus were produced:

  • SCH-I515 "Toro": This model is Verizon Wireless's version, equipped with 4G LTE support on the 700 MHz band (Band 13) and CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A on PCS frequencies (800/1900 MHz). It comes with either 16 or 32 GB of internal storage, has a thickness of 9.47 mm, and includes a 1850 mAh battery. Its design closely resembles the international model.
  • GT-I9250 "Maguro": This GSM/HSPA+ variant supports HSPA+ bands used by both AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States. Google sold this version unlocked through its Play Store.
  • SPH-L700 "Toro Plus": Sprint’s edition offers 4G LTE connectivity on the 1900 MHz band (Band 25). It is nearly identical to Verizon’s model except it lacks a SIM card slot and shows minor visual differences.
  • GT-I9250T: Designed for the Australian market, this GSM/HSPA+ variant meets local regulatory standards and is optimized for 3G operation on the 850 MHz band. It was retailed by Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.
  • SHW-M420S/K: The Korean GSM/HSPA+ model adheres to South Korean regulations, including features like a mandatory camera shutter sound. This variant was available through SKT and KT carriers.
  • SC-04D/SGH-N044: This version was created for Japan's NTT Docomo network.

Accessories

Samsung's official accessory lineup for the Galaxy Nexus features a Desktop Dock equipped with an HDMI port, a Desk Stand that includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, a charging stand designed to power a secondary battery, and a car dock that enables the phone to function as a SatNav device. The device incorporates pogo pins to facilitate connectivity with select accessories, such as the car dock. Each Samsung accessory is outfitted with a USB hardware port, allowing the phone to be charged while in use.

Reception

The Galaxy Nexus was met with significant excitement prior to its launch and garnered highly favorable evaluations upon release. Myriam Joire from Engadget commended the device for its responsiveness, tactile experience, display quality, and battery longevity. She asserted that, at the time, the Galaxy Nexus stood as "the best Android phone available today" and suggested it might be "the best phone available today, period." Ginny Mies of PCWorld shared similar sentiments, describing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus as "an excellent phone and an ideal platform for unveiling Android Ice Cream Sandwich globally." While acknowledging that Android still had room for improvement, she noted that Google's enhancements throughout the OS significantly enhanced its performance and user-friendliness.

Mobilesyrup praised the handset enthusiastically, stating that "there is no going back." They highlighted its design aesthetics, observing that the Galaxy Nexus melded design traits from both the Nexus S and Samsung Galaxy S II. Despite featuring an OMAP SoC with a lower clock speed and an older GPU generation while driving a HD (720p) display with approximately 40% more pixels compared to the Galaxy S II and other Snapdragon S3-powered devices with lower resolution screens (usually qHD (540p)), the Galaxy Nexus exhibited no lag or application instability and often outperformed contemporaries in benchmarks and real-world scenarios. The software experience was also lauded as superior, with the phone being described as "the first best Android device ever."

Darren Murph of Engadget characterized Ice Cream Sandwich as "smooth as ever," adding that it represented "without question, the slickest, most polished version of Android yet." He expressed great satisfaction with how this inaugural Ice Cream Sandwich handset turned out, praising its "understated, sleek, beautiful" design along with its display quality. Vincent Nguyen from Static Media highlighted the swift performance of Android 4.0.1 and emphasized the seamless integration between hardware and software, concluding that "this is the best Android phone around today." J.R. Raphael of Computerworld described the Galaxy Nexus as "an exceptional phone, arguably the finest Android handset to date," noting its slim and lightweight build paired with a stunning HD screen. Raphael concluded by stating that the device is "screamingly fast," delivering possibly the best overall mobile performance available.

In a review for T3, Thomas Tamblyn remarked that the rear camera was "faster than many digital cameras," while also praising the overall fluidity of the user experience and describing this iteration of Android as already very refined. The Verge's Joshua Topolsky regarded the phone as among the "best smartphones ever made," suggesting that with minor adjustments—especially to the camera—it could become the finest smartphone ever produced. Charlie White from Mashable called the display "gorgeous," offering an exceptionally sharp viewing experience, and described the hardware design as "a spectacular success," ultimately concluding that the Galaxy Nexus is "by far the best Android phone I’ve seen yet."

See also

References

  1. ↑ Google confirms there will be a Nexus 3. Techradar.com. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  2. ↑ SAMSUNG Mobile Unpacked 2011 – Google Episode Teaser Video. YouTube. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  3. ↑ Samsung teases next week's 'Unpacked,' offers a momentary glance at a mysterious device. Engadget. (5 October 2011). Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  4. ↑ Samsung confirms Ice Cream Sandwich event on 19 October. Engadget (13 October 2011). Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ↑ Galaxy Nexus, Ice Cream Sandwich roundup: specs, details and insight, oh my!. Engadget. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  11. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  12. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  13. ↑ The device's 3.5 mm headphone jack is situated on the lower left side of the handset.
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named yahoo143600226
  15. ↑ Android – Introducing Ice Cream Sandwich
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  23. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  24. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  26. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  27. ↑ Seifert, "Verizon won't offer Google Wallet for the Galaxy Nexus because it uses a 'secure element'", The Verge, 10 December 2012
  28. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  29. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  30. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  31. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  32. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  33. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  34. ↑ Makwana, Samir. (8 November 2011) Galaxy Nexus to arrive in India by Mid-December. Themobileindian.com. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  35. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  36. ↑ Samsung Galaxy Nexus now up for pre-order with Smart | YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews
  37. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  38. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

External links

Template:Google Nexus Template:Samsung smartphones Template:Android Template:Google LLC Template:Samsung phones Lua error in Module:Authority_control at line 159: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

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