If Samsung Galaxy is synonymous to tech savvy customer’s
dream smartphones, then Galaxy Nexus is probably the dream phone. It is
the world’s first phone to be powered by Android 4.0, the Ice Cream
Sandwich version. It contains a wide array of high end technology. In
fact, the OS, Android’s most phenomenal rediscovery since its inception
three years ago, is the biggest draw of Galaxy Nexus.
The
design is not very different from the Galaxy S2, but the curve is less
conspicuous and makes for a smooth transition. And it is nothing less
than ecstatic joy that takes us over when the exquisite 720 x 1280 res,
4.65 inches screen with ppi 316 lights up. The crisp and sharp display
trumps all competition and makes the video and internet experience
enviable.
The OS is a complete redesign of the conventional Android, so even
veterans, who have been a stickler for the Google operating system took a
few good minutes to figure out the intricacies. However, that does not
suggest it is hard to use because the interface is highly intuitive and
anyone who has spent time getting to know the phone will have no problem
maneuvering their way through the device. The functioning is snappy and
there is virtually no lag, even with several apps running.
A bunch of new live wallpapers have been included but you can no
longer conjure up the wallpaper changing option it by press of one
button at the Homescreen. Instead you have to take a roundabout way
through the Settings menu. Also the pinch in feature to preview all the
Homescreens that made it so easy to transition between screen one and
screen seven, has been taken away.
The facial recognition security lock seems a little futuristic and
probably is one of its main USPs. The front facing camera does most of
the work, and compares the photo with a preset photo of your choice.
However, some users have complained it can be fooled by a photo or does
not work at times. It is a bit pessimistic to say the feature has blown
up in its face and in its defense, Google has agreed that it is not the
best way to secure your phone, it’s quite fun for personal use.
The camera, however, divides the enthusiasts into two. Some believe
that there is nothing impressive about the 5 megapixel resolution, while
some others feel that there is more to a camera than mere resolution.
There are some other problems with the camera as well; photos taken in a
hurry do not autofocus, poor lighting does something very unflattering
to the resulting photos and without manually focusing, the photos do not
come out great even in very good light. The panorama mode is a nice
touch, though.
The battery is good, there is little drainage during standby. So,
overall, Samsung Galaxy Nexus is an excellent high end smartphone with
very few glitches that can be easily overlooked because of its otherwise
top notch performance and specs.
