Considering the Nexus 5...


Recommended Posts

I think the question isn't if the Nexus 5 is a great phone or not (it is) but whether it's worth to wait for the next generation Nexus phone at this point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure if I op has got an android phone yet, but I have been using my new LG G2 since saturday morning (pre iPhone 5s user).  It was cheaper than the Nexus 5, actually in the UK the 16gb Nexus 5 was the same price I paid for the 32gb LG G2.

 

It's a fantastic (no, awesome) phone IF you root and install another rom.  The stock LG rom is dire, too cumbersome and difficult to use.  Theres apps, buttons, widgets, settings galore and most of it is rubbish (bloat).

 

It took me all but 5 minutes to root and get cyanagenmod 11 M7 installed, and I downloaded and paid for the Nova launcher prime app with something else which gives you the button notifications like on ios 7.  Since doing this, I can safely say it was a very good decision.

 

The camera is on par or even slightly better than the iphone.  Don't get swiftkey though, instead get googles own keyboard from the play store.  Swiftkey has lots of issues with 4.4 kitkat, the most annoying is terrible lag when scrolling through emoticons.  The google one is really good anyway with zero problems.  Just thought I'd mention it as lots of people bang on about swiftkey, or at least they used to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure if I op has got an android phone yet, but I have been using my new LG G2 since saturday morning (pre iPhone 5s user).  It was cheaper than the Nexus 5, actually in the UK the 16gb Nexus 5 was the same price I paid for the 32gb LG G2.

 

It's a fantastic (no, awesome) phone IF you root and install another rom.  The stock LG rom is dire, too cumbersome and difficult to use.  Theres apps, buttons, widgets, settings galore and most of it is rubbish (bloat).

 

It took me all but 5 minutes to root and get cyanagenmod 11 M7 installed, and I downloaded and paid for the Nova launcher prime app with something else which gives you the button notifications like on ios 7.  Since doing this, I can safely say it was a very good decision.

 

The camera is on par or even slightly better than the iphone.  Don't get swiftkey though, instead get googles own keyboard from the play store.  Swiftkey has lots of issues with 4.4 kitkat, the most annoying is terrible lag when scrolling through emoticons.  The google one is really good anyway with zero problems.  Just thought I'd mention it as lots of people bang on about swiftkey, or at least they used to.

Carriers charge more for the Nexus 5 than Google. The LG G2 is a great phone but I wouldn't recommend it because of the OS. As you said, it's full of bloat. If this isn't the OP's first Android device and he has experience with flashing ROMs, then I'd recommend the G2 if he can get it a good price. Otherwise, the Nexus 5 is a great "first Android device". I have it and I'm happy with it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OnePlus is the best Android phone yet.

Depends what one considers best.  The 5.5" screen makes it a no-go for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, I ended up getting the Nexus 5 a couple days ago.

 

I had to ultimately get a micro-SIM from AT&T and for some reason, they were unable to activate it in the store. So I had to call them and get it activate that way. Took a bit of time but it worked fine and nothing about my smartphone plan changed, which was nice. (Since I was sure they were going to try to upsell me on some other plan.)

 

There are some minor hardware things I miss from the iPhone: I can't tap the top bar to get back to the top of a web page (or any app), and I can't use Google Now when the phone is locked and in my pocket (which seems like the main purpose of using it for me... If my phone is unlocked, why do I need voice control?) I've tried out Google Music and it's both better and worse than iTunes in the Cloud (ie some things I like better, some things I like less.)

 

But otherwise, I really like the phone. Despite what some reviews have said, it doesn't feel cheap and stock Android is quite nice. I gave the Nova Launcher a try and only enable a couple options on it to keep Android as stock as possible. I like that I can change the icons and have added some widgets to the home screens, like weather and Gmail inbox. (Neither of which can be done on iOS yet.)

 

I guess I could have waited for the Nexus 6, but this is still a big hardware upgrade over the iPhone 5 for me. I'm probably not going to bother with L until the final release, though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Depends what one considers best.  The 5.5" screen makes it a no-go for me.

I'd have to agree... The Nexus 5 has a 5'' display and I'm still getting used to holding it. (Since I'm used to >4'' displays.) Anything above 5'' would just be far too big for me, let alone uncomfortable to hold.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My notes from the past week

 

Spotify - simply the best (ive used both itunes match and google music unlimited)

 

life360 / google+ location sharing mix - alternative to apples find my friends app

 

Android device manager - alternative to find my iphone

 

if you are backing up your photos to google+, make sure you go into settings and select 'keep original size' else google will compress your pics

 

not sure if this is a cm rom feature, but theres a setting where by if you have a pin code to unlock, you dont have to press the enter key (like apple)


The only frustrating thing I have found so far is with the hangouts app, man it's so slow!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The touching of the bar to get back to the top is an Apple feature IIRC. I think it's patented.

There's a new update so that you can use "OK Google" whilst the phone is locked so many this will solve your issue?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tap to go to the top of the window is the biggest feature I miss from iOS, it wouldn't be so bad if more apps had better scroll implementations though (Scroll bars aren't just for desktops!)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The touching of the bar to get back to the top is an Apple feature IIRC. I think it's patented.

There's a new update so that you can use "OK Google" whilst the phone is locked so many this will solve your issue?

Well, the wording is clever... It will work on the lock screen and when the phone is charging... But it did not outright say it will work with the screen off when in your pocket. I mean, I assume that is how it will work, which is great, but at the same time... It took Google a fair bit of time to implement what would seem like basic behavior.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got an N5 a few weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier. It's a great phone and despite what others have said, the camera and battery life are fine. I know the N6 and iPhone 6 are coming in a few months, but I'd say if you can get a good price on an N5, go for it. Seriously, this thing is fast enough. It absolutely flies with Purity rom and Nova Launcher. Everything opens instantly. I don't know why you would need anything faster than this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, I ended up getting the Nexus 5 a couple days ago.

 

I had to ultimately get a micro-SIM from AT&T and for some reason, they were unable to activate it in the store. So I had to call them and get it activate that way. Took a bit of time but it worked fine and nothing about my smartphone plan changed, which was nice. (Since I was sure they were going to try to upsell me on some other plan.)

 

There are some minor hardware things I miss from the iPhone: I can't tap the top bar to get back to the top of a web page (or any app), and I can't use Google Now when the phone is locked and in my pocket (which seems like the main purpose of using it for me... If my phone is unlocked, why do I need voice control?) I've tried out Google Music and it's both better and worse than iTunes in the Cloud (ie some things I like better, some things I like less.)

 

But otherwise, I really like the phone. Despite what some reviews have said, it doesn't feel cheap and stock Android is quite nice. I gave the Nova Launcher a try and only enable a couple options on it to keep Android as stock as possible. I like that I can change the icons and have added some widgets to the home screens, like weather and Gmail inbox. (Neither of which can be done on iOS yet.)

 

I guess I could have waited for the Nexus 6, but this is still a big hardware upgrade over the iPhone 5 for me. I'm probably not going to bother with L until the final release, though.

 

Missed this post. Congrats!! I'm glad you like it. I'd recommend rooting and then throwing Purity ROM/Code_Blue kernel on there. Enable developer options and set window/transition/animation duration scale to .25. Then in Nova setting under look and feel set scroll speed and animation speed to faster than light. You won't believe how fast it is after.

 

http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, the wording is clever... It will work on the lock screen and when the phone is charging... But it did not outright say it will work with the screen off when in your pocket. I mean, I assume that is how it will work, which is great, but at the same time... It took Google a fair bit of time to implement what would seem like basic behavior.

 

The feature depends on hardware (low-power active listening). It's also going to be using battery which I guess is why they do it whilst the phone is charging or with the screen on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Missed this post. Congrats!! I'm glad you like it. I'd recommend rooting and then throwing Purity ROM/Code_Blue kernel on there. Enable developer options and set window/transition/animation duration scale to .25. Then in Nova setting under look and feel set scroll speed and animation speed to faster than light. You won't believe how fast it is after.

 

http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5

Good advice, I might try that out later. For a while, I just want to get comfortable with both stock Android and the way things work before I delve into things like rooting.

 

One thing I don't care for is that Chrome has both "desktop bookmarks" and "mobile bookmarks." I wish they'd just use one single list of bookmarks (without requiring an extra tap to get to "other bookmarks.")

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good advice, I might try that out later. For a while, I just want to get comfortable with both stock Android and the way things work before I delve into things like rooting.

 

One thing I don't care for is that Chrome has both "desktop bookmarks" and "mobile bookmarks." I wish they'd just use one single list of bookmarks (without requiring an extra tap to get to "other bookmarks.")

Gotcha. I already had a Nexus 7 tablet before getting the Nexus 5, so I was already familiar with stock Android and had tried a bunch of custom ROMS, so I rooted it and set it up right away lol.

 

As far as the bookmarks, yeah it's kind of annoying. It's the same with Chrome on iOS though if I remember correctly. I just copied a bunch of my most used bookmarks to the mobile folder, and I barely have to go outside of that folder.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nexus 5 owner here as well and I couldn't be happier :) Honestly, I can't mention a single con, wait that is a lie! The speaker, mainly the placement. If I had to change one other thing, it would be the screen type, much rather have SAMOLED.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nexus 5 owner here as well and I couldn't be happier :) Honestly, I can't mention a single con, wait that is a lie! The speaker, mainly the placement. If I had to change one other thing, it would be the screen type, much rather have SAMOLED.

My main complaint is the speaker, it's much quieter than my iPhone 5. (Although I knew this before buying the phone, just about every review mentions it.) I also found that my headphones aren't fully supported: the volume buttons don't work, and it seems like the start/skip controls are extremely hit or miss. However, I'm using a Bose set that was apparently made for iOS, which should explain it. I'd imagine getting the same one but in a "generic" Android version should solve my issue.

 

Some of the design decisions of Android I find odd... For example, the top bar never says what carrier you are on. The only way you'd know is via the lock screen or settings... It's not really a big deal 99.9% of the time, but if you were to start roaming on another network, it might be nice at a glance to know which one you are on. I also don't really like the unread notifications leaving their icons in the top bar, though I imagine there are only so many ways to tell you when you have a notification. But these are things I just have to get used to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My main complaint is the speaker, it's much quieter than my iPhone 5. (Although I knew this before buying the phone, just about every review mentions it.) I also found that my headphones aren't fully supported: the volume buttons don't work, and it seems like the start/skip controls are extremely hit or miss. However, I'm using a Bose set that was apparently made for iOS, which should explain it. I'd imagine getting the same one but in a "generic" Android version should solve my issue.

 

Some of the design decisions of Android I find odd... For example, the top bar never says what carrier you are on. The only way you'd know is via the lock screen or settings... It's not really a big deal 99.9% of the time, but if you were to start roaming on another network, it might be nice at a glance to know which one you are on. I also don't really like the unread notifications leaving their icons in the top bar, though I imagine there are only so many ways to tell you when you have a notification. But these are things I just have to get used to.

You'll get used to it. It's easily noticed by you because of the recent switch you made from iOS. I've been very happy with my Nexus 5. The only issue I have with it is battery life but that's only when I use my device a lot. Otherwise, the battery life is great. You'll get Android L once it's released and you won't have to wait as long as HTC and Samsung users. That's the beauty of having a Nexus device. Fast updates that come straight from Google. There's no waiting time for the release to be tweaked or for your carrier to "test" it.

 

A lot of headphones/earphones that have the volume/skip buttons seem to be designed for iOS devices. I have Logitech headphones that don't work. And the iPhone/iPod earbuds with the mic only pause and play music.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

unfortunately after using google+ location services and life360, they are no match for apples find my friend

 

I'm also struggling with the keyboard....the accuracy is way out, and the prediction is very hit and miss.  Suppose i'll get used to it

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

My main complaint is the speaker, it's much quieter than my iPhone 5. (Although I knew this before buying the phone, just about every review mentions it.) I also found that my headphones aren't fully supported: the volume buttons don't work, and it seems like the start/skip controls are extremely hit or miss. However, I'm using a Bose set that was apparently made for iOS, which should explain it. I'd imagine getting the same one but in a "generic" Android version should solve my issue.

 

Some of the design decisions of Android I find odd... For example, the top bar never says what carrier you are on. The only way you'd know is via the lock screen or settings... It's not really a big deal 99.9% of the time, but if you were to start roaming on another network, it might be nice at a glance to know which one you are on. I also don't really like the unread notifications leaving their icons in the top bar, though I imagine there are only so many ways to tell you when you have a notification. But these are things I just have to get used to.

Yeah, I knew the speaker wasn't going to be great but it wasn't something that bothered me much anyway, quality etc. is more than fine for me, it has improved with updates as well, for the reviews, it was extremely quite.

 

Your carrier should also show at the bottom of the extended notification drawer i.e.

 

6b9VweNl.png

 

As for un-read notifications, when you swipe down the top bar to show the above picture, either:

 

- swipe the notification to the right or left to remove it

 

or

 

- hit the button highlighted in the red circle (that will wipe them all away)

 

YSm0Z6Yl.png?1

 

 

unfortunately after using google+ location services and life360, they are no match for apples find my friend

 

I'm also struggling with the keyboard....the accuracy is way out, and the prediction is very hit and miss.  Suppose i'll get used to it

Should give swiftkey a try, very good keyboard, personally I prefer the stock android apps/keyboard though.

Edited by Nexus18
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You'll get used to it. It's easily noticed by you because of the recent switch you made from iOS. I've been very happy with my Nexus 5. The only issue I have with it is battery life but that's only when I use my device a lot. Otherwise, the battery life is great. You'll get Android L once it's released and you won't have to wait as long as HTC and Samsung users. That's the beauty of having a Nexus device. Fast updates that come straight from Google. There's no waiting time for the release to be tweaked or for your carrier to "test" it.

 

A lot of headphones/earphones that have the volume/skip buttons seem to be designed for iOS devices. I have Logitech headphones that don't work. And the iPhone/iPod earbuds with the mic only pause and play music.

I bought the Nexus specifically because I wanted stock Android and updates that weren't being held ransom by the carrier. I'm a bit of a purist, I don't really like my OS being bogged down by tons of third-party modifications. It's why whenever I get a Windows PC, the first thing I always do is a clean install to get rid of all the bloatware.

 

Note that you can buy almost all major headphones in a generic/Android version. Amazon specifically is good about this, most headphones will have a so-called "i" version that is optimized for iOS.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.