Samsung Galaxy Nexus Is an Android Winner: 10 Reasons Why
Samsung Galaxy Nexus Is an Android Winner: 10 Reasons Why
Samsung's Galaxy Nexus has finally been revealed.
And as expected, the device has several features that make it a
standout in the Android ecosystem. For one, it comes with a large,
4.65-inch HD display.
Combine that with LTE support and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor for
more-responsive functionality and on paper the device seems like a fine
option for just about any consumer looking for a new smartphone.
When compared to other devices in the Android ecosystem the Galaxy
Nexus is equally appealing. The device is the first smartphone to run
Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich." If that operating system can
deliver on its promise of improved functionality, it might just be a
key reason the Galaxy Nexus sells well when it hits store shelves in
November.
Simply put, the Galaxy Nexus, at least on paper, appears to be a real Android winner.
Here's why.
1. First and foremost: Ice Cream Sandwich
The future of Android directly relates to the success or failure of Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich."
According to Google, that operating system will deliver a host of
improvements to users, including a revamped user interface, improved
multitasking and better notifications. If it can deliver on Google's
lofty promises, it could very well put iOS 5 on notice. Even better for
Samsung, its device, at least at launch, will be the only device
running the operating system, which means if it does come through with
fine functionality, the Galaxy Nexus will benefit.
2. The big display matters
Prior to the launch of the iPhone 4S, there was some hope among
Apple users that the company would unveil a smartphone featuring a
larger display that would match some of the 4.3-inch options already on
store shelves. After failing to do so and sticking with the 3.5-inch
screen in the iPhone 4S, Apple disappointed many of those hopeful
consumers. The Galaxy Nexus, on the other hand, won't disappoint anyone: the device comes with a 4.65-inch display that dwarfs the iPhone 4S's screen, as well as most of the screens available in competing Android devices.
3. Google Wallet support
Google has its sights set on in-store payments with its Wallet
service. When the Galaxy Nexus launches next month, it too will be able
to take advantage of that service. So owners who want to use a credit
card to buy a product at a retail outlet can use the Google Wallet app
on their Galaxy Nexus rather than pull out plastic. Granted, there are
several limitations, mainly limited support from retailers and
availability of the service only on Sprint's network so far. But
near-field communication is the future. The Galaxy Nexus is one of the
few devices coming to store shelves that will embrace that.
4. LTE support is a key factor
It's worth noting that Apple has taken aim at 4G-capable devices
with its latest smartphone, the iPhone 4S, saying that its 3G handset
can deliver the same 14.4M bps download speeds as its chief
competitors. But that's only true on AT&T's network. Customers of other carrier networks won't have 4G-like speeds when using the iPhone 4S.
The Galaxy Nexus, however, is a different story. The platform will
support LTE connectivity out of the box, making it a potentially more
appealing option for customers that don't want to get locked into 3G.
Stellar Design, Googles Involvement
5. Social integration through People
As mentioned, Ice Cream Sandwich could be one of the main reasons
Android shoppers buy the Galaxy Nexus, but it's the integration of
social elements that could keep them attached to the device. According
to Samsung, Ice Cream Sandwich will launch on the Galaxy Nexus with a
new "People" app that "lets you browse friends, family, and coworkers,
and see their photos in high-resolution." Considering the importance of
social networking today, People could be a driving force behind Galaxy
Nexus adoption.
6. An upgrade guarantee
One of the biggest issues in the Android ecosystem is
fragmentation. Too often, it takes too long for a handset to be updated
with the latest flavor of Android. But Samsung reassured customers on
Oct. 18 by saying that the Galaxy Nexus be the "first to receive
software upgrades and new applications as they become available." That
alone might be a selling point for Android customers.
7. The design is stellar
It's easy to point to the Galaxy Nexus' specs and get excited, but
the device itself looks to be an extremely well-designed product. It's
thin, comes with a nice casing, and looks nice from all sides, not just
the front. As Android customers know, it has taken quite a while for
companies to deliver truly good-looking smartphones, and too often,
Android vendors have been selling devices that can't come even close to
matching the iPhone's design. But like the Samsung Galaxy S II, the
Galaxy Nexus comes close. That might just play into its popularity on
store shelves.
8. Consider Samsung's history
When looking at the Android ecosystem, it's hard to find many
companies that have brought to customers everything they're really
looking for. Motorola has the Droid X 2, which is nice, and HTC's Evo
line has proven popular. But Samsung has done the best job of appealing to customers.
In fact, the company announced recently that it has sold 30 million
units of its Galaxy S and Galaxy S II smartphones since their launch
last year. Although that might not impress Apple fans that are used to
their company selling up to 20 million iPhones in a quarter, it is
impressive in the Android space. It could play a key role in the value
customers see in the Galaxy Nexus going forward.
9. It's the best answer to the iPhone 4S
Considering the bitter battle going on between Android and iOS in
the mobile space, it's no wonder that every new Android-based handset
that launches is compared to Apple's iPhone. Although many times
Android handsets fall short, the Galaxy Nexus is unarguably the best
answer yet to the iPhone 4S. As mentioned, it features a bigger screen,
LTE connectivity, and a design that appeals to consumers. As long as
the Galaxy Nexus comes in at the right price and is available to enough
carriers, Android customers that don't want any part of the iPhone
might just flock to Samsung's latest device.
10. Google's involvement
Although Google doesn't get directly involved in every new Android
device that hits store shelves, when it does, courtesy of its "Nexus"
name, it matters. In fact, the company is trying to use that stamp as a
way to help customers determine which devices on store shelves are
capable of delivering the most value to them. As a result Google's
involvement with the Galaxy Nexus is huge for Samsung and it helps put
its device ahead of the rest of its Android-based competitors.
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