Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250 Smartphone

[Humberto]

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250 expands its range of family again with a high-tech smartphone in the upper classes. It is a very modern touch screen phone, which works with the Ice Cream Sandwich already that is the Android 4.0 operating system. It is supported by a 1.2 GHz dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The Nexus has a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED screen, which is slightly curved and thus protects the display when it is placed onto a table. Already for $240 (without a contract, and depending on the shipping provider), the smartphone, in titanium silver color, can be purchased. The 5 MP camera has different settings and also a flash. The Galaxy Nexus has a standard headphone jack, which allows to connect standard headphones. Other features such as future-proof Near Field Communication technology (NFC), Face Unlock, Google services, as well as Wi-Fi, EDGE, HSUPA and HSPA+, score points to this somewhat larger smartphone. In the Google Play Market you can easily download selected applications, games and themes to personalize the Nexus. Let us take a look on how does the Galaxy Nexus proves in a practical test.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250 with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Processing features

The optical design of the Galaxy Nexus touchscreen phone is timeless. Although it is almost made up of plastic only, it does not comes with cheap but very solid quality. It is also not quite as a small size, but can still sit well in hand. The back is of titanium color. With dimensions of 136 x 68 x 8.94 mm and a weight of 138 grams, it can easily be carried in any pockets. The Super AMOLED display with HD technology is 4.65 inches tall and features 16 million colors. These are presented with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels and are perfectly sharp. Especially when watching videos and browsing the Internet, it is really convincing. The battery compartment cover of the Galaxy Nexus consists of textured plastic and can be opened by lifting. Although almost the entire housing is made of plastic, it's very well made. The metal frame, can sometimes unfortunately, not be recognizable because of the paint. Included is a short manual, headset, charger and a USB cable. Any standard headphones can be easily connected to the Nexus also.

Back of Samsung Galaxy Nexus GT-I9250


Battery compartment lid made of plastic


Loud - Quiet Volume button


USB and headset connection


Speaker of Galaxy Nexus

[Humberto]

Business and Data Features

1. Data connections -

• Bluetooth 3.0
• Bluetooth stereo audio streaming (A2DP)
• Bluetooth tethering
• USB Tethering
• WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Wireless Tethering
• Wi-Fi direct
• EDGE
• GPRS
• HSUPA up to 5.76 Mbit/sec.
• HSPA+ for up to 21 Mbit/s

2. Sound settings - Volume, vibration: Always, Never, only in silent mode, vibrate ringtone, default notice, Dialpad tones, sounds on touch, sound on screen lock, In Touch.

3. Reception and voice quality - The Galaxy Nexus has a great reception even if the network coverage is not even as good. At normal listening the vocal sound playback is only minimally covered but is still very natural. The voice quality of the speakers can still be described as good. If there is fairly high volume then low scratching can be noticed minimally but speech understanding is still far better.

4. Battery life (with normal use) - Up to 2 days.

5. Opportunities for entering new contacts - Google, contacts, favorites, contacts to view, import / export, accounts, settings: Display Options: Sort list by: first name, last name, contact name display: first name first, last name first; New Contact: name, make photo, choose from the gallery, Add organization: phone, Phone: Mobile, Business, Home, Main Number, Fax (Business), Fax (Private), pagers, Other, Custom, E-mail: Home, Work, Other, Custom, Address: Home, Work, Other, Custom, Dates: Date (enter year), Birthday, Anniversary, Miscellaneous, User Defined; groups (group name): Friends, Family, Co-workers, a new group; Another field add: Phonetic name, chat, notes, alias, web site, Internet calling, relationship, merging, discarding.

6. Calendar settings - Search, New date: date, name, location, full day of (date / time) To (date / time): on / off, time zone, description, repetition: One-time, daily, every weekday (Mon-Fri), Weekly (every Wednesday), monthly (every second Wednesday), monthly (11); memories: 0 minutes, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 1 week; Notification: E-mail, remember to: Show me as: employment, availability, data protection: standard, private, publicly; Refresh to Display Calendar, Settings: General Settings: Hide rejected appointments: on / off; Show week number: on / off; Week starts on: locale - Standard, Saturday, Sunday and Monday; home zone maintained: (off, home zone, delete search history ; reminder settings: alerts, ring tone select, vibration, pop-up notification, default reminder time: 0 minutes, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 1 week, Google Calendar: Dubbed, holidays, week numbers.

7. Built-in voice recorder (dictaphone) - Not available.

8. E-mail functionality - Connection type: POP3, SMTP and IMAP4. An email account can be set quickly and in a few steps. Of course it is possible to enter multiple accounts. The Nexus phone has no problems downloading emails. It also requires little time for it. Opening attachment, images, pdf, etc; in the e-mail, is displayed on the Nexus very clearly. Even if the attachments are a little larger, it can still be downloaded quickly. Most common formats are accepted by the Nexus.

9. Internet functionality - Selected Internet sites can be loaded on the Galaxy Nexus extremely fast. Thanks to HSPA+ for delivering speed up to 21 megabits per second download, Bluetooth 3.0 and USB support as well. The strong GPS reception is also positive. An excellent and detailed view is also presented for complex designed pages by the Galaxy Nexus. The Zoom function can be further used to read pages very well. Pictures, letters or smaller texts can, therefore easily be read. Bookmarks or saved windows are arranged in a clear view and they can be easily retrieved. The settings are easily configurable, but is quite extensive.

10. PC synchronization - The Galaxy Nexus is recognized immediately when it is connected to the computer. The mobile phone can only be loaded or used as a mass storage. The synchronization takes place smoothly. It is also possible to compare data with an existing Google account to sync. Photos or music, however, can be moved without a google account. Music can be transferred only on the PC. A USB data cable is included.

11. Other features - Google Earth, Facebook, Gmail, Google+, Latitude, Maps, Market, Google Messenger, Events, News & weather Places, calculator, SIM Toolkit, SoundHound, voice dialing, Google Search, Google Talk, Twitter, Clock, YouTube, etc.

12. Business Results - The quad-band Nexus phone supports EDGE, HSPA+, WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0. The Li-Ion battery with an output power of 1750 mAh holds up the phone pretty well. 2 days at normal use and for a phone with this feature is perfectly acceptable. The calendar functions are not to be criticized. Profiles cab be preset by the Galaxy Nexus as like most other Android smartphones, but different sound settings with vibration or silent mode can also be set up. An email account is set in a few steps. Retrieving the mail is usually done very quickly. Of course it is possible to create several email accounts. Web pages are easily found and the smartphone can display it with clear view with no difficulties. There is also the possibility of importing contacts from the SIM card. A USB cable is included. The Samsung has numerous facilities such as Google Earth, Maps, Talk, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Therefore, it seems even more interesting for the occasional user. Numerous apps from the Google Play Market can be selected to expand the Galaxy Nexus.

8.94 mm thin size

[Humberto]

Multimedia Features

1. Camera equipment - 5 MP Camera, Flash mode: Auto, On, Off, White Balance: Auto, Incandescent, Daylight, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Exposure: -3 to +3; Scene Mode: Auto, Action, Night Scene, Sunset, Party, camera settings: store location: a / off, image size: 5 million, 3 million, 2 million, 1.3 million, VGA, QVGA, Restore Defaults, Finishing options: Select, Group by: Place, Time, People, tags, passing on Bluetooth, Picasa, SMS / MMS Google+, e-mail, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, delete, slide show, edit: raising, highlights, shadows, Auto Fix, FX: Cross-effect, posterization, documentary, film grain, fish eye, heat, saturation, black and white, sepia, negative, color, duotone, Doodle, Blur trim, red-eye, align, rotate (drag photo to rotate it), put mirrors, Sharp, after the left turn, right turn, Crop details: title, time, width, height, orientation, size, manufacturer, model, flash, focal length, white balance, display time, ISO, path, set image as a Background, contact picture.

2. Camera quality - The camera provides useful results in daylight. Color intensity and shape rendering of the subject must not be criticized for the time being. Looking the same pic on the PC screen, it is quite disappointing though as the focus and momentum disappear from the photo. The shutter lag is acceptable. At dusk and/or at night, the camera can also yield strong results. However, it should noted that the distance to the subject should not be exceeded to 1.5 to 2 meters to get a proper camera result.

3. Video camera equipment - Flash Mode: On / Off, White Balance: Auto, Incandescent, Daylight, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Effects: Funny Faces: pinching, big eyes, small mouth, large nose, small eyes, the background: Click on space, sunset, disco, My, time-lapse interval Off, 1s, 1.5s, 2s, 2.5s, 3s, 5s, 10s, Video Quality: HD 1080p, HD 720p, SD 480p; settings: store location: on / off, Restore Defaults, Finishing options: Share: Bluetooth, SMS / MMS, YouTube, Email, Gmail, Facebook, delete, Slideshow, Details: Title time, duration, file size, path.

4. Video quality - Videos will not play with maximum detailed definition. If fast movements are done, then video camera wont give proper results. You will notice a few distortions, and the image will also look blurry. Outside, in daylight, colors are represented authentically. Under normal lighting conditions or in indoors, the colors remain intense. The adaptation to different lighting conditions is managed by the Nexus rapidly with almost no losses. In the darkness it can indeed produce results, but you should use the video light closer to the subject.

5. Features of the built in music player - Playback, fast forward, rewind, pause, stop, Newest, Artist: Play, Add to playlist, purchase music, search, album: Play, Add to playlist, More of the artist, buy music, search, title: Play, Add to playlist More of the artist, buy music, search, playlists: Recently Added, playlist name, genre: Play, Now Playing. Show/Hide options, on / off options, bass boost, 3D effect; sound effects: User Normal, Classical, Dance, flat, folk, heavy metal, hip hop, jazz, pop, rock, FX-amplifier, user equalizer Settings: OPRN-source licenses, Help (How to use Google-Misc), goggle-Music version; Title: Play, Add to Playlist buy delete music; Random Mix is ​​enabled / disabled; Repeat: Repeat all songs, Repeat the current one, Repeat is disabled.

6. Sound quality of the music player - The speaker of the Nexus, as like many current smartphones, is built on the back. Songs are still played quite clearly. You can easily make such fine-tuning on some songs that sound like something or have too much control over bass as a 5-band equalizer has been integrated, which can also be used without connecting the headset. Also, 3D sound and bass boost can be enabled. In general, the Speaker of the Nexus sounds a little louder and stronger.

7. Radio yes/no, sound quality radio - Not available.

8. Storage Capacity / position of the memory card - 16 GB of internal memory storage which cannot be expanded.

9. Multimedia Results - The user interface of Nexus phone looks quite tidy. The camera can be operated easily and has a variety of settings and features. It has no separate camera release button and can be triggered only by touch. The shutter lag is acceptable. The results of the 5 MP camera can score a little here. When viewing on a PC screen, it is rather disappointing, unfortunately, with too little momentum and loss of sharpness. Although colors are very realistic and not distorted, but they are weakened. As for the video recording part, in the darkness it can achieve good results if the flash / video light is used but it should be shot close enough (with a max. Distance of 1.5 to 2 meters) to the subject. The built-in MP3 player has a straight-forward features and a 5-band equalizer. The headset, which is included, can be replaced with any standard headphones. Radio has been omitted in this phone. The Galaxy Nexus has a 16 GB internal memory, which unfortunately can not be extended.

5 MP camera with flash

[Humberto]

Handling / Menus

1. Message handling - Contacts, recently, groups, favorites, subject to add, insert smiley Discard settings: Memory settings: delete old messages: on / off; maximum number of SMS, maximum number of MMS, settings for text message delivery reports, messages on SIM card; messages for MMS: delivery reports, read reports, automatically retrieve, automatic roaming call, notification settings: Notifications, select ring tone, vibration, write message, attachments: images, record video, video, record audio, audio, slide show, in SMS / MMS search; language settings and input: Language: Bahasa Indonesia, Catala, Cestina, Danish, German, English (UK), English (U.S.), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Estados Unidos), French, Hrvatski, Italian, Latvieviu, Magyar, Dutch, Polish, etc., spell checking: on / off; Personal Dictionary, keyboard input methods: Standard: German-Android keyboard, Google voice input; language: Language Search Language SafeSearch to block objectionable; text-to-speech Issue: Google TTS Engine, General: speech rate, listen example, mouse / touchpad.

2. Results - The Galaxy Nexus is not that flattering with its dimensions, but can be also operated with one hand (depending on application). Contact details are found and edited or added quickly, and a call can also be performed easily. The display can be read in direct sunlight or direct light more easily, but by changing some settings in the brightness option. Contents are clearly visible. The Home screens make it easier to quickly access the applications on the menu, which you can easily customize with the desired application. The 5 MP camera has a wide range of settings and MP3 player can be also operated very easily. The Nexus has an internal memory of 16 GB, which is also partially occupied by the operating system and cannot be extended, unfortunately. It is also very easy to create your own folders and move the data quickly.

Quick access menu

Overall Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus offers a very interesting and is a good quality product for a smartphone in the luxury class. The price of this phone usually depends on the provider and is $240 (recommended retail price). With its simple and elegant appearance, it certainly draws the eyes of a consumer. The acceptable weight also speaks for the Nexus. Although the dimensions of the screen size is 4.65 inches which is a bit bigger, but the smartphone still sits well in hand and can be stowed easily in any pocket. The Nexus is made up of matte plastic with titanium-colored frame. The battery compartment cover is unfortunately rather thin, but plastic textured. The 5 MP camera has a flash and is not able to score points since it is only able to produce mediocre results in normal to low light conditions. Viewed on a PC, you will come to know that, all the dynamics of the image and the sharpness isnt very convincing. The video images show an almost pixel-free display in low light conditions and fluid motion. At night or dusk it can still achieve good results when the photo light is used. The home screen of the Galaxy Nexus can easily fit with desired menu items. Simply touch the desired widget and drag and place it on the home screen. The internal music player has a good view with very nice graphics, easy handling and also delivers good sound. Fine-tuning can also be performed. With the 5-band equalizer it can be achieved quite simply. The equalizer can be also used without connecting the headset. However, the Galaxy Nexus is missing radio here. At the 4.65-inch AMOLED display with HD super technology, the Internet page design loads up very fast. Whether in portrait or landscape format, any selected pages are displayed properly. E-mail accounts are set quickly and can easily be dowloaded. The response of the touch screen is uniform and accurate, overall a good phone for multimedia purpose.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Smartphone