Finally, Google straightforwardly released the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat, instead of repeatedly crying "wolf".
Before the release of the Nexus 5, many of my friends were eagerly anticipating it, claiming it would be "the best phone of the year." Let's take a look at the first-hand reviews from The Verge, Engadget, and CNET.
In the Google Play Store, the Nexus 5 comes in 16GB and 32GB versions. The prices for the contract-free versions are $349 and $399 respectively, available in black and white. This time, the Nexus 5 finally supports 4G LTE networks.
Like the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5 is also manufactured by LG. As for the device specifications, let's recap: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz processor; 2 GB RAM; 4.95-inch 1080p display; 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front camera; 2300 mAh battery capacity; dimensions 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59 mm; weight 130 grams.
The Nexus 5 weighs less and has smaller width and thickness compared to the Nexus 4, yet the screen size has increased. No wonder The Verge remarked that the phone doesn't feel "huge" when held.
The design of the Nexus 5 is quite simple. There are no physical buttons on the front, with the word "Nexus" printed vertically on the back, and a small LG logo below. The back cover of the Nexus 5 uses a material similar to the Nexus 7, feeling soft to the touch with a pleasant texture, and it’s not easily breakable. The glossy back cover of the Nexus 4 was impressive but prone to shattering if dropped, leading to numerous complaints online.
Some have noticed that the power button, volume keys, etc., are made of ceramic material, significantly enhancing the quality and feel. Additionally, the button layout follows the standard configuration unlike LG's G2 which places the buttons on the back of the device.
The screen resolution of the Nexus 5 has been upgraded from 1280 x 720 to 1920 x 1080, and the size from 4.65 inches to 4.95 inches. The PPI has increased from 320ppi to 445ppi, resulting in an incredibly sharp display. Moreover, the screen is covered with Gorilla Glass 3, making it lighter and more durable.
What people are most concerned about is the camera on the Nexus 5 — the previous Galaxy Nexus left users extremely disappointed, and the Nexus 4 didn’t improve much in terms of photography — the camera on the Nexus 5 features an "optical image stabilization" design, allowing for clearer images. Furthermore, in Android 4.4, Google offers an HDR+ option, which works similarly to HDR by compressing multiple photos into one, improving image quality.
Google also provides a "wireless print" option in the "Gallery" app, allowing developers to easily add a "wireless print" feature within their apps.
Below are some sample photos taken by someone who got their hands on the Nexus 5:
Similar to Moto X, on the Nexus 5, we can invoke Google Now through voice commands ("Ok Google"). Additionally, swiping right from the home screen will also bring up Google Now. According to The Verge, the current version of Google Now can push notifications based on geographical location or frequently visited websites or favorite TV shows.
Moreover, the scope of information provided by Google Now has expanded, not only searching online information but also searching within apps. For example, searching for a recipe will show both online results and relevant information from cooking apps.
As previously reported, Hangouts now allows sending and receiving text messages and has improved voice call functionality. It’s like a combination of iMessage and FaceTime.
In terms of UI, the bottom toolbar in KitKat is now semi-transparent, and users can set certain apps to full-screen mode. Google has also redesigned the Roboto font.
However, the biggest improvement in KitKat is its support for lower-end devices — Google's measure to address Android fragmentation, but this comes at a cost, such as Chrome consuming 16% more memory than Jelly Bean.
On the Nexus 5, we don't need to worry about smoothness issues. Whether launching or switching applications, it's "super fast." However, just like before, there's still a slight stutter when scrolling through app pages.
Based on reviews from The Verge, CNET, and Engadget, the Nexus 5 is a highly usable, responsive, and beautifully large-screened flagship Android smartphone. The only remaining question is how long the 2300 mAh battery will last.
Official promotional video for the Nexus 5:
Cover image and internal pictures come from The Verge and Anirudhdewani.