Galaxy Nexus & Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” Reviewed, Compared to Galaxy S II & iPhone 4S

kenlo · ‎11-01-2012

The Galaxy Nexus is the world’s first smartphone running Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” – the latest version of Google’s Android operating system. Android 4.0 includes new features such as improved multitasking, a data usage monitor, real-time voice dictation and spell checking, improved web browsing and using facial recognition to secure your phone.

In this article, we explore the Galaxy Nexus and the new features of Android 4.0. We’ll look at how the Galaxy Nexus compares with smartphones such as the Galaxy S II and the iPhone 4S and how to find out whether Android 4.0 will be available on your existing handset. Finally, we’ll look at how you can giffgaff your Galaxy Nexus.

What is the Galaxy Nexus?

The Galaxy Nexus (Samsung GT-I9250) is the first smartphone in the world to run Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich”. Manufactured by Samsung, the Galaxy Nexus is the latest in the line of Samsung’s “Galaxy” range of Android devices (other devices include the Galaxy S II, Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Note). The Galaxy Nexus differs from the rest of the Galaxy range in that it doesn’t feature Samsung’s “TouchWiz” user interface – instead it runs “stock” Android 4.0 with Google’s “Holo” user interface. One key benefit of “stock” Android is that Galaxy Nexus owners will always get Android updates immediately, making this phone ideal for anyone who wants to be on the cutting-edge.

Like many of the other devices in Samsung’s Galaxy range, the Galaxy Nexus sports an organic LED touchscreen display. With the Galaxy Nexus, the size of the display has been bumped up to 4.65-inches and the resolution has been increased to 1280x720. This positions the Galaxy Nexus’ display somewhere between the Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Note both in terms of size and resolution (the Galaxy S II features a 4.3-inch display with 800x480 resolution whilst the Galaxy Note features a 5.3-inch display with 1280x800 resolution). The design of Android 4.0 is such that hardware navigation buttons (e.g. back, home, menu) have been replaced with on-screen buttons instead. As the Galaxy Nexus doesn’t feature hardware buttons like other Galaxy devices, it is able to make use of that space to feature a larger display. The on-screen buttons are also contextual and will hide automatically when you’re browsing photos or watching videos.

The Galaxy Nexus has a 4.65-inch display: somewhere between the Galaxy S II’s 4.3-inch display and the Galaxy Note’s 5.3-inch display. However, because there are no hardware buttons in Android 4.0, it is able to accommodate a larger display in the same form factor.

Behind the display, the Galaxy Nexus also features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera for video calling, a LED notification light, GPS functionality (with a barometer to speed up GPS operation) and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology which will eventually allow mobile payments.

What’s new in Android 4.0?

Key enhancements in Android 4.0 include:

Improved multitasking. On older versions of Android, holding down the home button would bring up a list of the 6 most recently used applications. Tapping on the relevant icon takes you into the application. In Android 4.0, there is a dedicated “task switcher” button in the bottom right corner of the screen. Rather than simply bringing up application icons, the new task switcher features screenshots of the recently used applications. The new task switcher also allows applications to be closed by swiping them away to either side.

Multitasking in Android 4.0 (left) has been improved with screenshots of running applications and the ability to swipe away applications. The task switcher in older versions of Android (right) is much more basic.

Data Usage Monitor. Android 4.0 features a “Data Usage Monitor”. This allows you to see how much data each of your applications has been consuming and allows you to restrict background data usage for individual applications. The data usage monitor can also warn you if you’re close to approaching your monthly download limit (useful if you don’t have unlimited internet on giffgaff goodybags).
New keyboard, spell-checker & voice input. Like many other Android devices, the Galaxy Nexus features an on-screen software keyboard. Text input has been improved in Android 4.0 with built-in spell-check, a new keyboard and real-time voice input. Voice input makes use of Google’s cloud voice recognition service and is accessed through a dedicated button on the keyboard. Unlike in older versions of Android, your speech is recognised in real-time and appears as you speak.
New user interface. Android 4.0 features a new user interface dubbed “Holo” and a new font called Roboto. Key applications such as Gmail and Google Maps have also been given a facelift. Note that manufacturers often like to develop a custom user interface for their Android devices (e.g. Samsung Touchwiz, HTC Sense, Motorola’s MotoBlur) so not all Android 4.0 devices will feature the “Holo” user interface.

Android 4.0 has been redesigned with the new “Holo” user interface. Pictured is the Galaxy Nexus home screen (left) and the Google Maps application (right).

Android Beam. It is possible to share webpages, applications and contact details between two Galaxy Nexuses by touching them back-to-back. The “Android Beam” feature makes use of the NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality in the Galaxy Nexus.
Facial Recognition. Rather than entering a code or pattern each time, it is possible to unlock your phone using facial recognition in Android 4.0. The Galaxy Nexus makes use of the 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for facial recognition. However, this is a low-security option as “Face Unlock” can be fooled by a photograph.

In addition to all of the new features in Android 4.0, you’ll still have access to the same applications that are available on earlier versions of Android. This includes preloaded applications such as Gmail and Google Maps with free GPS navigation. 400,000+ applications are also available for download from the Android Market.

Galaxy Nexus VS Samsung Galaxy S II & Apple iPhone 4S: Comparison

Compared to the Galaxy S II and the iPhone 4S, the most noticeable difference is that the Galaxy Nexus has the largest display (4.65-inches compared to 4.3-inches and 3.5-inches). Other key differences include the screen resolution and the inclusion of Android 4.0 as the operating system.

	Galaxy Nexus	Samsung Galaxy S II	Apple iPhone 4S
Processor	1.2GHz dual-core	1.2GHz dual-core	1GHz dual-core
Display	4.65-inch AMOLED (organic LED)	4.3-inch AMOLED (organic LED)	3.5-inch TFT display
Screen Resolution	1280x720	800x480	960x640
Operating System	Google Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)	Apple iOS 5
Storage	16GB/32GB internal memory	16GB internal memory & up to 32GB micro-SD	16GB/32GB/64GB internal memory
Camera	5 megapixel with LED flash	8 megapixel with LED flash	8 megapixel with LED flash
Video recording	1080p, 30 frames per second	1080p, 30 frames per second	1080p, 30 frames per second
Battery	1,750mAh (8.3 hours talk time)	1,650mAh (8.7 hours talk time)	1,430mAh (8 hours talk time)
Text Input	On-screen software keyboard	On-screen software keyboard	On-screen software keyboard
Approx. price	Approx. £500 SIM-free	Approx. £400 SIM-free	£499 SIM-free
SIM card size	Standard SIM	Standard SIM	Micro SIM

All three devices are compatible with giffgaff and some great savings can be had by buying these devices upfront and using one of our giffgaff goodybags.

Updating your smartphone to Android 4.0

One of the key benefits of owning a “Google experience” device such as the Galaxy Nexus (or its predecessor the Nexus S) is that you’ll be first to receive updates to the latest version of Android.

Owners of other Android-based devices may also receive a software update in the coming months to Android 4.0 – however the exact schedule will depend on the phone you own and the mobile network that you purchased it from (mobile networks often make their own changes to the software). The update schedule for various Android devices are as follows:

It is also expected that many of the smartphone and tablets announced at next month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona will also ship with Android 4.0 pre-installed. This will dramatically increase the choice of Android 4.0 handsets available.

Using Galaxy Nexus on giffgaff

The Galaxy Nexus can be used on giffgaff providing it isn’t locked. It’ll take a standard-sized giffgaff SIM card and unlimited internet is available on your Galaxy Nexus from £10/month with one of our giffgaff goodybags. For details on setting up your Galaxy Nexus on giffgaff, see our guide to setting up internet on your Android device. If your Galaxy Nexus is locked, see the unlockapedia for articles on how to unlock Samsung smartphones.

Your thoughts…

Have you tried out the Galaxy Nexus? What did you think of Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” and what are your favourite features? In your opinion, how does Android 4.0 compare to iPhone and Windows Phone? Drop us a comment below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

stealthybigboss · ‎11-01-2012

nice I'm looking forward to ICS on zte blade

pillow · ‎11-01-2012

Nice post, can't wait for ICS to come to Galaxy S2

cinami · ‎11-01-2012

I read an article recently the ICS will be made available for the galaxy s, which I hope is true. I'm still on 2.3.3 and can't upgrade the firmware via kies.

I feel that Kies is the biggest drawback throughout the Samsung range. It's a dire bit of software and for people like me who a slightly to scared to root the phone and install custom ROMs then Kies is what we're stuck with.

If the Nexus uses stock ICS instead of using touchwiz, does this mean we won't have to use Kies to upgrade the firmware without having to root the device.

inspiron42 · ‎11-01-2012

I don't know why manufacturers have to add their own features as we only get rid of these by flashing a custom ROM if they do. I really like the fact that the ROM is clean with this phone, and hopefully runs a lot better for it.

kenlo · ‎11-01-2012

@cinami: With the Nexus, you receive all of your updates over-the-air (AFAIK it isn't even compatible with Samsung Kies). I've had several updates on mine already since getting it! They download automatically over wi-fi and then you're prompted to update & reboot. I think Samsung are moving away from Kies on the latest phones... the Galaxy S II has over-the-air update and "Kies Air".

inspiron42 · ‎11-01-2012

@cinami It is actually easier to flash a custom ROM than it is to use Kies. Manufacturers really have no idea how to get the best out of their products, and would really benefit from adopting improvements from the developer community. To give an example, my Galaxy Ace has 87 user aps installed with plenty space left for more, which is totally impossible with the standard product.

cinami · ‎11-01-2012

I am actually worried about flashing it though and I really REALLY want to. The trouble is i paid a lot of money for this phone new, not on a contract or price plan and if I screw it up I'm not in a position to get another one. Because I'm not confident with the process and worried about doing it.

highlander1v · ‎11-01-2012

Cinami go to you tube and input the make and model of your phone and you will get lots of video's on how to do it, watch them over a few times until you are confident of doing it, its quite easy really.

I had my HTC Hero rooted within a week of getting it and it was a lot harder process then than it is now.

matt1111 · ‎11-01-2012

A colleague of mine at voluntary work has the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The screen is very big, I'd probably be blown by the size of the Note, but the size wouldn't actually want me to have it. It isn't exactly pocket friendly. This might sound odd, but I don't really like enourmous smartphone screens, I prefer smaller ones, (hence why I got the iPhone 4S). As much as the iPhone 4S is a TFT screen (Thin Film Transistor) it would be wise to edit this post slightly and tweaking it to saying Retina Display because its a 3.5" LCD LED backlit TFT Retina Display (just say TFT Retina Display )

uk_lawyer · ‎12-01-2012

I have had an iPhone 4S and Galaxy Nexus and even to this day I am torn between the two.

Currently I have stuck with iPhone 4S purely because the camera on the Galaxy Nexus is dire for a phone of that price. For me that was the deciding factor, even if I don't use it a great deal.