Soft screen buttons Question - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Planning to pick up the Nexus 4
I never owned a nexus before, so I never experienced soft screen buttons
Currently using S2
On paper is S2 4.3" vs N4 4.7"
But then with the softbutton on N4 would it be a smaller usable screen?

No. The Nexus 4 has more usable screen space.

It's not smaller, the buttons don't take up too much space, and when watching videos they go away, and when this phone gets cm you will be able to hide the navbar from the power menu until you need it

Related

does the on-screen buttons get in the way while you're playing?

I'm asking this because I have never used a nexus device before.
I have seen some photos and noticed that the on-screen buttons appears while gaming.
So isn't this a problem? I mean you can accidently touch a button and it will mess everything up.
Is there an option to make the buttons less sensitive while gaming? or is it not an issue at all and it's a matter of getting used to it?
Also what is your opinion about them compared to the buttons in.. lets say.. SGS3.. what is more comfortable in your opinion?
I'm really intersted in buying the Nexus 4 but first I want to make sure that the most basic stuff, the on-screen buttons, are efficient and comfortable to use so I'm waiting for your answers
I've had a Gnex since July and I love the on screen buttons. Never had a problem with them. I actually like them better than the capacitive ones because you don't have to reach as far to the bottom of the phone. I owned a gs3 for a couple days and it was difficult for me to reach the menu button and I have pretty big hands. Hope this helps!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I've never had a problem with them getting in the way. Some screens will hide those keys if neccessary.
How ever software keys does cause image retention, I noticed just this past week when playing a youtube video in full screen that the notification bar and software keys leave distorted display in those areas.
Not a big deal to me, will buy the LG Nexus 4
robbyf66 said:
I've never had a problem with them getting in the way. Some screens will hide those keys if neccessary.
How ever software keys does cause image retention, I noticed just this past week when playing a youtube video in full screen that the notification bar and software keys leave distorted display in those areas.
Not a big deal to me, will buy the LG Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That image retention is only because of the super amoled. Nexus 4 has ips LCD,issues like black crushing, burn ins won't be present
If it can help, custom ROM like Paranoid or CyanogneMod have an option in the Power Menu (when holding power button) to hide or display the NavBar. (Source)

Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution ?

As the days goes on and i look at that smartphone that i want it, of course, i ask myself (for the start) if is an optical illusion or i see right and what is about i talk:
compared wiht LG Optimus G, the screen is same but resolution could not be really same, cause a little space down is eat by the capacitive buttons (see in picture of Engadget review, below, or here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)
So, the ask is, Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution if 15% of that space is capacitive buttons and dont show anything else ?
beberobu said:
As the days goes on and i look at that smartphone that i want it, of course, i ask myself (for the start) if is an optical illusion or i see right and what is about i talk:
compared wiht LG Optimus G, the screen is same but resolution could not be really same, cause a little space down is eat by the capacitive buttons (see in picture of Engadget review, below, or here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)
So, the ask is, Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution if 15% of that space is capacitive buttons and dont show anything else ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it is...
every review say that One x's display is slightly better than LG one...so i made this question to htc forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33605612#post33605612
HTC isn't a screen manufacturer,so where they took the best display on the merket?
I thought the new LG display was absolutly the best one... :crying:
beberobu said:
As the days goes on and i look at that smartphone that i want it, of course, i ask myself (for the start) if is an optical illusion or i see right and what is about i talk:
compared wiht LG Optimus G, the screen is same but resolution could not be really same, cause a little space down is eat by the capacitive buttons (see in picture of Engadget review, below, or here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)
So, the ask is, Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution if 15% of that space is capacitive buttons and dont show anything else ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LG Nexus 4 do not have capacitive buttons. Neither do it take up 15% of the space.
Google posted the spec themselves, they would not lie about it, that would result in a class action lawsuit.
beberobu said:
As the days goes on and i look at that smartphone that i want it, of course, i ask myself (for the start) if is an optical illusion or i see right and what is about i talk:
compared wiht LG Optimus G, the screen is same but resolution could not be really same, cause a little space down is eat by the capacitive buttons (see in picture of Engadget review, below, or here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)
So, the ask is, Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution if 15% of that space is capacitive buttons and dont show anything else ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The important detail is that when watching full screen videos, the buttons auto-hide and you can use that screen space.
beberobu said:
As the days goes on and i look at that smartphone that i want it, of course, i ask myself (for the start) if is an optical illusion or i see right and what is about i talk:
compared wiht LG Optimus G, the screen is same but resolution could not be really same, cause a little space down is eat by the capacitive buttons (see in picture of Engadget review, below, or here: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nexus-4-review/)
So, the ask is, Does the display on LG Nexus 4, really 4.7" and 1280x768 resolution if 15% of that space is capacitive buttons and dont show anything else ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, 1280x720 is usable, the rest is used on the software keys
Not true, you took the value off the wrong dimension.
l0st.prophet said:
Not true, you took the value off the wrong dimension.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so I did, derp
Maybe 1200x768 then
The buttons take up 96 pixels vertically on the Galaxy Nexus. Assuming the same size, that leaves 768x1184 "usable" resolution at 4.45 inches.
so the screen is not 16:9 anymore...but 15:9 -->1280x768 pixels
so if we play a 720p video in landscape,we will have a black bar up or down the video?
nic85 said:
so the screen is not 16:9 anymore...but 15:9 -->1280x768 pixels
so if we play a 720p video in landscape,we will have a black bar up or down the video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The bar will disappear when watching videos.
Unconn said:
No. The bar will disappear when watching videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am not talking about the bar with 3 keys...
When will a company make a phone with on screen keys that don't take up screen real estate.
When you factor in the software keys the screen is closer to 4.4 inches.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
NardVa said:
When will a company make a phone with on screen keys that don't take up screen real estate.
When you factor in the software keys the screen is closer to 4.4 inches.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you expect them to make ONSCREEN keys without taking SCREEN real estate
supersain08 said:
How do you expect them to make ONSCREEN keys without taking SCREEN real estate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search for gnex fullscreen. There are several mods that let you hide soft navigation keys and replacce with gesture based navigation or something like the camera has in 4.2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKNgoLbml-4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
supersain08 said:
How do you expect them to make ONSCREEN keys without taking SCREEN real estate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Nexus 4 I would say put the onscreen keys in the bezel area. (Where the hard keys would go) It would make it a 5 inch screen in theory but at all times you would have the full 4.7 of screen real estate to use.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
NardVa said:
With the Nexus 4 I would say put the onscreen keys in the bezel area. (Where the hard keys would go) It would make it a 5 inch screen in theory but at all times you would have the full 4.7 of screen real estate to use.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you want a bigger phone, thus giving you more real estate? Easy solution: buy a Galaxy Note II.
abe in space said:
So you want a bigger phone, thus giving you more real estate? Easy solution: buy a Galaxy Note II.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no... im pretty sure he said he wanted a screen with a thinner bezel on the bottom so that with the on screen buttons, it looks only just bottom heavy (in terms of black)
There seem to be a lot of confusion about the screen size of this device due to google including the on screen menu buttons to the advertised screen size. I have made a lot of research on this topic and contacted several testers and here is the deal... Similarly to the Galaxy Nexus, the 4.7" full screen mode (without on screen menu keys) only activates when watching videos. No other apps such as games, gallery or browser support it. The external dimensions of the phone are those of any other 4.7" phone, but the usable screen never exceeds 4.45" due to the on screen keys always present, except for videos. 16:9 videos, due to the aspect ratio of the N4, will have black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, and won't be truly full screen either, but with a better 4.6" diagonal... Note that if you happen to shoot photos or videos at native screen ratio you will then have black bars on each side of your TV. A mod was made available for rooted Gnex to hide the on screen buttons and use them only when needed. Without it, the N4 is a big phone with a small screen compared to the competition.
drumist said:
The buttons take up 96 pixels vertically on the Galaxy Nexus. Assuming the same size, that leaves 768x1184 "usable" resolution at 4.45 inches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's perfect! I think a study showed that the ideal screen size for the average hand is 4.5" and that's pretty darn close and just right under it!
The left over screen size is perfectly fine and the fact that the soft keys auto hide make it much more convenient when doing things such as watching videos. The size of the screen makes me a happy camper!

[Q] Is it possible to make on screen buttons smaller to increase screen real estate?

Is it possible to make on screen buttons smaller to increase screen real estate?
Screen is 4.7 inch but with on screen buttons taking up space on the screen you only really get about 4.5.5 inches in my opinion (I could be wrong on the exact figure) of the screen to use outside video playback where the buttons disappear.
I know you can theme the on screen buttons, change colours and shapes etc.. but is it possible to make them thinner as I feel the N4 onscreen buttons are just TOO thick and take up too much of the screen.
Is there any way to make them thinner?
if so can you please include a link to the thread that explains how to or shows you can.
Thank you.
Paranoid Android AOSPA 2.99b8 is expected to bring that once it's uploaded
I've seen screen shots where the notification bar is moved to the bottom with the nav buttons on it. Not sure what mod/rom that is, but it's looks good.
Think that's the paranoid android one with the tablet ui
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
djsynth said:
Is it possible to make on screen buttons smaller to increase screen real estate?
Screen is 4.7 inch but with on screen buttons taking up space on the screen you only really get about 4.5.5 inches in my opinion (I could be wrong on the exact figure) of the screen to use outside video playback where the buttons disappear.
I know you can theme the on screen buttons, change colours and shapes etc.. but is it possible to make them thinner as I feel the N4 onscreen buttons are just TOO thick and take up too much of the screen.
Is there any way to make them thinner?
if so can you please include a link to the thread that explains how to or shows you can.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change the height of the nav bar with the aokp ROM
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Gripes with the SIII Mini

Well, I love this phone and I have been looking for something to replace my Desire S and nothing matched what I was after until the Mini came out!
Anyways, I have two gripes with the phone.
Firstly the PPI...why the hell give it such a low ppi compared to other phones and also considering the screen size. The Galaxy Ace 2 has more, so did my Desire S and when I compared it to my Desire S you could clearly see the lack of pixel density. A real shame, as that's the ONLY main feature I was let down by. With it being a S3 'Mini' you would have thought it would be a crisper screen.
Secondly is the power button during screen lock.
You can put the screen on with the power button, but hold and press again while on lock screen and it gives you the restart/power off options....
Is there away to stop that?
MalekoUK said:
Well, I love this phone and I have been looking for something to replace my Desire S and nothing matched what I was after until the Mini came out!
Anyways, I have two gripes with the phone.
Firstly the PPI...why the hell give it such a low ppi compared to other phones and also considering the screen size. The Galaxy Ace 2 has more, so did my Desire S and when I compared it to my Desire S you could clearly see the lack of pixel density. A real shame, as that's the ONLY main feature I was let down by. With it being a S3 'Mini' you would have thought it would be a crisper screen.
Secondly is the power button during screen lock.
You can put the screen on with the power button, but hold and press again while on lock screen and it gives you the restart/power off options....
Is there away to stop that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Number one: Blame pentile display
Number two: feature of almost all phones
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda app-developers app
Must be because the power button is on the side, so gets pressed more easily!
The screen PPI is still a let down, just adding 20 more pixels per inch would have sorted it
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Faint scan lines on screen when held in landscape, is this normal?

My nexus 4 screen is perfect in every way, except for this: when i hold the phone in landscape, i can see faint scan lines lines running accross the entire screen (horizontal in landscape). it is most visible in gray and blue, like the Currents icon and the Navigation icon.
The scan lines are not visible in portrait mode though. Maybe my eyes are more sensitive to horizontal movements (as the lines seem moving/running). Disclosure: i have perfect vision of 15/15, so maybe its just my OC eyes.
Do you see this on your screen when held in landscape? is this normal?
I had this issue. In development menu check hide hw overlays.
This should fix the issue
Sent from my Nexus 4
myturbo1 said:
I had this issue. In development menu check hide hw overlays.
This should fix the issue
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, that was fast, and you just made my day. It does help, i just hope it's not all placebo, lol.
No problem lol
Sent from my Nexus 4
myturbo1 said:
No problem lol
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an update: though fainter with the workaround, i can still see the lines in landscape on blue and gray colors. I recently passed by an lg shop where they displayed the optimus g which has the same lcd panel as the nexus 4. i went in to check the optimus g's screen. there were about 5 of them on display. AND i could see the same scan lines in landscape on each one of them. damn.
then i remembered from somewhere that LG also supplies the iphone 5's screen, so i went inside a nearby apple shop to check the iphone 5's screen. there were 3 on display and another 3 latest ipod touch (with the same lcd panel, unless i'm mistaken). AND i could see the same scan lines on all of them (although i must admit that it is less evident on the ipod touch screens, idk why). Apparently, not a few users could see the scan lines on the iphone 5. just google "iphone 5 scan lines" and you'll know what i mean.
There was one iphone 4s on display also, and the screen was the cleanest i've seen bar none. that was a puzzler to me because i thought everyone glorified the iphone 5's screen over the iphone 4's.
Bottomline: it is either one of two possibilities: (1) this is state of the lg's screen tech, except that i have overly sensitive eyes that are spoiled by the Gnex's screen; or (2) my nexus 4 screen just needs proper calibration, but so do all the lg optimus g and iphone 5's screens that i checked.

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