Database Users

Is the Nexus S the best 3.7 - 4.0 inch phone available?

This isn't really a question, but more of a discussion. I know a lot of you love the Nexus S because of its size. And I just bought one for precisely that reason: 4.0" seems perfect. I currently have a Gnex and 4.65" is just a bit large. I had a One X for 3 weeks, and 4.7" was definitely too large. My wife has a GS2, and even 4.3" is a little bit too large.
Is the Nexus S the best phone in the 3.7 - 4.0 inch range that is available? That's 9.4 to 10.2 cm for those of you on the metric system =P
I think software-wise and dev-support wise, the answer is clearly yes. But what about hardware wise? There certainly don't seem to be many high-end smaller phones these days, and I think that's a shame. I'd love to see a high end (dual-core, 1GB ram, 300+ppi pixel density) 4" android phone!

I'd look to Sony phones with that size, also nice looking hardware and options. But as for upgradability and community nothing beats a Nexus.

For me no, 4.3 inch is perfect size. But this phone feels so good in hand
Sent from my Crespo using xda app-developers app

Now that we know that despite being what, 1 or 2 years older than it's larger sibling and cousins, it's still going to get the latest and greatest version of vanilla android, and thus more awesome custom ROMs from our talented developers, my answer to your question is:
HELL YEAH!!! :victory:

The sony xperia p and galaxy S advance have much superior hardware. BUT they are still stuck on GB when we will be getting JB very soon lol.

like the 4" phone size...hope there is a new nexus in this range during this xmas (by sony or htc hopefully)

nolook said:
like the 4" phone size...hope there is a new nexus in this range during this xmas (by sony or htc hopefully)
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A new 4" nexus would be awesome.
-Sent from a GSM Galaxy Nexus (RAScream+Trinity).-

chrikenn said:
A new 4" nexus would be awesome.
-Sent from a GSM Galaxy Nexus (RAScream+Trinity).-
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It seems Google really wants button less devices to work so I doubt a nexus would be under 4.3 at the minimum since that would fit in the Nexus S footprint without buttons.

LG optimus X2
Motorala Atrix
SGSII (4.2 inches tho)
Sony Xperia P
Are all much more powerul than the Nexus S and have a 4inch screen.

063_XOBX said:
It seems Google really wants button less devices to work so I doubt a nexus would be under 4.3 at the minimum since that would fit in the Nexus S footprint without buttons.
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I could live with that too
-Sent from a GSM Galaxy Nexus (RAScream+Trinity).-

i would love next nexus to have screen size at around 4,5inches, but not at costs of carrying mini tablet in my pocket.
hopefully they will use front panel more efficiently , with more scrren and less bezel.

Overall impressions, coming from a GS3

Many people considered me crazy for leaving my AT&T branded GS3 for the N4, many thought I was downgrading, dropping LTE in favor of the stock android experience.
After spending half the day with my phone I can honestly say this was the best decision I have made when it comes to technology.
The phone feels rock solid and high quality. The screen is a drastic improvement from the pentile AMOLED, the whites actually look white and the icons/text stands out a bit more and is more well defined.
TBH I don't really notice the benefits of the quad core over the dual core that the GS3 runs, it still feels just as snappy/responsive. I also don't miss the home button at all. I will have to get some kind of protection/grip though, which is fine because the back isn't as impressive as the pictures lead it to be, most people wont see the pixelation design unless they are under a light.
The battery/storage may be a problem but so far it isn't a dealbreaker.
This actually feels like a phone that I wouldn't/dont need to upgrade, it's that good.
So you can keep your LTE, home button, and pentile screen GS3, I think I'll be happy with the global development here and hope to contribute where I can

Size of screen
Hi, I m from (karachi) Pakistan,I have a question from you because you have come from Galaxy S3. Is Nexus 4 display is wider then Galaxy S3 and Optimus G ? currently i am using Htc One X its display is taller not wider, i need wider screen in just 4.7 inch space, plz suggest me which one has wider screen, because i have to make order via online thats why i cant check the screen size of Nexus 4 and Optimsu G and they are not available in Pakistan except Galaxy S3, Thankx

mastarifla said:
Many people considered me crazy for leaving my AT&T branded GS3 for the N4, many thought I was downgrading, dropping LTE in favor of the stock android experience.
After spending half the day with my phone I can honestly say this was the best decision I have made when it comes to technology.
The phone feels rock solid and high quality. The screen is a drastic improvement from the pentile AMOLED, the whites actually look white and the icons/text stands out a bit more and is more well defined.
TBH I don't really notice the benefits of the quad core over the dual core that the GS3 runs, it still feels just as snappy/responsive. I also don't miss the home button at all. I will have to get some kind of protection/grip though, which is fine because the back isn't as impressive as the pictures lead it to be, most people wont see the pixelation design unless they are under a light.
The battery/storage may be a problem but so far it isn't a dealbreaker.
This actually feels like a phone that I wouldn't/dont need to upgrade, it's that good.
So you can keep your LTE, home button, and pentile screen GS3, I think I'll be happy with the global development here and hope to contribute where I can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I m from (karachi) Pakistan,I have a question from you because you have come from Galaxy S3. Is Nexus 4 display is wider then Galaxy S3 and Optimus G ? currently i am using Htc One X its display is taller not wider, i need wider screen in just 4.7 inch space, plz suggest me which one has wider screen, because i have to make order via online thats why i cant check the screen size of Nexus 4 and Optimsu G and they are not available in Pakistan except Galaxy S3, Thankx

NadeemMemon said:
Hi, I m from (karachi) Pakistan,I have a question from you because you have come from Galaxy S3. Is Nexus 4 display is wider then Galaxy S3 and Optimus G ? currently i am using Htc One X its display is taller not wider, i need wider screen in just 4.7 inch space, plz suggest me which one has wider screen, because i have to make order via online thats why i cant check the screen size of Nexus 4 and Optimsu G and they are not available in Pakistan except Galaxy S3, Thankx
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The n4 had a screen resolution of 1280x768. The galaxy s3 has a resolution on 1280x720. So width wise the n4 has almost 7% more pixels showing. Without know the screen measurements sans bezel I'm not sure how bog the difference in width is though.
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using xda app-developers app

Who is upgrading to the Ultra Mini?

I mean the phone is a RAZR M "2" if there ever was one right down to the shape of the bottom of the phone. Besides the screen resolution getting bumped up to HD from qHD, 10MP camera and typical processor/GPU upgrade doesn't seem much different than a M on a 4.2.2 ROM (don't see much blur at all, even stock android icons).
Thing is I want to support small phones with all the horsepower and features of the larger flagships (unlike HTC and Samsung do with their minis) so I feel a NEED to support it and make it a smashing success... but it seems even less significant then going from I iPhone 4 to 4S.
Also does anybody think the cloud and no hands wake software will make it to an official RAZR M 4.2.2 update... if there will even b a 4.2.2 ( who u gonna cloud share with it only people with the latest Motorola devices have it?)
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

As much as I'd love a spec bump, I am not a fan of the overall design of the phone. The hyperglaze coating on the rear and capacitive navigation buttons are a deal breaker. Plus, I don't expect this phone to have the type of Dev support the 2012 line had.
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium

What, I didn't even realize those were capacitive buttons! I don't like that either but I guess 4.3" of screen is really 4.3" of usable space (should have made PIE controls instead). Does the regular ultra have those too?
Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Nexus 7 (2013) or LG G Pad 8.3?

I'm about to sell my Nexus 10 to buy a smaller tablet. The Nexus 10 is great but it's too big to use comfortably daily. Playing games is almost impossible and holding the tablet in portrait it's too uncomfortable.
I've narrowed it down to the new Nexus 7 or the upcoming LG G Pad 8.3. I prefer the LG because 8 inches seems to be the perfect screen size for gaming, video playback, web browsing and PDF reading.
The Nexus 7 has great price, updates, great stock experience and it's already available. But I feel I would get tired of the small screen too quickly. Reading PDFs would be almost impossible, as well as web browsing.
I've been thinking about it for days and still can't decide.
Do you guys that own the Nexus 7 feel the screen is too small after a few months with it? I'll be using the new tablet at home always. I think the LG is great because it's the first 8 inch tablet with 1080P screen. The snapdragon 600 inside is also better and the battery is bigger also, but I know I wouldn't get updates. This wouldn't be too much of a problem if the tablet works for me. I think I could keep an 8 inch tablet longer than a 7.

No. In fact I think the size is perfect. Its wide enough to hold in one hand comfortably (portrait). It fits in my front jeans pocket (barely). Big enough to do whatever on.
The N7 uses an under clocked S600. It has updated cores and GPU. I don't know why they called it an S4 Pro. So speed wise you will see very little difference.
LG never supports their products. It will probably come out with 4.2.2 just as we're getting 4.4. They have horrible update schedules. You're lucky to get one OS update before EOL. Development on them are also lacking. They usually come locked without an easy way to unlock. The LG G2 is rooted by a special method but remains locked.
It will probably never see an update past 4.4
I wouldn't pick a LG device unless I gave it several months to settle and see where it ends up with updates and dev. They make some great hardware but really botch up the software and support. The G2 seems like a great phone out of the box but will be left in the dust in a few months. Take your chances with their tablet but think about one thing:
How well will you like it in a year when the N7 has the latest and greatest Android (5.0?) and cool ROMs and mods, and you're stuck on an iffy modified stock rom with no support?
I left the Nexus line once, and it was rough.
The 7" is very nice because you want to downsize for toting. It fits easier into your coat pockets and lighter. 7 and 8 inches aren't that different unless you are comparing. Standalone you won't even notice the difference.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Actually the N7's 7 inch display isn't too small for PDF and web browsing. Given its retina grade PPI, words are crisp even when they are zoomed out. I've been using it for my classes which I read PDF PowerPoint slides on daily basis, and I am happy with it. :good:
7 inch is also the largest you can get for comfortable 1 hand use with portrait mode. 8 inch tablets has to be held with 2 hands even in portrait.

You lay down, put tablet on your belly. Can be held with one hand...
So size doesn't matter.
Reading? n7 is good... No more headaches.
Oh well go with n7 and next year maybe a nexus8 will come out.

It sounds like you've answered your own question, you find 7" tablets to small. Both are excellent tablets, you can't really go wrong with either of them.
I've not used a Nexus 7 but have used a Galaxy Tab 2 7" and I thought the size was great for what it was, small, pocketable but 7" tablets are rather small for day to day use (they're fine for reading PDFs though, Kindles are even smaller).
Personally I find 10" tablets to big.
For me the iPad Mini is pretty much the perfect tablet size but Apple products interest me not. I was interested in the Galaxy Tab 3 8" but oddly for Samsung their Galaxy Tab specs are low. I understand both the Galaxy Tab 3 8" and LG G Pad 8.3 are roughly the same size and crucially aspect ratio as the iPad Mini.
It's the wider nature of 8" tablets that interest me and of course the LG G Pad 8.3 is a much better tablet than the Galaxy Tab 3 8".
Sure I doubt LG will upgrade the version of Android much (if at all), their track record is poor but you know what Android 4.2.2 is already a decent version of Android and it's not as if Android 4.3/4.4 add much.
Yes not getting Android 5.0 (possibly) would irk me but it's all about the size and aspect ratio with a tablet for me and 8" tablets are the "sweet spot". Plus I like the look of QSlide, it doesn't look as useful as Samsung's Multi-Window but is the next best thing. Being able to display two apps at once on a tablet is genuinely useful.
p.s - IMO this whole phones/tablets not getting the latest Android version is overrated, you've still bought a decent product (hopefully) and the past few Android upgrades have been minor anyway. Android 4.0 came out 2 years ago!

Reading is amazing especially with Play Books on N7
Sent from my MIZ Z1 using Tapatalk 4

I think the LG is better. But nobosy knows when it will be released..

I had the Nexus 7(2013) and returned it because of the nonfunctional GPS and random reboot issues. From what I understand, the GPS now works, but the reboot issues persist, and some still complain of multitouch issues.
I've got the LG G2 and it's the best phone I've ever owned. With that said, I'm looking forward to the G Pad. The Q-Pair software looks really slick, in that you can tether to your phone(supposedly any Android phone) for a data connection with one click. It will also send and receive texts and phone calls from a connected phone.
As to the comments about one handed use, the G Pad is a hair under 1/2" wider than the Nexus 7, thanks to the thin bezel. LG supposedly studied average hand sizes to come up with comfortable overall dimensions.
I'd say if you want the bleeding edge latest-greatest version of Android, and can live with the smaller screen, Asus build quality, and random reboots, go with the Nexus 7.
If you don't mind slow or no software updates, but want a bigger screen, most likely superior build quality, and hopefully no random reboots, go with the G Pad 8.3. That said, I'd still wait for it to hit the market to see if any serious issues surface.

I'm in the same situation as you. I currently have the nexus 7 and love the screen quality and all. It's good for reading super small texts but I've always felt like 8 inch screen was the perfect size. I'm waiting to see when the lg comes out and the price. If it's $299, that's a bargain and I'm probably gonna sell my nexus 7 and get the LG. I'm not too worried about software with the LG because I know I'm gonna end up rooting it and installing AOSP on it eventually.
Also I feel like the nexus 7 doesn't have a great build quality. my nexus 7 most likely has a grounding issue (ie: I have touches not registering when I place it flat on my bed or table) but who knows maybe lg will have the same problem. I would say wait for lg to come out, play with it, then make your decision

LG is terrible with releasing updates for their products. I'd actually wait a bit to see if the dev community does anything for it. I had a phone from them that they basically stopped doing updates for a month after it was released, rendering it useless. I had bought it on the basis that they were going to release an update for it, and after a year, they didn't.

My Nexus 7 2013 have been great, and have neither multitouch or random reboot issues. If the Gpad can be rooted/unlocked/restored as easily as Nexus 7 and have a Dev community just as large I might consider it. Otherwise I prefer the Nexus 7.

I have an N7 2013 running PA to get the Tablet UI, which I feel works much better than Phablet mode (lots more real estate).
I do feel the N7 bezels are a waste and would much prefer an 8" tablet with much smaller bezels. I had an iPad mini before the N7 (my wife has it now!) and as much as iOS is boring, it worked much better as a tablet in terms of its size. So I'm thinking the LG would close that gap.
Like others, however, I feel it would need to be BL unlockable to make the switch. I have hope only because it's a WiFi only device, thus no carriers to be beholden to.

LG G Pad 8.3 to be available October 14th in Korea and other markets by the end of the year.
Price: 510$.
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

I love the new N7. I just got rid of my iPad 3, it was big and of course boring. I'm not experiencing any of those issues, I rooted and unlocked it straight outta the box, still running stock ROM. It's great for web browsing and everything else of course. I personally think this is the best tablet on the market. You can't go wrong with price, usability and support from Google and XDA.

For on the go, I like the 2013 N7. My 2012 got really laggy even after the update. There are a few bugs still with the touch response, but its better now. Ill still use an iPad 3 at home, mainly because the wife prefers Apple. The LG looks like it could be nice, but not for the rumor prices.

It's really about the tradeoff you want to make. The new N7 is great and it wins where Nexus devices win: frequent updates, freedom to flash and competitive pricing. If you're a person (like me) who likes to muck about a lot, there's no alternative. With non-Nexus devices, I think you have to ask yourself if you're potentially comfortable with that device as-is for the entire time you own it. If it never got a new feature or the newest OS base and the like, would you be satisfied with the purchase? If you feel good saying yes to that, it sounds to me like the screen size is a big feature for you, so I'd go that way. If you're putting your faith in an OEM to fix or improve software, there's history to support the conclusion that you will generally be disappointed, as a rule of thumb. Just go into the purchase with your eyes open to that likely scenario and you'll be fine.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Today I went to a store to try again the Nexus 7 and I think I'm sold. Great screen, great materials, very nice to hold with one hand, stock android, etc. Then I tried the Note 8.0 and Tab 3 8.0 and they felt heavier and my hand got tired much quickly than with the Nexus 7. Screen was not that bad, but comparing touchwiz to stock on the Nexus 7 showed me again stock is better for a tablet.
I'm not gonna wait for the LG. Will try the Nexus 7 for a week and see how that goes.

Fistly, for comparing, we must try in hand G8.
I bought a month ago N7 lte, and now thinking to try G8, and if it will be the same in tactical feelings i prefer 8 inch vs 7 inch.
10 inches is big for mobility, 7 - small for reading. 8 - best compromise.
And of course, price is one more important factor.

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
This tablet is great. Bought it today to replace my Nexus 10, which is a great tablet but I just can't use it comfortably holding it for hours. Too heavy and big. Playing games was impossible, as doing almost everything else.
I wasn't quite sure about 7 inches, but after a couple of hours playing with the device I can say it's great. It's AWESOME being able to hold the tablet with one hand for long periods of time without problems.
The screen is even better than the one in my Nexus 10: more bright and better colors. It just pops out.
The performance is great also. It may be slightly slightly faster and more fluid. It's great having such a good GPU: the adreno 320. I've gotalso more RAM available now, since with the Nexus 10 we were losing more and more RAM with every update Google released. They were giving more memory to the GPU and in the end I only had 500MB free. Now I have 1,2GB! This is after all apps installed and everything obviously.
It's so light and comfortable. In the end this is the most important feature.
I'm super impressed with the quality of the speakers! So loud and clear! I got the 32GB model for 249. Great price.
I can definitely see that Google has put more care in the software performance of this device than on the Nexus 10. Performance is consistent, no lags, no reboots or freezes for now. Even touch response is better than on the Nexus 10. Trust me.
I can finally play games comfortably and do everything without having to hold in my hands such a huge tablet. No more 9 inch tablets or bigger for me thanks. Even 8 inches seems big now. I actually tried the Note 8.0 and Tab 3 8.0 on the store before buying the Nexus 7 and they weren't as comfortable to hold as the Nexus 7. The plastic was horrible and it slips out of my hands. Touchwiz didn't perform half as quick and smooth as stock on the Nexus 7.
This is the best experience I've had with Android definitely. Can't imaging how Google will be able to improve this hardware anymore in the next versions. The materials are excellent, screen can't be better, loud speakers... and I'm even getting great battery life.
Now just waiting for 4.4. So happy right now. Selling my Nexus 10 this week.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

That's the conversion price. you can't go off of that because the US price will be different from the won price. example: the note 8 has the same won price as the lg g pad but only costed $400 in the US. the ipad mini was 640,000 won (vs 650,000 for note 8 and lg g pad) and only costed $329 in the US. only way to tell the true cost will be to wait until they release that info for the US, which is after South Korea so next!

[q] should i buy nexus 7

OK so I know I probably came to the wrong thread, but my question is aimed specifically at people who use the nexus 5 and also own a nexus 7. Is the screen that much of a difference? Is it worth being a companion to my pretty big nexus 5 or should I not waste my dinero and buy a mid range tab for a bigger contrast in screen size? I was thinking lg g pad cause of the processor upgrade from the nexus 7, screen size, and storage expansion. but it is early 2014 not sure if I should wait for this years tablets to come out and make a decision.

most people here are using the original nexus 7 from 2012,you can buy one of those for around $90 on craigslist or around 110 on ebay.
i dont have a nexus 5 but i own a droid dna and the nexus 5 has a slightly bigger screen but honestly,a 7 inch tablet is way better for reading or just laying down and watching a movie compared to most phones, even the bigger ones.
if i were you ,id get the newer nexus 7 tho ,its slimmer and has better specs,but the original can be bought cheap and it will still handle pretty much anything as the specs are not too outdated yet,

N7 is awesome. Its the perfect size and imo the best bang for your buck device
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Can we help you with Buying your Undies too.
I have a Note 2 phone with 5.5 inch screen. The 7 inch screen is so much better then even this monster phone.I also have a note 10.1.. I love the screen size on it.But it does not fit in my purse.
I would say yes its worth it ..But you gotta ask yourself some questions. How much money you are willing to spend. Do you need it NOW. How much storage space do you need. Do you need a network radio in it .
After you come up with the above answers if . question one is you have plenty of money and question 2 is you DO NOT have to have it this day. Wait and get the next greatest thing. a
Well you can figure the rest out.
I can tell you its a awesome device.. GET 32 GB Version. You will be glad you did.
Good Luck

They're exactly the same interface and software wise, except some apps are displayed in tablet mode, which is usually better but sometimes worse. Another difference is also that in landscape, the virtual buttons are portrait on the right on Nexus 5 and on Nexus 7 they are landscape on the bottom, wasting precious screen height. These virtual buttons are the only thing I hate about the Nexus 7, after removing them with apps in the Store, you gain a lot of screen space. However, Nexus 5 is 16:9, while Nexus 7 is 16:10, so the visible screen is more or less the same in the end.
I mostly use it in portrait mode because of that.
As I said, that is the only thing that bugs me about it. Otherwise, it's a great little tablet, great size for watching movies, series on the go (or in bed), it should play all games available in the Store and do all other unproductive things you can do on a tablet.
I had a 2011 Xperia Arc S before, and with it's single core CPU it quickly failed to play latest games, that's why I resorted to the Nexus 7.
Nexus 5, however, is newer, has the latest hardware and is capable of playing anything you throw at it, so getting a Nexus 7 is really only for extra screen size, but it does pay off. Maybe diagonal isn't the best measure, try screen area:
Nexus 5: 69 cm^2
Nexus 7: 142 cm^2
So the screen is actually double the size of the Nexus 5, and it's noticeably bigger when watching videos.
If you're going to mostly use it to watch videos, get the N7, if you're primarily going to surf the internet and read documents and such, I'd recommend you to check out the 8" tablets LG Pad 8.3 and Samsung 8" (tab or note), both come with buttons on the side and therefore have more vertical pixels (both 16:10).
Then there's also 2013 Nexus 7, with latest chip and 16:10 fullHD but it's quite pricier then its 2012 brother.
Why would you need a tablet for anyway? If you want it because it's popular, then forget about it. If you have other reasons, write them down, it's easier to recommend that way.

I would highly recommend the original Nexus 7 (as long as you don't need HDMI out) ts still a great tablet and works well and you can get it for a great price. I would highly recommend you DON'T get the 2013 it has known defects with the screen (do some research).
Sent from my Original Nexus 7 (because the 3 2013 models i tried were all defective)
using xda app-developers app

should I buy Nexus 7
rmn6 said:
I would highly recommend the original Nexus 7 (as long as you don't need HDMI out) ts still a great tablet and works well and you can get it for a great price. I would highly recommend you DON'T get the 2013 it has known defects with the screen (do some research).
Sent from my Original Nexus 7 (because the 3 2013 models i tried were all defective)
using xda app-developers app
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It works great for me, it is highly customizable, gets latest android,price is great for the 2012 model.

I own both, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2012). Have to say that N5 screen is awesome, but still N7 screen is nice and totally usable and it's so cheap, that you can later easily change to some other device if you want.
One good thing is that, the Nexus 7 is still supported by Google so you get official updates at least some time. When Google drop support, then you can always use custom roms.
Personally I buy only Nexus devices, because they get always best support from Google and maybe best community support.

Is there any noticeable lag if using the stock 4.4.2 ? For example newer games etc

martikung said:
Is there any noticeable lag if using the stock 4.4.2 ? For example newer games etc
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I don't play much games, but on normal usage stock 4.4.2 is working smoothly without any noticeable lag. And yes, you can't compare speed to N5, but old N7 is not bad at all if we compare example to N4.
Do you have some free example game(s) what you mean? I can test and let you know is it working smoothly or not... Maybe this info is useful to @BNNEBULA too.