Upgrade to Nexus 5? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have had a Nexus 4 since the end of August.
I've been given the opportunity to upgrade to a new Nexus 5. Should I go for it, or should I wait instead and get the Nexus 6 (or whatever it will be called) in October when its released?
Any fellow N4 owners out there who can give advice? I can't see any groundbreaking improvements...?
So far I'm leaning on sticking with the N4 for now, its not even a year old yet and does pretty much all I want to do on it. I'm a casual user, no root, stock KitKat etc.
Cheers.

Don't Upgrade. Wait the the next phone.

Next nexus device won't be announce until the end of the year or early 2015. There is no ground breaking changes in nexus 5 but it's definitely a nice device.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I would definitely take that offer
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I've bought the N4 because it looks better IMO, and the N5 is not crucial to me, the N4 hardware is more than i will need in the next 2 years.
But the price difference is not big, a new N4 is 250 and the N5 is like 325 euros. Still cheaper than HTC One or S4

Stay with the 4
Yes the 5 is better in many ways but if those better ways aren't compelling to you. Than its a pointless upgrade.
Same goes for any other upgrade. You will know when it's time to upgrade. For example when the phone becomes slow to a point when it's frustrating to use. When you actually can take advantage of the newer radios and bands. Like those folks who have a nexus 4 on att. If they have lte in the area that's a more compelling upgrade for them. If you play a lot of music locally and need the extra battery life the 5 and the s800 delivers doing that
Basically if somebody has to convince that you should upgrade. You don't need a upgrade

If you really want it then you should do it but i dont see why you need to do it so fast cause the nexus 4 has only some disadvantages which arent that important cause it has a good cpu,gpu and lots of ram it could even play gta sa with a little lagg if its busy and other HD games so i think it will even play all big games the next 2 years so decide:fingers-crossed:

Don't Upgrade, there's no big difference between the two devices in addition to you are a casual user as you say and really you don't need the n5

If you were a "hardcore"user, I would've said yes, but seeing as you yourself said you're more casual, than you really won't feel the difference.

Related

Nexus S: Still worth getting?

HTC Thunderbolt user here. I have an upgrade with Verizon in the coming month, but I'm considering leaving my line on the family plan to a sibling and getting a GSM phone with tmobile bands. Would you guys say a used Nexus S is still a good buy, or should I just jumo to the Galaxy Nexus? Can't convince myself that both extending my contract and getting the gimped VZW GNex right now though. Anyway, if you could share your opinions, I'd appriciate it. Thank you.
armada786 said:
HTC Thunderbolt user here. I have an upgrade with Verizon in the coming month, but I'm considering leaving my line on the family plan to a sibling and getting a GSM phone with tmobile bands. Would you guys say a used Nexus S is still a good buy, or should I just jumo to the Galaxy Nexus? Can't convince myself that both extending my contract and getting the gimped VZW GNex right now though. Anyway, if you could share your opinions, I'd appriciate it. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait til October when Google releases the new Nexus Devices.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Exit_Only said:
Wait til October when Google releases the new Nexus Devices.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
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I thought it was November?
Exit_Only said:
Wait til October when Google releases the new Nexus Devices.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless Google offers it at $350 also, probably priced out of what I can really afford. Though maybe it'd bring the GNex price down. Good advice. Oct/Nov is when my upgrade is anyway so I can decide then.
My 2 cents
The Nexus S is a fine phone, depending what you planning on doing with it. I would not recommend purchasing on a contract, but as an interim phone it should work great.
I personally found that I rarely used my phone as, you know, a phone and began resenting paying a high price for talk time I was barely using (Sprint). So I purchased a Nexus S off of ebay and use it strictly as a voip sourced phone using VOX over wifi.
To fill my need for a larger screen I picked up a Galaxy Tab (only $50) and use a 2 gig data plan with Verizon for $30/mo for when wifi not available as it comes with built in tethering. Though as an after thought I am wishing I went with the T Mobile 100/min and 5gig for $30/mo. The size of the Nexus S works in my particular case and easily upgrades to even JB so I am a happy flasher.
The Nexus S works great for a phone to have some fun while waiting for that next great thing, but might disappoint over the long haul against some of the current and upcoming monster phones.
If you're buying 2nd hand, I'd say GN is worth the extra 100$(€) difference.
Hi,
I had a Nexus S for years and, this phone ils absolutely perfect except two things.
No MHL compatibility: You can't put your screen phone on a TV or anything else..
No notification LED: I couldn't live without it after switching from x10 mini pro to Nexus S.
Last advice, if you get Nexus S, try installing SlimICS + Holo Launcher HD for a 2/3 day battery life by enabling the phone to only receive calls when the screen is off. (You can add things like sync every hours or such).
If you also want MHL, check for Samqung Galaxy S II.
It all depends on what you want. I like the size of the Nexus S. Its bigger than an iPhone, but way more portable than a Galaxy S3. The hardware is still decent. It runs JB just fine. Battery life is very good too.
Sent from my aokp_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2
Tmobile has been cheap and a definite carrier upgrade to ATT in my area.
I want real carrier and phone upgrades instead of incremental ones.
In your situation I'd wait for the Oct/Nov release to make the switch.
My Nexus S has been a 99.99% solid companion since it's release in 2010.
I've had power button issues randomly for the past week but the JRO03L update seems to have fixed it.
I've enjoyed carrier and handset stability that's noticeable compared to my friends.
I've watched my Verizon buddies complain about "normal" use killing charge ad nauseum.
I've listened to my Sprint buddies complain about absent ROM support for phones that drove them nuts.
My ATT buddies, well the service still seems to have the same call quality issues I had years ago.
Hopefully my next upgrade will serve me as long and as well until the next jump in carrier bandwidth becomes a must-have.
Mine is a champ. No plan to upgrade when my contract is up.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
Nexus S is still great phone and I will keep mine for long time. I will rather buy tablet then new phone.
xAyla said:
Hi,
I had a Nexus S for years and, this phone ils absolutely perfect except two things.
No MHL compatibility: You can't put your screen phone on a TV or anything else..
No notification LED: I couldn't live without it after switching from x10 mini pro to Nexus S.
Last advice, if you get Nexus S, try installing SlimICS + Holo Launcher HD for a 2/3 day battery life by enabling the phone to only receive calls when the screen is off. (You can add things like sync every hours or such).
If you also want MHL, check for Samqung Galaxy S II.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my plan to derail the thread, but you can use BLN technology to make the softkeys at the bottom flash or light up whenever you get a notification. Acts pretty much the same as a notification LED. Been available for over a year too.
It's okay unless you play vidya a lot on your phone.
No it's not worth getting now. It's a 2 year old phone and as good as it has been it's showing its age. It's struggling with the latest roms, very laggy and slow and battery performance isn't good. I'm rooted, running a nightly cache cleaner and occasional wipes and its still slow. Contract is up this week and its a toss up between the sgs3 and hox. Favoring the sgs3 on performance but the hox it's 5 quid cheaper every month. Not considering the nexus as I frankly find the nexus line boring.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app
nexus s is still nice to use. almost roms are support galaxy nexus and nexus s basically
Sent from my SHV-E210L using xda app-developers app
wait a bit
I'm in the same boat as you and advise waiting a bit till this winter or spring to see how all the new hardware and prices shake out. quad core is the ideal android environment.
No. Ex-Nexus S user here. Just broke my phone a month ago and switched to a 2nd hand Galaxy Nexus. GNex is so much better, and it's not expensive either
Same here.. been using Nexus S.. and still going strong.. I just don't find it economical to change my phone every year or two.. Since I've bought my Nexus S.. it has been a good experience.. plus with all this mods.. I feel like my phone runs faster and smoother.. So I think still good for another year or so.. So if you can get Nexus S cheap.. get it! hehe
I would get a newer phone. The nexus s is outdated man; and plus google is going to release a new phone soon. We're going to be waay behind and things are just gonna get slower for us I think. No matter how many roms we flash to see if we can speed stuff up; its gonna get slower and slower. That's just how technology is; it gets faster and faster and if the older stuff cant keep up, it dies out
If you can find one under $100 get it now jelly bean really makes it fly
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Sent from my Jelly Bean powered Nexus Snarf 4G

To buy or not to buy?

Hey I'm looking forward to upgrade my phone before Christmas and I wanted to hear some opinions. So how the title already says:
Should I buy a Nexus 4 or not and if not what are some good phone you can recommend?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I'm in this boat as well. It's a hard decision a the moment because every phone has a down side! Manufacturers could make perfect phones but then they wouldn't be able to sell new ones! I'm stuck between this and the One X. The one x has a better camera, screen and audio and 32gb storage the only thing that puts me off is the tegra 3 not thinking it's that great. On the other hand the nexus 4 has lots of problems and those stupid on screen soft keys would drive me nuts especially considering they don't go away in any games. Man it's a hard decision. May I add that the One X is only £80 more expensive and it seems to be getting better with every update.
I'm sure if you took the time to read through the countless decent threads, you'd find your answer.
As you guys are in Europe please don't buy it. Hopefully Google will send the stock of your countries to Spain so I finally will be able to get a N4. xD
I have had mine since last Thursday, and if I dropped it today and it exploded in to a pile of dust and my insurance gave me enough money to buy any phone I wanted... I'd still pick another Nexus 4.
The S3 it replaced on Jelly Bean was fast, but the Nexus 4 put's it to shame, the only thing it doesn't do as well is the camera, but that's about the least important thing on my list of things I look for, and the Nexus 4 ticks everything else.
Phil
I'll guess I need some hands on experience with the N4
I think its worth the buy and this is my own personal reason why (already bought it and owned it). If you go with either HTC One X or Samsung SIII you have the benefit of having the abundant of offline storage, their own personalize software (Sense or Touchwiz), and all the little feature that google cut out to maintain cost. If you go with the Nexus 4 you get teh benefit of having google support the software/update on your phone until it can't run it no more. You don't get that from HTC or Samsung. Even their flagship phones support and updates cut off ater 1 years MAX. Sometimes its even less than one year as they are already prepare to lauch a new flagship device. Seeing as how the One X and the S III already been out for a while now I think they will probably cut off in about 5 months or so. If you order it directly from google then its even better cause its almost 1/2 the price.
You should try it out before you buy, when you get the chance that is. I upgraded from a Samsung Vibrant, so this new phone was like an epiphany. It's very fast, smooth, and a nice device. It's also my first official Google Nexus device and I'm loving having JB 4.2. In the end it's you that's going to purchase the device. Make a list of what features you want and need, and then go down the list or let others know. Otherwise, everybody can say whatever they want about buying or not buying a device.
In my case BUY BUY BUY!
Very awesome phone. I upgraded from an S3 and couldn't be happier. However, good luck getting it before Christmas.
Thanks for your answers! Helped me a lot... I think I will go with the Nexus. I never had a Nexus device and even though I love the features of the GNote and all the other phones, I always complain about how long Samsung needs to update unfortunately for now there's no chance for me to try it out, but I think my Stores should get it on December 15th.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Is the N4 worth buying at this time?

Hey all, been rocking a Galaxy Note for about six months or so after unloading an iphone. Very pleased with my Note...love the screen size...but have to admit it's large size can be a bit of a hindrance at times. Have been seriously considering switching to a Nexus 4 which is what I originally wanted but was back ordered for too long. Problem is I'm torn on picking up what I believe is a great phone versus waiting another 6 months for the Nexus 5. I know the SG4 and HTC One are coming soon, but I have to admit, I really want stock Android without all the extra features which I find useless. Basically, is the N4 still worth purchasing? Or is it a foolish move this late in the cycle?
Thanks!
Htc One, not a major inovation.
Galaxy S4- they ran out of ideas.
I think the Nexus is still worth it, especially now, when its price went down a bit.
I was actually in a close situation about 2 weeks ago. I was basically up to get a new phone and was looking around for what to get. I wanted the Nexus 4 since launch, but my impressions of AT&T (the only provider in my area that is GSM) weren't good and I wanted to stick with Verizon. After months of waiting, I finally narrowed it down to waiting for the Galaxy S4 and signing a contract with the (again, opinion) superior service provider Verizon or switching to AT&T and staying off-contract with the cheaper phone with comparable specs. There was also the possibility of waiting for the next Nexus to come out (Nexus 5?) when it does.
Well, I decided on the Nexus 4 on AT&T and haven't looked back. I couldn't be happier. As far as Nexus 4 vs Galaxy S4 and HTC One is concerned, I am more than happy with my decision. The hardware is amazing, but the main reasons I'm so happy is the vanilla Android and the community. I love how Google really doesn't care about rooting and modding (it's like 1 or 2 commands in a command window to unlock the bootloader, that's awesome). Then there are forums like this that help you with stuff. Yeah, there are Galaxy S3 sections and they are helpful, but I just feel that the Nexus 4 forums are....I dunno...more friendly? more helpful? I don't know how to put it, but I just like the community better.
Now on the debate of getting a Nexus 4 now or waiting for the next one to come out. I actually liked being 6 months into the release. That way, you avoid back-order issues, and everyone has had time to develop and fix issues with ROMs and whatnot. 6 months in, all you have to do is read a "Nexus 4 101" sticky thread and they have step by step instructions for completely customizing/flashing/etc. it. I will probably continue waiting 6 months after release to buy a new Nexus phone for those two reasons.
Well there's my two cents. Feel free to consider it.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the insights.
Johmama, sounds like we're in very similar situations. After giving up on the N4 and going with the Note a few months ago, I made the switch from Verizon to Straight Talk. While it's not perfect service, it's 1/3 the monthly bill which allows me to forgive the occasional issue. That also is why I'm strictly debating N4 vs. N5 now. The purchase price of the Nexus line makes it very affordable compared to $650+ for the other options. Basically, by the time I unload my Note and accessories, it should be a pretty even swap, so cost isn't an issue. Just wanted to know if the device is still considered a smart buy. Seems like most are more than happy with it, so I think I'll make the jump.
Again, thanks for the help.
I came from the DNA, and was planning on just keeping this till ONE is released, but I'm keeping it. Sure I miss the screen size a bit, but I love this phone and am thinking I'm only gonna be a Nexus guy from now on. Its worth it. Also having good dev support is way cool
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
big70tom said:
I came from the DNA, and was planning on just keeping this till ONE is released, but I'm keeping it. Sure I miss the screen size a bit, but I love this phone and am thinking I'm only gonna be a Nexus guy from now on. Its worth it. Also having good dev support is way cool
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me! This phone is simply awesome! I have it for 6 weeks now and I really love it! Screen size, resolution, amazing hardware, amazing software, no bloatware,... Nexus is the way to go!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I just got my phone couple weeks ago cause I got a fabulous day on Craigslist. Full well knowing the HTC One is coming out I could easily sell this for a profit but decided this phone is not $300 less of a phone then the HTC One.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Get it while its still hot! but be careful when you hold it!

[Q] Buy the Nexus 4 or Wait for the Nexus 5?

I love vanilla android and the fact that nexus 4 will get all the google updates first.N4 has got awesome hardware as well...but since its just released in india i was wondering if i should buy it or wait for the next nexus(Not to be confused with S4:Google Edition) I'm a college student so i dont have a huge budget...about 25000 INR is fine so if you'll could tell me the estimated price of the next Nexus i'll be thankful
Buy Nexus 4, sell Nexus 4, buy Nexus 5 when it comes out.
Waiting game is silly when it comes to mobile phones. Nexus 4 still has life until its successor in November. If you need a new phone, get it. If not, then wait for the Nexus 5.
zephiK said:
Buy Nexus 4, sell Nexus 4, buy Nexus 5 when it comes out.
Waiting game is silly when it comes to mobile phones. Nexus 4 still has life until its successor in November. If you need a new phone, get it. If not, then wait for the Nexus 5.
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Click to collapse
my Wildfire S is spoilt and I have the choice of buying a phone now or fixing the S and buying a phone later
You've got 5mos. of wait ahead of you, no thanks.
And unless google loses the plot...which is has over and over again (hello google s4) they are going to price the n5 the same as the n4.
What nexus released in India?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I'd even wait another month or two after the Nexus 5 is released before buying it. We all know how terrible Google is at releasing new products properly. Avoid the headache, buy the N4 now, and enjoy it till next January or February. Then buy the N5. That's my plan this time around.
sn0warmy said:
I'd even wait another month or two after the Nexus 5 is released before buying it. We all know how terrible Google is at releasing new products properly. Avoid the headache, buy the N4 now, and enjoy it till next January or February. Then buy the N5. That's my plan this time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully Google learns from their mistakes in the past and have a better launch this time around.
Nexus 4 was so hot at the beginning that the phone could of had WAY more sales if it didn't have the delays on their phone.
You want a new phone now? Just get the N4. Don't let the "there's an N5 coming out later" mentality influence you, unless you know for sure it'll come out at the same price and is like 2 weeks later at the most .
There are diminishing returns on these upgraded hardware. More cores and Ghz won't do anything noticeable for apps compared to even the Galaxy Nexus which is nearing 2 years old. If I had bought the GNex last year, I probably would hang on to it for 2-3 years. I only switched from my previous phone because it never got updates and was buggy.
machoman1337 said:
You want a new phone now? Just get the N4. Don't let the "there's an N5 coming out later" mentality influence you, unless you know for sure it'll come out at the same price and is like 2 weeks later at the most .
There are diminishing returns on these upgraded hardware. More cores and Ghz won't do anything noticeable for apps compared to even the Galaxy Nexus which is nearing 2 years old. If I had bought the GNex last year, I probably would hang on to it for 2-3 years. I only switched from my previous phone because it never got updates and was buggy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched from Galaxy Nexus to Nexus 4 to give my Galaxy Nexus to a family member who was still using a Galaxy S1
but yeah... Galaxy Nexus -> Nexus 4 wasnt that much of a change. Especially when no significant Android versions came out (when compared to Nexus S > Galaxy Nexus). 2.3 to 4.0.X WAS HUGE.
Get the N4 for now...then sell it when ever the N5 arrives.
Wait for the Nexus 6, I hear that's going to be even better ...
Sent from my Nexus 4

[Q] Should I buy one now?

So, first a bit of backstory. I own an HTC Sensation 4G, rooted and running Android 4.2.2. I like the phone, but it is slowing down and I am looking to upgrade. Specifically, I want to get a Nexus 4 (surprise)! To the main question though, Should I get a Nexus 4 now?
Being 6 months old, I take this phone to be fairly recent. Also, having constant updates is great. Honestly though, will it stand the test of time and still be worth it another 2-3 years down the road? I mainly ask this question because I am graduating and money will (most likely) be involved for an end of the year present. Even if it wasn't, I am planning on splurging a bit. The question is, should I wait another 6 months or more? My Sensation works (for the most part).
Any responses are greatly appreciated, and thanks for taking the time!
I had a gs3 and upgraded to this a month ago and it was worth every penny. You will not regret your purchase. If I were you I would purchase one. And if you end up not liking it,you can always sell it for almost what you bought it for.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Just go ahead and buy one!! You won't regret it!
The Nexus 4 will definitely last you for more than 3 years, software wise.
Its one of the snappiest and most responsive phones out there. The hardware will definitely be fine for another 3 years. The S4 Pro Quad + 2GB ram is very good IMHO.
If you don't like try GS4or hTC1 nexus exp.
(But i didn't see the pro of GS4,1 cuz its no touchwiz,sense like smart stay etc.so its just overpriced N4)(big.LITTLE? ummm just normal 4 cores)
When it comes to "should I wait for the new one to come out?", I usually advise people not to hang on for too long. If it were a week before they might announce the new one, let's say a week before I/O, I'd say wait that week to find out, but as far as waiting 6 months for the possible release of the new Nexus, I'd say don't hold your breath. The Nexus 4 will be a darn-good phone for 2-3 more years so don't worry about that.
Besides, I actually like to buy hardware after 6 months of release if I can wait. That way, they have time to iron out all the wrinkles, to make small revisions to the hardware that they found needed changing after release. You get a more solid phone if you wait for those changes. I got mine 2 months ago and it's a great phone.
Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I've made my mind up to buy one in the very near future. Again, thank you all very much!
I too use to own a HTC Sensation. The only reason i got the Sensation was because i had issues with LG G2x. Anyway i last year around may i got the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The nexus 4 is a different beast all by itself. Yes, get is and you will not regret it.
Hopefully my exchange will soon arrive and i will see what comes out Nov. Never buying a NON nexus unless google stops making nexus
You should of had one 6 months ago when I sold my sensation! get it now and enjoy life.
I actually sold my Sensation last year for a GN. Trust me, nexus is the way to go.
Got mine today. I'll never pick my Senny up again! I love this phone
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
The deed is done. Thank you everyone for helping me with this decision and providing helpful advice. I can't wait to get it in the mail!

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