The single SIM completely packed Google LG Nexus 5 handset is powered by 2.3GHz qualcomm snapdragon quad core processor running the latest version of Android – the KitKat 4.4.2 over a 4.9 inch screen with full HD resolution. Is it worth it? read on.
Nexus 5 box pack
The box contains the handset, SIM ejector pin, quick start guide, data cable, travel charger and earphone. The SAR value as mentioned on the box is 0.77W/Kg head and 0.648 W/Kg body.
Design, Display and OS
The Nexus 5 is available in black and white color options. The black color handset looks more classy and blends well with the almost black front screen. The handset is light weight at 130 grams with battery, it is 8.89mm thick, breadth is 68.85mm and the length is 137.04mm.
The top and the bottom sides are slightly curved. The rear side is made of velvety material with matte finish, comfortable and soft to touch. The left / right sides, top and bottom are using the same material. In general it feels good, its light weight and gives a good grip. The rear side has got a big Nexus text written in the center (landscape mode) that kind of looks odd.
The power button is placed on the right, volume rockers on the left, 3.5mm audio jack on the top and single speaker (dual vents) with micro USB port at the bottom. There is mic at the bottom and another at the top next to the 3.5mm audio jack for noise cancellation. There is the micro SIM tray just under the power button.
Unfortunately there are no dedicated navigation buttons and the big space where you would usually find those buttons is empty. In fact in the center there is a colorful LED notification (check video). Since the dedicated navigation buttons are missing you will find the dedicated on screen buttons that will take up some space.
The HD IPS display screen is 4.95 inches supporting resolution 1920×1080 pixels. The actual resolution is 1776×1080 as part of the pixels is assigned for the on-screen navigation buttons. The touch is very smooth and responsive.
Nexus 5 sails on Android 4.4.2 OS (KitKat) that looks livelier. Being a Google phone you can expect latest OS updates when released. There are accelerometer, magnetic, proximity, light, gyro, gravity and barometer sensors.
Memory and Storage
The LG Nexus 5 comes with 2GB RAM and optional 16GB or 32GB storage. For the review I have used the 32GB version. Of the 2GB RAM you get around 1.4GB free (on the first boot) and of the 32GB storage a single internal storage space of 26GB is allocated. There is no external card slot (the handset is completely sealed). OTG is not supported.
Performance
The Nexus 5 houses hammerhead board with Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8974 Krait 400 quad core chipset clocked at 2.27GHz coupled with Adreno 330 GPU clocked at 450MHz. The benchmark scores are impressive.
Benchmark scores
- Quadrant Standard – 8246.
- AnTuTu – 1st – 20306 , 2nd – 18266 , 3rd – 18165.
- Vellamo – HTML5 1447, Metal 1028.
- Nenamark 2 – 60.1 fps
- Multi touch : 10 points.
Gaming and entertainment
Since there is no external card support, I copied the data files of Modern Combat 4 and Asphalt 7 on the internal storage and the game got installed quickly with minimal download. I also tried the Asphalt 8 but during the install process it started downloading the full data – I did not have time for that.
The MC4 and the Asphalt 7 worked very well, am sure the Asphalt8 would have played exceptionally well.
The handset can play full HD videos with ease in fact I even tried playing a 4K video i.e. 2160×3840 pixels video at 23 fps that also worked pretty well. You can watch 4K videos on this handset, though you will get the same effect as 1080p.
8MP camera
The rear camera is 8MP with LED flash support and front camera is of 1.3MP resolution. The camera performance is very good in low light with flash and even without flash. The close up and long shots are very good and full HD video recording is also great though it takes some time focusing the subject in video recording mode.
Others
This handset supports 4G – I have not subscribed to 4G so could not test. 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth worked well. There is NFC too. The GPS is pretty good, got a lock in less than 10 seconds. Sound (speaker / in call speaker) is loud and clear. The speaker vents are placed at the bottom, so while playing games if you suddenly experience volume fluctuations you might actually be covering the speaker vents with your palm.
Battery
There is built in 2300 mAh battery that gives talk-time of up to 17 hours. I played the games for around 16 minutes the battery dropped by 9% and when running the benchmark apps for approx 22 minutes the battery dropped by 9%. The maximum temperature during the review was 44 degrees.
In general you can expect the battery life of about 4 to 5 hours when using heavy application / games using 100% CPU / GPU capabilities.
Verdict
The Google LG Nexus 5 is with the latest hardware and software. It has got a premium look and comes for a premium price. If you can afford, it is a good option, specially for the KitKat OS and any other new versions that may be released in the future. The Galaxy Note 2 is also available for around the same price, with Android 4.3 (not sure if it will get the KitKat update). Again depends on your usage, though some would want to go with the Stylus while others would want a more powerful handset – the Nexus 5.
Nexus 5 16GB is priced at Rs. 30,000 and 32GB version for Rs. 33,500.
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Google Nexus 5 handset and gaming review
Full HD video shot using the Nexus 5 handset
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