This Nexus 4 has caused a lot of ink to flow since the very first rumors… Was it going to be made by Samsung again? Finally, the Korean firm LG Electronics is in charge of production. What is this smartphone sold at a very aggressive price worth? The answer in this Nexus 4 test!
When Google released its first phone, called the Nexus One, it did so for two reasons: to show a path for builders to follow, and to give developers a tool to build on. At the time, many media were offended by the very disappointing sales achieved (both on the Internet and in traditional distribution), but that was not the initial objective of the telephone.
Since Google has approached operators and with the Nexus 4, Google is making a new bet: selling its smartphone on Google Play. He has already done this with the Nexus 7, which has received a very warm welcome and hopes that the same phenomenon will happen again. For this, the same strategy is implemented: sell the product at a very attractive price. This is how it will be available on November 13 in France for €299 in the 8 GB version and €349 in the 16 GB version (in Canada, it will be available at prices of $309.00 and $359.00 respectively).
The LG Nexus 4 will also be available via the operator SFR, which has an exclusivity (apparently temporary).
The Google Nexus 4 comes with the latest version of Android, stamped 4.2. Like 4.1, its name is Jelly Bean, proof that the new features are minor, but in the space of four months Google has still concocted more than significant improvements.
More and more people are now interested in Nexus terminals, because they offer Android without manufacturer customization and benefit from updates as soon as a new version is launched. A Nexus is also guaranteed to have about two years of follow-up (the case of the Nexus One), which was thus able to benefit from all versions of Android branch 2.
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Introduction done, let's now move on to the heart of the matter, namely the Nexus 4 test. Here is the plan:
| 1] Phone Overview | 5] Communication and Internet |
| 2 ] Owner's tour | 6] Camera and multimedia |
| 3] Screen | 7] Performance and battery life |
| 4] Android 4.2 | 8] Conclusion |
1] Presentation of the phone
1.1] The box
The version we have does not have the official box . On the official page of Google Play, we learn its content:
1.2] Technical characteristics
While the Nexus One was ahead of its competitors, in terms of hardware specifications, the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus were slightly revamped Galaxy S and S2. But this year, the LG Nexus 4 is at the forefront, notably with the quadruple-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, which still equips very few terminals (the Xiaomi Mi-Two for example).
| Model | LG Nexus 4 |
|---|---|
| Version | Jelly Bean (4.2) "pure Android experience" |
| Screen | 4.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1280 x 768 pixels (HD) |
| True HD IPS Plus capacitive and multi-touch (10) | |
| Pixel density | 318 ppi |
| Shock & scratches | Yes (Corning Gorilla Glass 2) |
| Processor (CPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 quad-core clocked at 1.5 GHz |
| Graphics chipset (GPU) | Adreno 320 |
| RAM ) | 2 GB |
| Internal Memory | 8 or 16 GB |
| Support microSD-HC | No |
| Digital camera / Camera | 8 megapixels |
| Webcam (front camera) | 1.3 megapixels |
| Video | 1080p @ 30 fps | < /tr>
| SIM card | Yes (microSIM) |
| WiFi | Yes, a/b/ g/n + dual bandband |
| DLNA / WiFi HostpotBluetooth Hotspot / USB Hotspot | Yes / YesYes / Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.0 + A2DP |
| Networking | HSDPA 21 Mbps and 42 Mbps (Dual Carrier)< /td> |
| NFC (Near Field Communication) | Yes |
| Compass / GPS / Barometer | Yes / Yes / Yes |
| Accelerometer / Gyroscope | Yes / Yes |
| Sensor proximity and light | Yes / Yes |
| 3.5 mm jack output | Yes |
| Micro-USB / HDMI port | Yes / No |
| Battery | 2100 mAh |
| Dimensions | 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm |
| Weight | 139 grams< /td> |
| Recommended retail price | 299 euros (8 GB)349 euros (16 GB) |
Behind these official specifications, here is some more detailed information on the on-board hardware:
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 processor
Gobi MDM9215 baseband
LG “TrueHD IPS+” display with ZeroGap technology
Sony Exmor R IMX111PQ camera
Sony IMX119 front camera
2] Owner's turn
2.1] General appearance
LG Electronics has rarely been criticized for the manufacturing quality of its phones, the Korean firm has always associated technology with design, since the 1950s and the emergence of the concept of industrial design. By partnering with manufacturer LG Electronics, Google therefore had to benefit from the skills of its partner in order to develop a distinctive product that offers customers the best value and the most beautiful design. The Nexus 4 is a real challenge for LG, the brand has fallen behind its competitors in the smartphone market. The Nexus 4 must demonstrate to the world, LG's ability to create a well-designed smartphone and to innovate.
LG also has a manufacturer image that does not update its terminals. We don't teach you that. With the Nexus 4, this problem should not exist since Google takes care of it from A to Z. You therefore benefit from excellent hardware signed LG, while benefiting from the best of Android. What could be better ?
Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus
As for the overall design of the phone, there is a resemblance to the Galaxy Nexus. All around the screen, there is a chrome rim – quite discreet and elegant. The contours are made of plastic that is very pleasant in the hand, a soft plastic that gives an impression of "flexibility". From the first contacts, we are really in another world. The quality is no longer the same, the glass back helps give the phone character, the screen is sumptuous. The "sequined" back will not be unanimous, but it remains very discreet in the end, as it is only visible from certain angles and depending on the light.
Samsung is often criticized for using materials that are certainly solid, but do not give the image of a top of the range. This is not the case for this Nexus 4 manufactured by LG.
2.2] The front
If we compare the two Nexus, we see that both devices sport an all-black front with a glass plate that covers the entire surface, all without any logo . The front camera is located in the same place (top right) and the screen is exactly the same size. A few details differentiate them: the brightness and proximity sensors are now on the left on the Google Nexus 4 and the speaker grille is more “LG”.
Moving towards the bottom of the phone, there's still a notification light. Nostalgics will once again miss the trackball, but the larger screens allow for better precision. Regarding this LED, it is multicolored and has a slight texture on the top, which makes its illumination rather unique in its kind (unfortunately the photo does it badly).
The headphone socket (3.5 mm jack) is now located on the top of the device and no longer on the bottom as before, which is much more practical. Indeed it is much easier to take it out of a pocket, because it is directly in the right direction.
The microUSB socket is located on the bottom of the phone, like on the Galaxy Nexus. This connection (compatible MHL Slimport) is surrounded by two screws, which are reminiscent of the screws used on the Motorola RAZR i (or the iPhone). This gives a finished impression to the product.
2.3] Slices
The yellowish appearance is not a modification. Depending on the angle of inclination, we have this strange effect…
Between the two Nexus, on the edges, there are exactly the same physical control buttons, the locking and unlocking button as well as the volume adjustment buttons. Knowing that the battery is no longer accessible, the microSIM card reader is located on the outside and only opens with a pointed tip, something you don't always have on you. It should be noted that changing a SIM necessarily requires restarting the phone, while other terminals, such as the Motorola RAZR i, can do it hot without any problem.
2.4] The back
The back of the phone is really the differentiating element, it is made up of a glass plate that sports small black crosses. This is not the first phone to integrate two glass plates, the competition from Cupertino (the iPhone 4 and 4S) already does.
Who says glass, necessarily means heavier weight. The Nexus 4 limits breakage, despite its 4.7-inch screen, weighs only 139 grams – the ideal weight for this size. These braces react to light and reflect according to the tilt of the phone. When looking at the phone from behind while holding it upright, the back is completely black. As soon as we tilt it up, down, right or left, we discover a holographic pattern that will react, like glitter.
Some will find it too "bling bling", others "futuristic" or "design". Anyway, the Google / LG couple dares to make a different design and that is ultimately what is expected of it. The Nexus, like Android, is not a cheap copy, but an original product that must stand out at all costs.
Finally, you will find two logos: that of Nexus and LG (down). This LG logo is the only visible signature of the manufacturer, as on the entire Nexus range. Finally, you will find an 8 megapixel sensor as well as an LED flash.
2.5] Opinion
If you have a Galaxy Nexus, you surely have the impression that the two devices are very similar. But believe me: until you've picked up the Nexus 4, you won't really be able to tell. Although the basic design of the phone mimics the look of the Galaxy Nexus, the components, materials, weight show that this is a truly different device.
Overall, these two glass plates give it a sense of quality well above the older devices in the Nexus range. Nevertheless, this is only a rather subjective opinion: this Nexus 4 is far too simple, which is not a fault in itself, but it lacks a real identity – it is not easy to find the paw from LG in this phone. Nevertheless, this design reassures us about the next phones from the Korean brand, in particular the LG Optimus G which shares many characteristics with the Nexus 4 – while cultivating a difference, with thin borders, LTE (4G) connectivity and a upper photo sensor.
Galaxy S3, Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus
This Nexus 4 has a very good finish, which gives an impression of solidity thanks to the use of “noble” materials such as glass. We will salute the graphic and futuristic design accentuated by a beautiful chrome finish on the edges. On the other hand, the battery is not removable and we regret the absence of a microSD slot.
It's clear: we are dealing with a high-end device.
3] The screen
3.1] On paper
Just like on the LG Optimus G, we find in this Google Nexus 4, a True HD IPS Plus screen with ZeroGap. Produced by LG Display, this panel offers according to the official documentation “remarkable resolution, brightness and clarity, with much more natural colors”. According to Intertek, the IPS display performs better than an AMOLED display in terms of color accuracy, brightness, longevity, and battery performance.
3.2] In reality
Nexus have until now used AMOLED screens (except for certain LCD-based variants which came to support reduced stocks), whether for the Nexus One with AMOLED “just short”, the Nexus S with Super AMOLED and the Galaxy Nexus with Super AMOLED HD. The Nexus 4 made a radical shift by switching to IPS, a technology that equips LG terminals (via its subsidiary LG Display), but also Asus and many others.
To respond as accurately as possible to the quality of the screen on the color fidelity in this Nexus 4 test, we used several smartphones with several different technologies. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus had its place in this comparison, being the predecessor of the Nexus 4. The Galaxy Note 2 also completes the list, as it is the flagship model of the Korean at the end of the year which swears by AMOLED (except when stocks are insufficient). Then come the Sony Xperia T with Mobile Bravia Engine technology based on LCD, the Asus Nexus 7 and its IPS screen and finally the HTC Desire X with its Super LCD.
Unlike AMOLED which provides a “deep” black (the pixels are off), LCD technology tries to reproduce this color as well as possible. We are still very far from it, but even if the Android interface is based on dark tones, it is not shocking. The whole is consistent, but as soon as we compare the black of the screen, to the black of the phone shell, the difference is noticeable.
In this win-win matchup, Samsung's two phones dominate, followed by the Sony Xperia T which offers the darkest black. The always dark shade of the HTC Desire X comes to help in this specific case. This is followed by the Nexus 4, which is a little too light, and the Nexus 7, the fault of a “simply” IPS screen (and not Super IPS+ or True HD IPS+…).
As for white, good news, the Nexus 4 is the one that offers the best rendering. Of course there are differences with the #FFFFFF color, but both the right brightness and a tint that does not lean towards yellow or blue, help the phone to get the first place.
Then comes the Sony Xperia T, which is a bit too yellow, the Asus Nexus 7 and HTC Desire X are similar, with a much too dark white. As for the Galaxy Note 2, it is not very bright and leans towards blue. As for the Galaxy Nexus, it's even worse than the Note 2 and on the other hand tends towards yellow.
Now on to the reds, where the Nexus 4 is at the back of the pack. The fault is a lack of "depth" in the color, far too dark. The screen of the Sony Xperia T takes the lead here, with natural tones. The HTC Desire X follows, but its dark tint handicaps it here. The Asus Nexus 7 is too bright and finally the two AMOLEDs have colors that are really too fluorescent.
We see the same classification as for the reds with the green. Except the Nexus 7 which tumbles, because of too light tones, with an apple green and not a bright green.
Surprisingly the differences are much less important on blue, where all offer a fairly similar rendering. As can be seen in the photo, the Nexus 4 is perhaps a little too cyan blue.
Now on to the pattern test, which is the most representative, because it displays the main colors. Good news, the Nexus is the first offering the best compromise. The Sony just follows in ambush, but is too clear. The HTC Desire X lags behind, followed by the Nexus 7 which has washed out colors. The Galaxy Nexus is second to last, being too dark. The Galaxy Note 2 brings up the rear because of its too low brightness.
3.3] Outdoors
We often hear that AMOLED is a little less readable in sunlight than LCD. This is true with the Nexus 4, but beware, the change is not obvious. Unless you have two phones next to each other to make the comparison, you will not distinguish a difference. In either case, you will have to push the brightness to the maximum to be able to use the screen correctly.
3.4] Pixels
Pixels, who wants my pixels?
LG Nexus 4 (top) – Samsung Galaxy Nexus (bottom)
Unlike current high-end smartphones, the Google Nexus 4 can boast of having a slightly higher HD definition at 1280 x 768 pixels, compared to 1280 x 720 pixels in normal times. Quite honestly, the difference is not visible against a Galaxy Nexus.
On the other hand, it is interesting to see the differences in technologies (AMOLED vs IPS), as these two photos show. It should be noted that the Galaxy Nexus has a pentile-type screen.
Concretely with an RGB matrix, a pixel uses three sub-pixels: red, green and blue. Only AMOLED has a lower lifespan with blue pixels. The PenTile tries to correct this problem, by offering only two sub-pixels: red-green and blue-green, but which is not always the most beautiful effect...
LG Nexus 4 / Samsung Galaxy Nexus
3.5] A defect?
While taking the comparison pictures of the screens, we realized that the viewing angles are good on the Google Nexus 4, but that a yellowish tint comes to be grafted according to the place from which one looks at it, whereas it is not visible if the telephone is held “normally”.
As we created the test, we noticed a strange behavior with a white background. A blue glow escapes from the top of the screen. But that's not all, a slightly yellow stain is present. It is quite difficult to distinguish it at first sight. Knowing that the material part is normally final, this is very worrying:
Other than that, what about the screen in this Nexus 4 review? Good, very good even. While one could see the switch from AMOLED to IPS as a step backwards, it is not. LCD technology has been mastered and continuous improvements are gradually erasing its shortcomings. Black is not the blackest, but on the rest of the colorimetry, the phone is ahead by providing the best compromise.4] Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Android 4.2 is a minor version of the system: compared to Android 4.1, are the new features worth the detour? The answer in this Nexus 4 test!
4.1] The launcher
Android would be nothing without its desktop (also called launcher or home), which can display shortcuts to applications and widgets. Unfortunately, it still remains so rigid, because it is impossible to add or delete pages, which could potentially save memory since not everyone uses all five pages. Moreover, still no multipoint management to display a global overview of the offices, something that Motorola (company which now belongs to Google) does. Is it really for the sake of ergonomics or for fear of a lawsuit?
In any case, one thing is certain, the launcher has undergone major changes over the past year. It all started with the various betas versions of Honeycomb, including the ability to resize a widget or browse (scroll) its content. Under Ice Cream Sandwich, folders have been added, simply by dragging one app over the other.
But since Jelly Bean, the pace of new releases has slowed. First practical change, by taking an element and dragging it quickly upwards, it is automatically deleted, whereas before it had to be brought to the Delete icon. Under this apparent benign novelty, I can assure you that the user experience is much more pleasant. Proof, if one were needed, that revolutions are not always necessary in terms of ergonomics, small details are enough. Jelly Bean also offers automatic resizing and moving of items if space is insufficient.
The screen resolution of the Nexus 4 is slightly higher than that of the Galaxy Nexus, but there are no repercussions on the grid, which remains fixed at 4 x 4 elements, not including the dock. We simply observe that the margins are a little larger. Well… if we are really looking for something new, Google has added some new static wallpapers…
Personally, I think this launcher is excellent, because it does just what it is asked to do. Since Ice Cream Sandwich, I no longer use third-party launchers (like Go Launcher or Apex), because the differentiating elements are much less than before. There are certainly some (custom animations, grid size, themes…), but the simplicity that is beginning to invade Android is also good.
4.2] The app launcher
The app launcher, admittedly, looked bad on Android 2, with its long list of apps. Since Ice Cream Sandwich, applications are displayed in the form of pages, which must be slid horizontally. Another new element, the addition of a tab listing the widgets, which becomes much more intuitive than before to find. Indeed, the logic behind the long press is often questioned, because it is not a very natural gesture. Ms. Michu will rather tend to do it inadvertently.
On so-called HD terminals, we had, on Android 4.0 and 4.1, a grid of 4 x 4 applications. But here small revolution (the word is certainly a bit strong), here are 5 x 5 applications. Concretely, this avoids searching too much in the pages, but with so many elements on the screen, we sometimes get lost. A good for bad! And that's pretty much the only new feature introduced in 4.2, which, let's remember, is still a minor version of the system.
Ah, such a small ergonomic detail, by dragging an application to the top of the screen, you have the possibility of uninstalling it. Previously after the operation was completed, you had to click Ok to close the dialog box. Now you no longer need to click, because the message is displayed on a Toast (a small message at the bottom of the screen). Again it is with a small detail that the user experience improves.
4.3] Notifications and Quick Settings
Notifications are really something that set Android apart. Competitors therefore got into it with iOS at first and then Windows Phone … but to a lesser extent, because Microsoft's operating system does not offer a "notification center", which is losing a huge interest to this function.
But back to Android. Notifications have evolved on Ice Cream Sandwich, as persistent (FLAG_NO_CLEAR) and clearable ones are no longer differentiated and are grouped together. Another big advantage of Android 4.0 is to allow you to delete only a notification, by sliding your finger horizontally, whereas previously only a Delete global button was present.
On Jelly Bean first of the name, several changes have occurred. First, a priority system is set up. It is up to the developer to choose the degree of importance and depending on it, the notification will slip into different places. The content also becomes more “complex”:
The content can be opened, by making a gesture with two fingers or only one (but a little more tricky).
You may be using apps that don't allow you to disable notifications, or use this system to serve advertising (Air Push being the best known). By making a long press on the notification, we can see a popup appear with "Information about the application". You then click on it and have the option to deactivate it:
On Jelly Bean 4.2, the notifications themselves have not changed, but the global screen has. You will notice the presence of a new icon at the top right giving access to Quick Settings. (You can also access it by sliding down the notification bar with two fingers, which avoids going through the notifications). It is a kind of second screen, in which you will be able to make some settings:
– Adjust brightness (automatic or manual)– Access settings– Access WiFi screen– Access data usage screen– Access battery status screen– Enable /disable airplane mode– Access Bluetooth screen– Access wireless display (or Miracast) screen– Access alarm information (if enabled)
Of course, the integration of this screen is relevant, but I find it very impractical. As you've noticed, Quick Settings shortcuts are mostly about redirecting to another screen. It's not particularly relevant. Imagine, you are connected to a WiFi: if you want to change its configuration, it is mainly to deactivate it and not to use another network or modify parameters. I do not hesitate to welcome improvements when there are any, but here, the user experience has been very poorly thought out. We therefore hope that Android 4.3 will correct this!
We also note the presence of an icon with the photo of the main Google account (here a big bug because the photo does not correspond to the name, following the deletion of the first main account). Unfortunately and unlike tablets, there is no multi-user. The presence of this icon is therefore more anecdotal than anything else, because it refers to your Contact card... but can be useful if you lose your phone!
4.4] The unlock screen
On Android 4.2 a great novelty has just appeared: the possibility of putting widgets directly on the unlock screen. Previously reserved for desktop screens, you will now be able to customize this screen which was static until now.
Each widget is represented in a page and they can easily be reordered to change which element will be displayed at launch. The leftmost page is a shortcut to the camera (shortcut not customizable).
4.5] The keyboard
The basic Android keyboard has always lagged behind the various solutions offered on the Play Store. Its layout on small screens is not always practical and its functionality was very rudimentary until a few versions of the system. But Google finally seems to have understood that this element was vital on Android.
Since Android 4.0, a minimalist spell checker is integrated into the system, but not directly in the keyboard. So whether you use SwiftKey, Swype or otherwise, this feature will be available. On Android 4.1, word prediction has been added. Unfortunately, it turned out to be very disappointing against SwiftKey: the suggestions will only start to appear once you have composed sentences. These will therefore be your words, but obtaining a large dictionary will take a lot of time, where other keyboards of the same type already include a dictionary with predefined phrases.
On Android 4.2, the "Swype" is added, that is to say that by sliding your fingers over the letters, the words are formed automatically. For having abandoned this keyboard for its lack of attractiveness until now, I finally think that Google has done what is necessary to go up the slope. Indeed, the recognized words are almost always good (albeit with a tolerance for Swype) and the solution is more pleasant to use than the real Swype or the implementations of Sony and HTC keyboards. It's hard to say exactly why: the integration, the speed... but here is finally an element that gives strong added value to the basic keyboard that seriously needed it.
4.6] Voice recognition
Voice recognition has existed on Android for many versions. It improved on Ice Cream Sandwich by providing a real-time result, but still required an internet connection. From Jelly Bean, you can use it fully offline. This requires downloading a 15 MB package for French and then you can use it anywhere.
The recognition is according to our findings similar to the connected version. Of course, the result depends on the pronunciation, the speed or even the words which are sometimes misrecognized. But let's face it, the recognition works wonderfully, which will allow you to replace the keyboard in certain situations (in the car for example).
4.7] Security
Android is often criticized for having many security issues. Google has made efforts in this area, by implementing the Bouncer system to eradicate malware directly from the Play Store. But the strength of Android is also to be able to install applications from other stores or directly with the apk: this system then becomes inefficient.
Android 4.2 has just reinforced system security, thanks to a service that scans applications in real time to see if they are executing potentially dangerous or malicious code. The system starts as soon as you install an application that does not come from the Play Store (the Amazon App Shop for example). A popup appears asking you if a check should be made for "harmful behavior". At any time, you can decide to activate/deactivate this system.
Each time you install an application, you will have a new screen that displays the permissions used in a much more understandable way. The permissions are thus sorted by categories and by clicking on one of them, you have access to a description. Google therefore does its utmost to empower its users… but also protects them in a discreet way.
Be careful, however, because this system can turn out to be a real "atomic bomb" for Google. The Amazon App Shop is installed on terminals via an apk. Imagine if the search giant made its servers recognize this apk as harmful, tensions would suddenly increase. This is only a possibility and it is not in his interest to have such a practice, but behind a system that is a priori beneficial for the user, there are also some hidden defects. The “Wait & See” is de rigueur here.
4.8] The new Clock app
Until now the Clock app was simple…too simple. Almost all manufacturers redefine it in order to add at least a stopwatch and a countdown timer. Well good news, because these features arrive in the basic Android, but above all the interface is a marvel (and I weigh my words). Blogs like Holo Everywhere highlight apps that make perfect use of the Holo theme, introduced on Ice Cream Sandwich. One thing is certain, the Clock application would have a place of choice there.
There are now three functions (from left to right), a countdown timer that you set in H/m/s, the clock with the possibility of adding several cities (this saves you having to search for time zones timetables) and finally a stopwatch.
As for alarms, they use the principle of Google Now cards. You will be able to delete them by dragging them horizontally. For the rest, the features are identical but so much better presented! Another novelty that will please people who wake up with this application, new less strident music has been added. You have no reason to be in a bad mood anymore 😉
If there's one great app that every developer should take inspiration from, it's definitely this one!
4.9] Accessibility
We rarely talk about it, but smartphones must also be accessible. This involves either dictating what is visible on the screen, or being able to enlarge the content so that it is more visible. Among the new features of Jelly Bean version 2, there are now magnification gestures that allow you to zoom in on the interface.
Warning, you should only use it if you really need it. If this is not the case, you will find that the interface is not very responsive, whereas this is precisely one of the constraints desired by the system.
In the end, Android is improving on this point, but iOS remains at the forefront in the field.
5] Communication, Internet
5.1] Reception quality
Some terminals sometimes have problems with WiFi or 3G. Good news, the Nexus 4 has neither!
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 / LG Nexus 4 / Sony Xperia T
We took several phones we had on hand and ran a “Wifi Analyzer”. This test allows you to see which hotspots are detected by the WiFi chip, but also to see the intensity of the signal. In this area, the Nexus 4 is simply the best against its two competitors. It detects both more hotspots than the Galaxy Note 2 and obtains better intensity than the Xperia T. Faultless!
LG Nexus 4 / Samsung Galaxy Note 2 / Sony Xperia T
We then used the famous SpeedTest, from the same connection and with the same test server. The result shows that the Google Nexus 4 is at the level of the Xperia T and ahead of the Galaxy Note 2, which is dragging its feet a bit.
LG Nexus 4 / Samsung Galaxy Note 2 / Sony Xperia T
Finally, this last SpeedTest was carried out with a Sosh subscription without H+ (€19.90 – Orange France network). After several tests, the Nexus 4 is ahead of its two rivals. Like the RAZR i, the ping is surprisingly long (while the server is identical), but the speeds more than compensate for this small weakness. It should however be noted that unlike the other two models, the Nexus 4 is compatible with 42 Mbps. On the other hand, it is not LTE (commercially called 4G).
The SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is an indicator that "quantifies the user's maximum level of exposure to electromagnetic waves, for use at the ear for mobile phones and for use near the body for data terminals”. The European standard imposes a maximum value of 2 W/kg. According to the FCC, it is 0.55 W/kg on the Nexus 4.
As for the network hook, just like the quality of the calls, we did not encounter any problems. Unlike the Motorola RAZR i which could not get a data connection in the Paris metro, the LG Nexus 4 has the classic behavior, that is to say capture Edge.
5.2] Chrome, the default browser
After spending a few weeks in beta on the Play Store, Google released a stable version of its Chrome browser. Since Jelly Bean, it replaces the default browser. We regret this choice (not allowing to have both in parallel), because functionalities have disappeared, in particular the saving of pages for offline reading, labs and many others. Logically they should reappear in future updates, but in the meantime, we have to wait…
Project Butter obliges, navigation is a real pleasure on Android now. In addition, the Flash plugin, which has long been an argument put forward on the platform, is no longer available. However, this tended to slow down navigation. It is therefore a very fluid experience that we are entitled to on the LG Nexus 4, which no longer has to blush in front of its competitors under iOS which occupied the top of the basket until then.
On the other hand, on the benchmark side, the results are rather alarming, because they are down (but come from the non-final ROM?). On SunSpider, it is 1908.5 ms, when the new HTC 8X is half as much and a result of 914 ms. On Vellamo, tests crash and do not allow you to obtain a final grade. Only the Metal score at 549 is validated. As for recognized HTML5 tags, we go from 369 (and 11 bonus points) on Android 4.1 to 390 (and 11 bonus points). Google is therefore doing what is necessary to make the future of the web work on its mobiles, but there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.
5.3] GMail
Even though GMail is available in the Play Store, it is interesting to talk about it in this test, because new features are available with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean). First of all, the pinch-to-zoom is finally available! Some are already crying out for revolution, but it is true that such a lack was difficult to justify until now. You still have to be careful, because the function is not activated by default.
Other new features: attachments are previewed if possible. This is for example the case for photos, both when sending and receiving. There is also the possibility of indicating that a message is phishing (note that unlike spam, you cannot recover it afterwards). A swipe on mail allows you to archive or delete it according to your preferences.
Other more anecdotal information, the icon for archiving an email has now changed and is beeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaoooo much more meaningful than the old one.
5.4] Android Beam
Android Beam was introduced in Android 4.0 to transmit information between two Android devices using NFC. For example, you are watching a video on YouTube and you only have to approach the other phone/tablet so that it opens on the same content. The protocol works with all applications, because if it is not implemented the application will open if it is installed, or the Play Store will launch to be able to download it.
Since Android 4.1, a Bluetooth layer has been added to transmit data. As a reminder, NFC has extremely low speeds and can only be used to exchange limited content (mainly text).
Now if you want to exchange files, you only have to approach the two terminals. The first NFC exchange will activate Bluetooth connectivity. Then the exchange begins and the Bluetooth turns off when finished. This is a big step forward for this type of transfer, which was previously quite tedious to configure (and did not work every time). The only drawback of Android Beam is that it is in no way certified and therefore only works on Android, while NFC is available on Symbian, BlackBerry and some Windows Phone devices.
6] Camera and Multimedia
While the Galaxy S2 had an 8-megapixel camera, the Galaxy Nexus only had a 5-megapixel one. The bad habit also seems to have reached the Nexus 4, because the Optimus G will benefit from a 13 megapixel sensor, against 8 megapixels for the Google Phone. Of course quantity does not equal quality, but we always regret that the Nexus are so disadvantaged.
6.1] Camera
Let's start by looking at the Camera app, which has had a nice facelift (and its icon too). Now the viewfinder takes a rounded shape (which is not very practical because it is not very easy to aim). The controls are located on the sides with on the bottom, the possibility to switch between photo/video/panorama/PhotoSphere mode. On the top are the different settings.
You may have noticed that it is sometimes difficult to get to this settings icon. Now by clicking anywhere on the screen, the circle with the options will appear exactly at this location. This takes the principle of the "Full screen" labs that arrived on the basic browser of Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich, while improving and adapting it.
Available settings:
– Change front / back camera– Enable/disable HDR (it's new!)– Flash management– Exposure management– Access to settings (scene, save position and image size) – White balance
Another Jelly Bean addition is the ability to quickly view the latest photos taken. To do this, just slide your finger from the outside of the right screen to the inside, a bit like Windows Phone. Extremely practical, you will have access to the new FilmStrip view of the Gallery (more on this a little later).
Now on to the quality of the shots, where the Nexus 4 uses a sensor from Sony. In order to compare, we took the flagship model of the Japanese brand, namely the Xperia T, which has a 13-megapixel sensor. News obliges, we had on hand a Nokia Lumia 920, whose qualities the Finn praised to us, more particularly in low light situations and we could not resist including it in this match.
We'll let you be the judge of the quality, but very clearly the Nexus 4 is behind. Certainly the software version of the phone is not final, but it seems impossible to manage to catch up with the gap that there is with its two competitors (which are sold more expensive, let us remember).
LG Nexus 4
Sony Xperia T
Nokia Lumia 920
Google Nexus 4
Sony Xperia T
Nokia Lumia 920
Some other photos:
Front/back camera comparison:
Panoramas are still available:
6.2] Photo Sphere
On Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Google introduced the possibility of taking panoramas using the camera. Photo Spheres go much further, as they allow you to create 360° panoramic photos. The interest is to display many more elements than a classic image and even to have an animated image if they are uploaded on Google+.
Unfortunately the rendering is very poor, with images that join quite badly. Just like panoramas, it is preferable to use a static environment (= a landscape), which will limit the damage.
6.3] Videos
The app is the same as the camera app, but offers different settings:
Note, however, the absence of the effects that have been integrated into Ice Cream Sandwich to deform the face. Is it a permanent deletion or the integration that has not yet been done on the phone ROM?
A feature that already exists on HTC Sense 4, stock Android now allows you to take photos while you film. Convenient !
We have seen that the sensor is not at ease with the competition, which relies heavily on the multimedia aspect. As for the video, the same observation applies. We made a video in various light conditions, with the Sony Xperia T (which has an Exmor R sensor of the same family as that of the LG Nexus 4) and the Nokia Lumia 920 (which is praised for its qualities in low light situations ):
YouTube linkSubscribe to Frandroid
6.4] Gallery
The Gallery had already been significantly modified on Android 4 and the improvements continue. There's still the grid view, but there's also the Filmstrip View which displays photos in a horizontal row. By zooming out, we can see the adjacent photos and from this view, by sending the photo down or up, it deletes itself. How practical! The leftmost item on this list is a shortcut to the camera app. Very useful, because the Nexus 4 does not have a physical button to easily launch this function.
6.5] Photo editor
Once you have taken a photo, you will be able to photoshop it (very briefly). To do this, you can rotate it, crop it or change its colors. You will also be able to select certain parts to apply particular effects to them or add frames. I'll let you look at them, rather than listing them. In the end, we have a few additional options than on Ice Cream Sandwich.
6.6] Video player
The video player can now decode movies in 1080p H264 High Profile. Only problem, no sound is played. The solution at the moment is to use VLC, because MXPlayer refuses with an error "This version of Android is not supported".
We always regret that this video player is so poor in features. Apart from the playback controls, it doesn't know how to do much else.
6.7] MP3 player
The video part is once again to be reviewed, but this is absolutely not the case for the Music application. The Google Music service is coming very soon in France and allows both the purchase of songs, but also offers the possibility of sending your music to the cloud for free.
Concerning the application, the features are fairly standard. Its real differentiation lies in its magnificent design and the perfect integration of the cloud. Music can be downloaded for later listening, the search takes into account both songs on internal memory and remotely. All this without the slightest bug, nor the slightest latency!
When listening, an item is added to the notification bar, with Play/Pause – Next – Previous controls. If the phone goes to sleep, the unlock screen will show a widget with album art and controls. Amazing!
We remind you, unlike the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4 does not suffer from the problem with the external speaker.
6.8] Movie Studio
Once you have taken one or more videos, you will be able to edit directly from the phone. For each project, you can integrate videos, photos and sounds. For each, we can cut them out to select only the part that interests us. On this, you can apply effects (gradient, sepia and negative). It is also possible to add titles (be careful only on top, so you will have to create a black background for an introduction) or transitions, with the duration of the adjustable animation.
7] Performance and battery life
7.1] Benchmarks
| Google/LG Nexus 4 | Motorola RAZR i | Google/Asus Nexus 7 | Samsung Galaxy Note II | Samsung Galaxy S III | |
| AnTuTu | 8827 | 8478 | 8769 | 13213 | 12113 | < /tr>
| Quadrant | 3757 | 3758 | 3555 | 5871 | 5407 |
| SmartBench 2012 | Productivity: 2682Games: 2728 | Productivity: 1497Games: 3059 | Productivity: 3903 Games: 2635 | Productivity: 4999 Games: 1624 | Productivity: 4117 Games: 1604 |
| BenchmarkPi | 505 | 487 | 388 | 307 | 390 |
| LinPack< /td> | Single-Thread: 41.791 MFLOPSMulti-Thread: 132.184 MFLOPS | Single-Thread: 109.158 MFLOPSMulti-Thread: 105.549 MFLOPS | Single-Thread: 50.411 MFLOPS Multi- Thread: 141,499 MFLOPS | Single-Thread: 65,649 MFLOPS Multi-Thread: 195,669 MFLOPS | Single-Thread: 55,814 MFLOPS Multi-Thread: 139,856 MFLOPS |
| Nenamark 1 | 59.9 fps | 56.1 fps | 55.9 fps | 58.2 fps | 59.8 fps |
| Nenamark 2 | 59.8 fps | 40 fps | 60 fps | 57.9 fps | 58.7 fps |
| An3DBench | 7211 | 7908 | < td>77747533 | 7838 | |
| An3DBench XL | 37961 | 40865 | 36855 | 40438 | 37128 |
7.2] Autonomy
We constantly remind you in our tests that autonomy is a very different concept from one individual to another, due to the possibilities offered by a smartphone. Some play a lot, while others use it to make phone calls. Some put the brightness on maximum and stay on WiFi, while others have poor 3G reception. In short, so many cases that it is difficult to generalize.
However, one thing is certain: the Nexus 4 is doing better than the Galaxy Nexus. When the third Google Phone manages to stay awake for a day, we are approaching a feat. Here the Google Nexus 4 offers superior battery life, aided by a larger capacity 2100 mAh battery.
The famous bar of the day has been crossed, but you won't have to ask for more. We are very far from a Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which can quietly walk away from its charger for two days. The LG Nexus 4 therefore does better, but there is still room for improvement for Google, which does not excel in the field. The impression that the Nexus 4 gives us is to have autonomy caught up by a battery of greater capacity and not by deep software optimizations.
Some tasks are very greedy, notably taking video, which in our tests drained the battery from ~40% to 4%… in the space of 30 minutes. Admittedly, it is rare to film for so long, but there are still improvements to be made, especially in the face of market competitors.
During the rumors about Android 4.2, we read that significant improvements were to be made in this area. According to our observations, the management does not seem to have changed in depth since Android 4.1. The boost mainly comes from a configuration that offers better battery life. In the end, the autonomy is a little disappointing.
8] Conclusion
Our verdict
| Design: |
The resemblance to the Galaxy Nexus is striking. On the back shell, the small black crosses on the back give a holographic and modern effect to the phone. The build quality is much better than the previous Nexus. Be careful, the phone slips in hand with the two glass fronts!
| Screen: |
HD resolution with an LCD screen (IPS). A mixed review for the moment, in particular because of the defects highlighted. Apart from that, the screen is beautiful, the colors much more faithful than AMOLED and the pixels almost invisible to the eye.
| Camera: |
Nexus don't have never been good for their photo sensor and the Nexus 4 undergoes the same treatment. However, we appreciate the new software features of the application (HDR, PhotoSphere, etc.).
| Performance: |
With a Snapdragon S4 Pro, Google makes sure to offer a phone that will still be able to run games and apps in a few years without any problems. If we talk about raw performance, the Nexus 4 is left behind by its competitors (Xperia Z, Optimus G…), but it is by far the one that offers the smoothest experience.
| Software: |
In space 4 months, Google has managed to find ever more innovative functions. Some are catching up (GMail, Swype), while others are unique (Quick Settings, PhotoSphere).
| Battery life: |
Better than the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4 is still behind smartphones in the same segment. It's time for Google to react!
Conclusion
What do you think of this phone after several days of use? Let's start with the design which is very visually successful. The fact of having taken over the codes of the Galaxy Nexus shows that Google wishes to develop a brand image within the Nexus family. While being quite classic, the presence of the glass back denotes a very beautiful product. The materials, the touch… many elements that lean towards the improvement vis-à-vis the Galaxy Nexus.
Compared to the Galaxy Nexus, the Volume keys and the ON/OFF button are placed higher and are therefore less accessible, requiring you to move your hands. The camera is no longer in the middle, but slightly to the right. However, it is very easy for a finger to be added to a photo or video, too bad! Finally and for the defenders of the jack on the bottom of the phone, the idea has been abandoned here to reassemble it on the top of the device. What a pity ! Other small negative aspects: the irremovable battery, the absence of a microSD card reader or the very average quality of the shots.
Nexuses have always had AMOLED screens (except certain models – depending on stocks). Who says LG, necessarily says switching to LCD and there is good, as well as bad. The good thing is obviously white, which is much prettier to look at. The colors in general, the contrasts are much better than on the “Nexus 3”. On the other hand, for lovers of dark black, it is true that we are witnessing a clear decline here. Knowing that the Android interface is very much based on dark tones, the rendering is surprising at first, but you get used to it very quickly.
Let's now move on to the software part, where Android Jelly Bean always wants to be more fluid, with better thought-out ergonomics. The new applications are a success: clock, gallery or camera. The unification in terms of design within Google applications is felt and it is for our greatest pleasure. The only hiccup in the story is probably a software suite that could use some fleshing out. What about podcasts? Why not offer a file manager? Why not include Drive which is a Google service? Mattias Duarte said it, great work has been done in terms of user experience, but there is still a lot left!
At a time when competition is increasing with the arrival of Windows Phone 8, Android is keeping its head start with its rich catalog of applications, its advanced features and its entire ecosystem. the LG Nexus 4 is therefore an excellent choice, if it is essential to receive updates, if you like pure Android and if the improvements of certain manufacturers do not interest you. On the other hand, you will have to deal with an average autonomy, as well as a passable rendering of the camera. But at €299 in the 8 GB version, the Nexus 4 is clearly the best product on the market and with such a quality/price ratio, it is almost unbeatable.
Article written by Edouard Marquez and Ulrich Rozier
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