[Review] Google Nexus 5

Well, that’s it, I cracked! I recently acquired the latest Google smartphone branded LG, none other than the  Nexus 5. So I decided to write a small “test” article to share my point of view and my feelings about the latest addition to the Nexus range.

Introducing The Nexus 5

Announced last October, the Google Nexus 5 is a high-end smartphone that combines performance and low price (349 euros for the 16 GB version). It offers a simplistic yet elegant design. Like its predecessor, the Nexus 5 comes with the latest version of Android (4.4 KitKat) and will be the first to benefit from new OS updates.

Nexus 5 Spec Sheet

As you can see, the technical characteristics of the Nexus 5 are more than correct, apart from a few details. On the latter’s menu, Google offers us the latest generation Qualcomm processor (Snapdragon 800) clocked at 2.3 GHz and 2 GB of RAM, all under the latest version of Android, namely 4.4 KitKat.

On the other hand, the weaknesses are at the level of the 8-megapixel camera, the battery of only 2300 mAh and the absence of a micro SD port.

1. OS  : Android 4.4 KitKat
2. Display: 5-inch IPS screen, Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (441 PPI)
3. Processor: quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.3 GHz + Adreno 330 GPU
4. Memory: 2 GB RAM
5. Storage: 16 GB or 32 GB of internal memory
6. Multimedia: 8-megapixel camera and OIS stabilizer + 1.2-megapixel front sensor
7. Network  : Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 4G LTE
8. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, aGPS, Glonass
9. Autonomy: 2300 mAh battery (6 hours 45 minutes in 3G and 4 hours in 4G)
10. Dimensions  : 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59mm
11. Weight: 136 grams
12. Qi wireless charging
13. HDMI output

Nexus 5 Packaging

So, inside this pretty and very colorful box, we find the terminal with a micro-USB cable and its wall socket to connect and recharge the device, in-ear headphones, a safety and plug manual in hand, and a minor key that allows you to open the door to insert the SIM card.

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Design And Handling

Although the Nexus 5 is a so-called high-end smartphone, we note the absence of noble materials. On the design side, plastic largely dominates, so there is no need to look for any extravagance in the choice of components. Rectangular, light and thin enough, the device has a very successful modern aesthetic. At the back, the hull offers a rubber touch which provides a good grip. In summary, the design is simplistic yet elegant.

Use And Performance

I was used to Samsung’s overlay with my Galaxy S3, but this Nexus 5 without overlay is charming to use and very fluid; it’s the fastest Android smartphone I’ve been able to test. On this new OS, we can see that Google is even more present from the home screen.

Indeed, on the left page, we find Google Now and its multitude of features or even Hangout, which merges sms/MMS and emails. On the gaming side, the Adreno 330 GPU, clocked at 450Mhz, does its job very well since the most demanding games pass without worries. The same goes for video playback; no slowdown was noted, even in Full HD.

In terms of performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the power of this Nexus 5 and its 2.26Ghz Snapdragon 800 processor supported by its 2GB of RAM; the benchmark results are similar to the latest smartphones to date (Galaxy Note 3, Xperia Z Ultra or the LG G2). The Nexus 5 obtains a score of 29,880 on the AnTuTu Benchmark application.

Camera And Autonomy

Although the Android KitKat photo editor includes a good number of settings (brightness, saturation, contrast, reflections, shadows, integration of effects, etc.), the quality of the sensor is passable. Fortunately, the HDR+ mode is there because the quality would be mediocre without it. 

As for the colors, they remain very faithful, and we can also note that even in low light, the Nexus 5 is doing quite well. Now let’s move on to the second weak point of this Nexus 5: autonomy! As I told you, the Nexus 5 offers a 2300 mAh and a non-removable battery. 

If, like me, you regularly consult your smartphone (games, internet, emails, videos, music, etc.), it will be essential to recharge it at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you have less sustained use (sms, calls, a little bit of internet and games), the Nexus 5 will easily last the day. Note that the terminal charges quite quickly, between 2 and 3 hours.

Conclusion

Despite its small black spots, the Nexus 5 has two undeniable advantages: quality and price. Offered at €349 in its 16 GB version and €399 in its 32 GB version, the Nexus 5 is, for me, a perfect compromise, which is why I recommend it to you without hesitation.