I downgraded, as it turns out, from an HTC Incredible to a Galaxy Nexus. The Incredible was quite a remarkable phone; the Galaxy Nexus ... not so much.
The main issue I have is that the cellular signal drops A LOT (I'd guess about once every six hours that the phone is on), and the phone can never recover it. So it turns into a high-priced hand warmer as it burns the battery down looking hopelessly for a signal. Searching for a signal burns my battery completely out in about 4 hours, and I have an extended use battery. If I am lucky, I catch the problem early, reboot the phone, and it generally finds a signal with no issues. (This suggests to me that the problem is a software issue: the signal is there; the hardware can get it; but it takes a reboot to have that happen.)
What I have unfortunately resorted to doing is keeping the phone on Airplane mode most of the time. This way, I can be reasonably confident that I'll still have some battery if I every decide to make a call or use a data connection. Really, except that it takes the phone awhile to turn on, I would carry the phone around turned off and save even more battery.
But, doing this, the device is not really a mobile phone any longer: a mobile phone is a device that allows people to reach you when you are away from your landline, among other things, and no one can reach me when I have the phone on Airplane mode. I recall having similar issues in the early days of mobile phones, when it was easy to be out of range, and you were wise to turn your phone off if you were going to be in a remote area that might not have coverage.
But that was over ten years ago. How is it that the latest and greatest Android phone has problems that were broadly resolved ten years ago? I would understand if 4G or even 3G disappeared from time to time, but I'm talking about any signal at all. From the time I got this phone a couple months ago, I've been right on the edge about returning it, but I keep seeing that other people are having the same problem I'm having: this is not, apparently, a matter of me having a phone with a bad antenna, but rather it is a problem with the entire platform. I'd have to switch to a completely different phone if I wanted to get away from this problem.
As I mentioned, this seems to be a software problem ... but apparently Verizon has not issued a single software update in the five months that the phone has been out. This in spite of the fact that Google has released two updates -- the last one (4.0.4) three months ago -- in the meantime.
How is this in any way acceptable?
I am, in addition to being a Verizon customer, a Verizon shareholder. This matter gives Verizon such a black eye that I think someone with "Vice President" in his title should be fired over it, and that if that doesn't happen then someone with "Chief Executive Officer" in his title should be sent packing.
After going through two different Nexus phones with the same signal problem, I decided to return it and get the HTC Rezound. The Rezound is an awesome phone and I am SO glad I got rid of the Nexus in time.
If you are within your 14 day return period, do yourself a favor, and get rid of the Nexus!
Prob one of the worst phones launched in the last year, even rivals the thunderbolt
hopefully software will fix it, it did the thunderbolt
Phone is great, VZ just keeps that beast chained up for whatever reason.
Agreed that the phone CAN BE great. Depending on signal etc. I love the OS feel, lack of camera lag etc etc. Just NEED the bug fixes from Google.
IMO the Galaxy Nexus is the best Android on VZW and I'm not talking out my rear. I have had the Original Droid, Droid X, Thunderbolt, and the Droid Charge so I am basing my opinion on a lot of comparison. I should also mention that all those devices went through the same process and delayed software updates. Nothing has changed when it comes to software updates since the first Android hit VZW. The thing the boggles my mind is those of you that have such great experiences with one brand and model but when upgrade time comes you jump ship from something like an HTC Incredible to a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. That's like telling your friends you love FORD then go buy a Honda for your next car. I understand results and satisfaction varies in different locations especially when you switch to a 4g phone but I think the only one with the black I is you ProbStat. VZW has their return policy to address these exact issues of device and customer incompatibility. Have a little brand loyalty and go back to HTC. Like RushFan2112 said they got the Rezond and are SO glad they did.
Agree. I sold my perfectly working iphone 4S for this giant paper weight. I will most certainly going back to the iphone somewhere else when my contract renews this October!
Regardless of when/if Verizon ever does update the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, I think it will go down as one of their biggest blunders in recent years, rivaling the HTC Thunderbolt and the Motorola Droid Bionic.
The fact that it is a Nexus device is going to make the fail far worse. Verizon has just been awful lately. Look how long it took them to upgrade their own NFL Mobile App to be compatible with ICS.
Have you tried the app Data Enabler? I use it on my Rezound and it saves lives (battery lives, that is)! Basically, it’s an on/off switch for your data network. As much as I love my Rezound, it’s a battery sucking beast. While I’m at work, yes I want my phone on, but do I need 4g? No, not really, because my phone sits in my purse. So I turn data connections off. Whereas, I would make it through about 4-5 hours on standby with 4g (with my handy charger in my purse for emergency juice), I now can get through an 8 hour shift and make it home with 67% battery. Of course I made the app a widget on my home screen, and if I’m on a break, I’ll turn the 4g on to access my email and social networking and such, then flip it back off when it’s not in use. I’m astounded that you use Airplane mode without going crazy! The beauty about Data Enabler is that it doesn’t stop your phone activity from coming through.
From the beginning, I wasn’t too impressed by the Galaxy Nexus. Why? It’s a Samsung. Would I purchase a Samsung for a basic phone? Sure, but when it comes to “top of the line” smart phones, Samsung wouldn’t be my first, second or even third choice. Now, don’t get me wrong, I contemplating parting with 299.99 to purchase the Nexus. The ics appeal outweigh some of my skepticism.. but before I buy a phone, I sit on review boards, cnet reviews, youtube reviews, etc. etc. In addition, it’s hard to trust a new phone of its kind. All the kinks (clearly) haven’t been ironed out. I, like Rushfan2112 went with the Rezound. And I LOVE it.
But do I think the Nexus is a “poor” phone? Na. Not by a long shot. Does VZW hinder the devices full potential? Of course – but we as Verizon customers should already know this – they proved so with the Iphones. Moreover, I’m a bit confused by the lack of update to the OS as well. This phone was specifically designed and released. It’s not as if we’re waiting for a complete OS change like HTC Rezound, Rhyme, & Motorola Bionic, 4 and Razr customers are. I understand that takes time because the OS has to be modified for each device. But the Nexus started with ICS, the ambiguity in the software updates is ridiculous….
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