Discussions on the ICS Nexus device: Nexus Prime?

[Bateluer]

http://www.bgr.com/2011/08/18/google-nexus-prime-android-4-0-phone-could-launch-in-october/

An October launch isn't far off, and October would be for the ICS release, I think.

Google’s third-generation “Nexus Prime” smartphone — which will likely be the first Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” phone to hit the market — will launch in October according to a new report from Korean-language Electronic Times. BGR exclusively reported preliminary details surrounding Google’s next Nexus smartphone codenamed Nexus Prime in mid-June, and we followed up with more exclusive details later that month. This new report from Electronic Times reaffirms several specs we had reported earlier, such as the device’s 720p Super AMOLED HD display, and it narrows our fall release time frame to October. The report also claims that the Prime will be powered by a 1.5GHz processor, jibing with our earlier report stating the device would employ an OMAP4460 chipset. The site also notes that the Prime’s display will include a 4.5-inch panel with a PenTile layout.

Spec's are in line with what I'd expect for that time frame. Not sure how I feel about a 4.5in display, my 4.3 t-bolt is a bit on the big side. But Sammy's other 4.5in device on AT&T doesn't feel much larger than the t-bolt.

Thoughts on the Super AMOLED HD and Pentile layout?

 

[sciwizam]

Will be interesting if they take a no buttons approach.

Have to see if the high pixel density mitigates some of the pentile text issues. Maybe by next year, we'll see a Super AMOLED HD Plus that has the full RGB stripe.

 

[ponyo]

So Samsung is again the vendor?

I would have to see the screen in person but my first reaction is :thumbsdown: on Super Amoled HD with pentile. I love Samsung Amoled technology but I'm not a fan of pentile after having owned Galaxy S.

 

[SpicyTime]

Wow 4.5in is huge. Not sure how I'd feel carrying that around, let alone worrying about the battery life on a display that big. Still, I'm excited for the next iteration of Nexus phones. I've been toying with the idea of selling off my G2 once the Nexus Prime is out.

 

[Pliablemoose]

It's only 2/10's of an inch larger than all of the 4.3" devices.

Samsung has plans for a 5"+ phone.

 

[vshah]

boo. I want another HTC nexus.

 

[Bateluer]

It's only 2/10's of an inch larger than all of the 4.3" devices.

Samsung has plans for a 5"+ phone.

This. I'm pretty sure a 4.5in display could be fit into the exising HTC 4.3in phone bodies without too much difficulty.

As I mentioned, handle an AT&T Samsung Infuse 4G. It has a 4.5in screen, and is thinner, lighter, and about the same size as many other 4.3in phones.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

4.5" phones are about the same size as 4.3" phones which are about the same size as 4.0" phones which are about the same as a 3.7" phone... this is what people say over and over again... oh wait let's not forget the 3.5" iPhone 4. Everytime it's just a mm here mm there and less bezel, but it's not like the bezel just goes to 0 while the dimensions stay the same. It expands a little here, a little there.

4.0 - 4.3" is just fine. If they want a 4.5" phone, they should make separate models. Just like how HTC has a 3.7", 4.0", and 4.3" current generation phone.

 

[Bateluer]

4.5" phones are about the same size as 4.3" phones which are about the same size as 4.0" phones which are about the same as a 3.7" phone... this is what people say over and over again... .

Not quite. A 4.3 and 4.5in phone are similar, a 4.0 and 3.7 are similar. A 4.3 and 4.0 are similar. A 4.3 next to a 3.7 is a big jump, after holding the T-bolt, the 3.7in Droid 1 feels tiny. A 4.5 phone next to a 3.7 is going to look gigantic.

 

[vshah]

3.2 -> 3.7 -> 4.3. I tried to line up the top edge of the screens:

 

[foghorn67]

I have no problem with the newest of Samsung's AMOLED tech. It's downright gorgeous. People get attached to buzzwords too much.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Wow another Pentile phone. I am glad this news is coming out because now I can buy a SGS2 on launch day without regret.

And before someone chides me, yes I have spent a lot of time with Pentile phones (Atrix and Nexus S) and the screen-door effect on the icons and the way text looks like anti-aliasing is broken on certain backrounds kills me.

 

[Bateluer]

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/08/19/samsung-nexus-prime-seen-roaming-the-halls-of-verizon/

Sammie's courting Big Red.

 

[YoungGun21]

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/08/19/samsung-nexus-prime-seen-roaming-the-halls-of-verizon/

Sammie's courting Big Red.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I can't wait

Edit: Ok now that I have calmed down... Is this dual core? It doesn't mention that or LTE. 4.5" is a little big, but I just can't imagine how sweet it would be to finally have the Nexus, a pure version of Android, something I can toy with and develop on perhaps, untouched by the hands of my ruthless carrier.

EditEdit: Endgadget says it will be dual core.

 

[Anubis]

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/08/19/samsung-nexus-prime-seen-roaming-the-halls-of-verizon/

Sammie's courting Big Red.

if thats true it will be my next phone, if not then the SGS2

 

[abaez]

Does anyone honestly think Verizon is going to carry this with no software modifications from them at all? Straight from Google to phone? I'm pretty skeptical.

 

[ghost recon88]

Isn't this the one that they said battery life was gonna suck on it?

 

[zoiks]

Isn't this the one that they said battery life was gonna suck on it?

How would anyone know? This is supposed to support Ice Cream Sandwich.

 

[Mopetar]

How would anyone know? This is supposed to support Ice Cream Sandwich.

720p screen, 45nm 1.5 GHz Soc, etc.

The only missing detail is whether or not it's 4G.

Either Android 4.0 is the most highly optimized, efficient operating system on the planet or the next phone in the Nexus line is really going to speed up the heat death of the universe.

 

[Bateluer]

Does anyone honestly think Verizon is going to carry this with no software modifications from them at all? Straight from Google to phone? I'm pretty skeptical.

Shrug, the link says Samsung is pitching it to Verizon. Whether Verizon takes it, thats where the skepticism is. Quite a few enthusiasts salivate at a Nexus LTE device on Big Red.

 

[cronos]

I don't think any 'Nexus' phone will ever be exclusive to any one carrier. In fact if it comes out it will most likely be GSM first because of international compatibility. If it turns out to be LTE then it could be a moot point, but I doubt they will come out with an LTE phone this year.

Wait a minute, I suddenly get why you guys are so excited. Verizon never had a Nexus device before. Never mind then. Hope you'll get it. I'm rooting for you guys

 

[Mopetar]

Shrug, the link says Samsung is pitching it to Verizon. Whether Verizon takes it, thats where the skepticism is. Quite a few enthusiasts salivate at a Nexus LTE device on Big Red.

I highly doubt it. The Nexus line has always been primarily targeted at developers. It's a chance for Google to include features that aren't quite yet in the mainstream, but will be important in the future, so it sure would be nice if you developer folks could get a head start on them.

It's also been the most unlocked line of Android phones. Now, what rhymes with 'horizon' and loves to sell phones loaded with craplications that you can't get rid of? Anybody?

I don't think any 'Nexus' phone will ever be exclusive to any one carrier.

I may be wrong on this, but I thought that the previous ones have been exclusive to T-mobile, at least in the US. Their service in my area is almost non-existant so I haven't paid much attention to those devices outside of their design, features, etc.

 

[cronos]

I may be wrong on this, but I thought that the previous ones have been exclusive to T-mobile, at least in the US. Their service in my area is almost non-existant so I haven't paid much attention to those devices outside of their design, features, etc.

I did not follow the Nexus S so I can't really say, but the only difference of the Nexus Ones are the 3G frequencies. The T-Mobile version did come out first, then the AT&T version came out a few months later.

Both versions however will work anywhere in the world (assuming you pay full price and buy direct from Google), although the 3G connection may or may not work depending on the frequency of each carrier.

 

[Mopetar]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that while they're based on the same hardware, the Nexus line usually run stock Android and are designed to be trivial to completely unlock. Once Verizon gets those handsets they're usually running Sense[less] or MotoBlur[p-de-durp] and loaded with junk apps that you can't delete.

There's nothing to stop you from using one of the Nexus phones on AT&T, but I think you'd be stuck with EDGE as the 3G frequencies are different. On the other hand, it's not like AT&T's 3G is terribly much better so it may not matter to some.

 

[YoungGun21]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that while they're based on the same hardware, the Nexus line usually run stock Android and are designed to be trivial to completely unlock. Once Verizon gets those handsets they're usually running Sense[less] or MotoBlur[p-de-durp] and loaded with junk apps that you can't delete.

There's nothing to stop you from using one of the Nexus phones on AT&T, but I think you'd be stuck with EDGE as the 3G frequencies are different. On the other hand, it's not like AT&T's 3G is terribly much better so it may not matter to some.

The manufacturers are the ones who put on the custom UI like Sense and Blur. Verizon just likes to add in its own stuff like Bing (lolwtf) and preloaded games that suck and are trials anyway.

The first Nexus was scheduled to come to Verizon until they made the deal for the Incredible, which was basically the Nexus running Sense that they could put their shit on (different case too), and the Nexus's screen issues delayed it until it was basically pointless for Verizon to put it out for sale. So they dropped it.