Hard to pass up: LG’s $399 Google Nexus 4 reviewed

While the previous Nexus branded phones were for fans of Google and developers alike, it appears the search engine giant is getting serious about taking on other smartphone makers, by offering a premium collaboration with LG that comes with a price that will be hard to pass up.

Features

The first official Google phone to be built by LG, the Nexus 4 represents the best technology LG could put in a phone at the time this was launched, offering developers, Android fans, and anyone after a decent mobile experience a top quality device for a budget price.

And when we say budget, we mean it. Available online for $399, Google is competing in an area normally dominated by the mid-range devices, and yet the specs are clearly in the high end, hardly a surprise given the Nexus 4 is technically a 3G version of LG’s upcoming Optimus G.

We previewed that handset earlier in the year, but they’re very close.

So close, that the Nexus 4 includes the same 4.7 inch IPS screen showing the slightly elongated and above HD resolution of 1280×768, which results in a pixel definition value of 318 pixels per inch, close to what Apple defines as “Retina” in its iPhone 4, 4S, and 5 models.

Under the hood, there’s the same technology, with a quad-core Snapdragon processor clocked at 1.5GHz and with the Adreno 320 graphics processor, partnered with 2GB RAM, which previous test have shown makes Google’s Android run super quick. LG has packed in a 2100mAh battery, too, similar to what’s on offer in Samsung’s Galaxy S3.

A choice of 8 or 16GB of storage is available with a $50 difference in between them, but pick carefully, because there is no microSD card slot on this handset, so you won’t be able to upgrade later on.

Connectivity is about normal, and while there’s no 4G like is expected on the LG Optimus G due out next year, but Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is included, as is WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n operating in dual-band, DLNA, wireless TV sharing “Miracast” functionality, GPS, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a 3.5mm headset jack up top, and a microUSB port at the very bottom of the handset.

The rear camera is based around an 8 megapixel model, with an LED flash backing it up and providing assistance for tricky lighting, while a 1.3 megapixel camera sits on the front. Video is capable from the rear camera in the usual 1080p Full HD spec.

Only two physical buttons can be found on the Nexus 4, with a volume rocker on the left edge, while the power button sits on the right. The phone takes a microSIM, which can be installed by ejecting the microSIM tray on the left side.

And then there’s the latest version of Android, with 4.2 making an appearance, and the first smartphone to receive it. It’s Android the way Google wants it to be, and without any extras from LG, the manufacturer of the phone.

Performance

Ever since Google became serious about competing with Apple in the mobile operating system battle, we’ve seen an official flagship phone trotted out by the company, playing its part as the new awesome-sauce phone that Android lovers can call their own.

First there was the HTC-built Nexus One, then two from Samsung – the Nexus S, followed by last year’s Galaxy Nexus – and this year, there’s one more to add to the pile, with the appropriately titled Nexus 4, handled by LG.

The design is a little reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 4S, with glass on both the front and back, although it does feature a softer look with a much wider display.

We found it was a comfortable fit in our hands, and with rubberised edges, you’ll find your fingers grip the sides much better than with a plastic or slick metal surface. Hold it with your fingers pressed against the front or back, however, and you’ll see it slip and slide out of your digits.

LG has certainly done a decent job at making this an aesthetically pleasing handset, that’s for sure, with a simple black face, and barely a centimetre framing the 4.7 inch screen on the top and bottom of the handset.

On the back, LG has looked past the simple monochromatic colour schemes most manufacturers choose for their handsets and gone with a a sparkling set of tiny squares, providing an almost pixelated holographic look that is really quite dazzling, so much so that you can get lost looking at it.

The screen is quite nice too, with great viewing angles that continually show off the colours your images and phone experience need. It is a very glossy screen, so expect some reflections, but if you push the brightness up, you’ll find it’s an easy way to overcome the heavy reflectivity.

Moving on to something more important, there’s the operation of the phone itself.