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LG Nexus 4 review

8.5/10 AVG.
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LG Nexus 4
LG Nexus 4
LG Nexus 4
LG Nexus 4
LG Nexus 4
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8.5/10
Informr score
The LG Nexus 4 currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 40 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The latest take on a pure vanilla Android smartphone is called the LG Nexus 4. Its design is based off another LG handset called the Optimus G and it is one of many flagship models made for Google. How does it perform when compared with the most recent models in Google’s Nexus smartphone range? And more importantly, is it able to outperform the competition?

The Nexus 4 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with a clock speed of 1.5GHz. This particular chip has been found to pretty much leave competing chips in other manufacturer’s devices in the dust. It’s quite powerful, and it goes along perfectly with the rest of the Nexus 4’s specs. These include a 4.7-inch 1024x768 touchscreen display, 2GB of RAM, up to 16GB of internal storage, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC.

The default operating system is 4.2 Jelly Bean, the very latest version of Android. What kind of new stuff does it bring to the table? Well, for one thing, it improves the user experience by making the user interface even faster—as part of Google’s ongoing project Butter—and adds several new features like user accounts and wireless display support. These can't really be described as revolutionary but the end-result does improve its overall usefulness.

The Nexus 4 doesn’t represent a huge step up from the model that it’s supposed to replace. Though there are noticeable improvements, such as better camera performance and more useful software features, it just can’t be described as more than a minor upgrade to its predecessor. Its uniquely LG styling won’t appeal to everyone, but at only 9mm thick and less than 140 grams, it will definitely get some extra attention. If you want a smartphone that will be on the forefront of Android for at least the next several months, then this is probably the Android smartphone that you're looking for.

Need to Know: LG Nexus 4

1. Runs the latest flavor of Android, version 4.2 Jelly Bean. (The Good)

2. Features wireless display support via Miracast and has wireless charging tech. (The Good)

3. Short battery life. (The Bad)

4. Camera performance could be improved. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
4.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.7"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2100 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

There's little wrong with LG's take on the Nexus brand, in fact it's a great smartphone and one we'd be happy to own. Android 4.2 is a big plus point, there are some neat new features, and you don't have to fight with a manufacturer's take on Android. Despite this we still narrowly prefer the Samsun...

- Seth Barton, Expert Reviews
Tech Ticker
Tech Ticker

So is the Nexus 4 worth it at the end of the day when there are Nexus experience device announced with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One? The Nexus 4 comes with 16GB of internal memory with 2GB RAM and is priced at $435, which is in the price range of Samsung’s Galaxy S III, however,...

- Kunal Gangar, Tech Ticker
What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

Therefore, and despite that winning interface and smooth operation, it’s time for the Nexus 4 to step down as the best Android smartphone. The HTC and Sony flagships impress more with their stunning picture performance and lovely design touches. For Android purists, though, the Nexus 4 remains...

- Ced Yuen, What Hi-Fi
The Mobile Indian
The Mobile Indian

The phone offers very good performance, display and comes with a great price and promise of always having the latest Android version, which means that this phone is simply one of the best choice in the market today, even if you don't have a budget constraint, you won't mind buying this handset as yo...

- Nilabh Jha, The Mobile Indian
TechCrunch
TechCrunch

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- Daniel Howley, TechCrunch


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


LG Nexus 4 prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. LG's suggested retail price is $299.00. You can compare Nexus 4 prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Nexus 4 user manual here.


LG backs up the Nexus 4 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Nexus 4 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Screen Size
4.7"

The LG Nexus 4's screen size is 4.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Quad-core Krait APQ8064 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8/16 GB

Internal memory is 8/16 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
2100mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2100 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 10.5 days standby time, 918 minutes, 376 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Nexus 4 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 13, 2012
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Quad-core Krait APQ8064 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 8/16 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.546 W/kg
Body: 1.27 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+ 21.1
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Brightness control, Effects, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 320 pixels
Size 4.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2100 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 318 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 376 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 918 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.4 x 6.9 x 0.9 cm (5.3 x 2.7 x 0.4 in)
Weight 139 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Wallpapers
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
DLNA Support: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, eAAC, AAC+, AAC
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM)
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA/WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG E960, LG Nexus, LG Optimus G Nexus, LG Optimus Nexus, Google Nexus 4
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Nexus 4 Reviews
Where to buy LG Nexus 4
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