Deciding on an Android Phone - Why the Nexus 4?

Deciding on an Android Phone - Why the Nexus 4?

Selecting a phone these days is an exhausting proposition.  Consumers need to select an operating system, phone platform, and carrier that all meet their needs. Knowing that I wanted to move from iOS to Android made this a little easier but I still spent a lot of time trying to find the right phone that would meet my needs.  

I made a decision to go with the Nexus 4 from Google with T-Mobile service.  This decision didn’t come lightly as I currently reside on the Verizon network which has excellent voice coverage in my area and works well for me at home and at the office.  I selected the Nexus 4 primarily because of the Android operating system, strong mobile data on the HSPA+, and because the phone comes unlocked.

Android Operating System

As an iOS user, I felt somewhat...locked down.  The iPhone certainly does a lot of things very well but I felt as though I wanted to have apps work together and integrate better that is currently possible in iOS phones.  My opinion is that Android promises to be a better platform for me to customize my phone.  Plus, Android is open source and thus more open to developers which allows them to view the source code and customize their software to better integrate with Android.  I’ve heard the promises and hope that this is the case with the software I download to my new phone.

I’m also excited about the Nexus because it will update immediately as Android updates are available from Google.  To iOS owners this may not seem like a lot but it is a big deal for non-iPhones to get updated on a timely basis.  A chart provided by Google shows that several users are not on the most up to date Android OS. This means I won’t have to wait for my mobile carrier to update the phone software and I will get the latest and greatest experience from an updated Android OS release (currently 4.2 Jelly Bean).  With the rumors of Android version 5.0 coming out soon, I know this phone will stay on the cutting edge.

Mobile Data Communication Over HSPA+

While HSPA+ is theoretically not as fast as 4G LTE, it is still a strong and fast standard that is the “4G” standard used by AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile.  An article in Android Authority underscores the fact that HSPA+ on T-Mobile is nearly as fast as, and sometimes faster than, the other major US mobile carriers.  Speeds of 5 mbps up and 2.1 mbps down is perfect for my use.  Especially since I will be downloading apps and content over my wifi network at home whenever possible.

Unlocked Phone

The other major reason I selected the Nexus 4 is that the phone can be purchased unlocked for a very reasonable price (starting at $299).  Since T-Mobile offers an affordable month-to-month plan, I may not need to switch carriers but if I do, I know I can do to AT&T Wireless without having to purchase a new device.  This is one large benefit of having an unlocked phone. In fact, there are several carriers that will contract with you to carry service on an unlocked phone.

Another benefit is that the phone will not come with the bloatwear that is common with many branded phone purchases.  I have heard several complaints, for example, about the lack of drive space on the new Samsung Galaxy S4 with all of the extra software that Samsung and the carriers install on the phone.  I feel that if I want to have a feature, I should be able to look for an app that does that and then download that app from the Google Play store.  In all, an unlocked phone will provide me with more storage space and less bloatwear.  

The Nexus 4 seems like my best pick for my next new phone.  The Android OS, good data speeds, and an unlocked phone all make this look like a good deal for consumers.  Let me know your thoughts by commenting below.

Jon