Review: Google Nexus S
Nexus S is the latest version of Google’s Samsung-built Android smartphone, whose first outing was in the guise of the Nexus One. This current version uses Android's latest 2.3 software.
Those familiar with other Samsung Android phones, such as the Galaxy S, might be forgiven for thinking this does look at tad familiar. Well it does – especially the look and feel.
What’s to like? Quite a bit. From a design point of view, it is very smooth and has nice curves, but the first thing I really notice is its AMOLED display, which, as you would expect is very sharp and crisp.
One thing I think is important with any type of mobile phone, is ease of navigation. For somebody who is in the technology industry, working out how to configure a phone is usually a walk in the park, but this is not the case for everybody. With that said, this unit is reasonably straight forward to operate. The average person wants to SMS, phone and maybe browse the internet – all very easy to do and you probably wouldn’t have to even read the instructions to do so.
One cool little feature is the ability to assign apps to your home screen by simply touching them, waiting half a second for them to vibrate, and voila, they are on your homescreen.
One of the things I have bitched and moaned in the past when it comes to texting is that I find it hard to do due to my bit mitts. For some reason – even though the virtual QWERTY keyboard seems the same size as any other keyboard I’ve used on a smartphone – there was a lot less mistakes when typing out words, which was very much a bonus.
The battery latest the best part of three days. To be fair I hardly used the internet, but I did use it throughout the day to SMS and call people.
Overall, a very tidy unit that I liked quite a bit. Will I trade in my HTC Desire just yet? Probably not, but if I was on the outlook for a new phone this one would certainly be on the short list.
Pros: Nice form factor, great screen, fast, good for texting
Cons: Feels a bit flimsy;
4.5 out of 5 Shacks
