Nexus 4 Release, and The State of Android

With the announcement of the Nexus 4 from Google on Monday, the new flagship Nexus smartphone, Google is seeking to expand their dominance into the mobile world. A recently released report now shows that in the third quarter of 2012 Android had 75% of the global smartphone market share. Because of the increase in popularity, Google is increasing their efforts to maintain the customer base they enjoy, along with attracting new customers during the upcoming holiday season.

The new flagship Nexus device has many improvements over the Galaxy Nexus, the previous Nexus smartphone. Some of the new features include an upgraded 8 Megapixel Camera, a 4.7 in. display with 320 ppi, wireless charging capabilities, and Android 4.2, the newest Android OS. The device is expected to be available on November 13 on the Google Play online store. The unlocked version of the phone will be available in both 8 GB and 16 GB storage options starting at $299 for the 8 GB version. There is also an alternative purchasing option available as T-Mobile will offer the 16 GB version for $199, with a two-year contract, starting November 14.

While the features of this phone certainly are great, there is one feature lacking that is a big question mark for many potential buyers, no LTE support. With most of the new "high end" smartphones having LTE, such as the Galaxy S III from Samsung and the iPhone 5 from Apple, it is curious why Google decided to shy away from this new data standard. One reason that Google is giving for this omission is that the goal for the Nexus 4 is to be a "world phone" and one that anyone can use. LTE is not yet available in many parts of the country, and really only available on the three networks of Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. LTE is also not available in many parts of the world, and therefore is not a feature that many people can access. Google also wants to keep their "flagship" smartphone separate from carrier involvement and wants to have the "pure Google experience" no matter what carrier. While the HSPA+ network that Google plans to use works well and is available in most of the country, it is no match for the data speeds that LTE offers.

The interesting thing to watch going forward will be whether or not Google's flagship device will suffer because of a lack of LTE. The Nexus is sure to be an attractive offer based on the "bargain" price for the high end specs, along with the unlocked option to use on any carrier. The ability to be used on any carrier will be a benefit to many businesses as they will have the flexibility to use the carrier of their preference. Also, people who enjoy an unlimited data plan on networks such as T-Mobile or Cricket will be able to use this "high-end" device without fear of data limits that plague Verizon and AT&T customers.

With Android's dominance in the smartphone market expanding, Google's attempt to bring people into the Nexus family is a move that, if successful, can greatly help Google. While the partnership Google has established with their various hardware manufacturers is good, Google places extra emphasis on their Nexus line. If the Nexus 4 is attractive enough to many consumers to sway them away from the iPhone 5, a task that quite honestly will be difficult, then Google will not only have themselves a popular "flagship" device, but will also deal a little blow to their archrival as well.


Source: The Verge - Nexus 4 Review

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