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Slow lane: why Google's new Nexus 4 doesn't have LTE | The Verge

I have a feeling this has something to do with Verizon and how they handled the Galaxy Nexus.

 

Well, I really need a tablet, but I don't see myself hanging around with a 10" or a 7" tablet, so a 5.5" hybrid would be perfect for me.

I don't like TouchWiz either, but I do have to admit, it's great on the Note 2. A bit too bloated, but good nevertheless.

Yeah, I already need at least 3-4GB for my music, and then all the videos and image I take on a daily basis... 16GB would be enough for me if I didn't have a crapload of music, but I don't know. 350$ is really damn cheap, it's around 300€, which is 380€ cheaper than the Note 2 on contract... :O

 

That Nexus 4 for 300 is a good deal, for all that hardware :|

 

I would have paid $50 more for a 32GB version. But noooo.... can't.

 

We can only hope that they do the same thing with the Nexus 4 as they did with the 7... 32GB Nexus 4 = insta buy.

 

Optimus G has an encrypted bootloader. I'd pass on it.

Bingo!


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Vzw definitely dropped the ball on the Gnex, but it just seems weird to have a phone at this stage of the game forgoing LTE.

 

If you could only see how LTE is handled on a carrier level, you'd understand without a doubt why Google did this.

I 100% support Google for not including LTE or CDMA. LTE is obviously the future, but it needs some HEAVY regulation. CDMA just needs to die already.

 

I understand not including CDMA. That makes perfect sense. But LTE has long been a key point of differentiation in android devices and to fall back to Apple's former argument against it seems a bit silly. Maybe I'm taking crazy pills.

Edit: I went back and read through the Verge article. Basically it seems like the case against LTE in this situation is "we're not releasing a CDMA variant because Verizon is a bunch of jerkfaces, and nobody else has an LTE network worth tossing a radio in the phone for." I agree that VZWs handling of the nexus was infuriating to say the least. In that context, it makes sense.

 

Yeah, that's really my main concern with it. I will have to watch a video review of the device and see if the factory firmware behaves and looks close enough to AOSP, and I'll be okay with just replacing the launcher like the newer Motorola phones. I just don't want another interface that tries to change everything like Sense.

Speaking of Sense, the One X is a beautifully crafted piece of hardware, but it's a nasty reminder why I don't like HTC devices...S-On.

One of the implications with CDMA devices is that carriers tend to restrict what is allowed to registered on their networks, unlike GSM where you basically just need to make sure the phone has the correct band and you're good to go with a simple slip-in of a SIM card. Verizon has zero-tolerance for devices that are not under control and will not let you register any phone to their network that didn't come out of their store. Sprint and MetroPCS is a bit more lax on this, but their subscription base is a lot smaller and in addition of the Nexus being a niche device, does not make sense from a financial standpoint to build a device specifically for them.

As HAL stated, LTE regulation on a global scale is terrible. In the U.S. alone, there are four different LTE bands alone. Just like CDMA, having the carrier have control over the device's software in exchange for them to "certify" the device for their network is just not worth it, otherwise it's the Verizon Galaxy Nexus all over again.

 

I thought the Nexus 4 was based off the Optimus G, but not entirely? Would the Nexus 4 had an encrypted bootloader being a Nexus device?

 

Blame Verizon?

 

Well I'm saying why would the Nexus 4 have an encrypted bootloader being a Nexus device? That's like buying a Ferrari and driving it to go buy groceries.

 

Short answer?

No.

 

The Nexus 4 will not have an encrypted bootloader, as it is not tied to any carrier's control. LG has been encrypting bootloaders on all of their devices lately, so it's no surprise the Optimus G arrived to the market this way. The Nexus 4 just happens to dodge the bullet because it's a specialty device for Google.

 

Exactly. All LG is doing here is the hardware. Bootloader, OS, drivers, kernel... all Google. It'll ship locked, like all Nexus devices. But all you have to do is fastboot oem unlock.

 

ARM's Cortex-A50 chips promise 3x performance of current superphones by 2014, throw in 64-bit for good measure -- Engadget

 

Getting a Nexus 4 or a Note 2 now and holding for the A57 phones is the best option right now IMO.

 

No SD card. So? The iPhone doesn't have one either.

No LTE. So? The iPhone doesn't have... oh wait.

I wonder how the fanboi wars are going to handle this one. Google's flagship phone really needs to have LTE... I don't like the "no SD" rule either but I don't see a good excuse for not having LTE.

I guess LTE is a US thing.

 

LTE is pretty much a Verizon thing. AT&T likes to make noise about their network but it's nowhere near as developed as Verizon's. That said, I agree that it looks bad for a flagship Android device to be restricted to HSPA+.

 

I see a much better excuse for not having LTE over not having SD storage. Having a MicroSD slot makes a completely negligible impact on design, function and it adds value to the package. LTE is hamstrung by carrier restrictions and other "strings".

Verizon's LTE lately has been lackluster. They haven't added capacity to cope with demand. So in areas where AT&T get 30-50Mbps downstream, Verizon usually gets 15-20Mbps. I mean that's still pretty damn fast for wireless, but it's not what it should be according to the standard.

 

While that may be true, outside of AT&T's 77 LTE markets you're running at 3G speeds. Well, except for when they change the 3G icon to a 4G one without actually changing the speeds.

 

Well, to be honest, AT&T's LTE network, while only covering 77 markets, does cover quite a large number of people--because most major US cities have it. In California, the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles area, and Greater San Diego area all have pretty comprehensive LTE, from my experiences at least. Those three markets alone (among others in CA) already cover a huge number of people.

I do see the reasoning that Google made though: their hands are kind of tied, and inclusion of LTE at this point would not really be up to their standards. That said, I'm sure they could have commanded a significantly higher price for their phone with LTE inclusion.

 

All I know is LTE was pretty fast on my AT&T iPhone 5 (returned it because I want to try the Note 2... I want to be a baller like LBJ).

 

Lyndon B Johnson?

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LeBron James.

LeBron James got his custom Galaxy Note 2, shows it to the world | Android Central

IMO, an overrated player with more ego than what he knows to do with, but that's another topic for another day.

 

And a bit further into the future we'll probably see more of AMD and Intel in the mobile space:
AMD to offer 64-bit ARM-based Opterons | Engadget
Intel working on 48-core mobile chip | Engadget

 

It's time to get a smartphone and I'm with Verizon so I'm thinking Samsung Galaxy S3 or Motorola Droid Razr HD Maxx.......just can't decide..........the wife has the Razr M which is an ok phone but I think I'd like something just a little bigger.

 

What's more important to you?

Verizon Galaxy S III
+ Excellent community support with plenty of ROMs to flash
+ Video Play can play nearly any video file out there
+ Music Player supports folder browsing
+ Good camera picture/video quality
+ Removable battery

RAZR MAXX HD
+ Two to three day's worth of normal usage on a charge
+ Radio signal
+ Excellent Resale value
+ Micro HDMI port
+ Premium, industrial build quality

 

I'm loving flashing ROM's on my touchpad and probably will on my daughters Nexus 7 that came today but this will be my first smartphone so I dunno how much I'll do with it. I might be scared to brick it.

I've spent a little time playing with both the S III and the Maxx HD at the local verizon store but that really didn't help any, they have them at total opposite ends of the store so its impossible to do a side by side comparison.

I think my biggest problem having never had my own smartphone is I really don't know how I will use it. I do wish that the Razr's had a better camera but I know if you want to take pictures carry a real camera. It's just so easy to take out the phone and snap photos of the kids (even videos on occasion) then share them with others.

I wish I had an S III to try out and see what kind of signal it gets where we live. Verizon's map shows 4G coverage but the wife's Razr M seems to have a problem holding it and does a lot of swapping between 3G and 4G. I think it might actually have an issue because its starting to randomly show the wrong time and date. Maybe it needs a new SIM.

I know I love Android and either way I'll be happy and get tons of use out of whatever phone I get. I really wish anyone but Verizon had better coverage in our area but unless your on the interstate or in town you might as well forget any of the other carriers.

 

The RAZR M does have an issue with the signal fluctuating heavily in areas with not-so-good coverage, but that is due to the over-aggressive power management on the radio. Motorola should have this fix in an update or eventually a leaked firmware will resolve this. I had a M for a few weeks before switching to the iPhone 5, and ironically enough, my mother abandoned her iPhone and have been using the M since. She hasn't had any issues with it at all.

As far as radio signal retention between the RAZR and the Galaxy, I did notice that the RAZR seems to be holding an average of -5 to -10 dBm (Graphically one bar) signal better than the Galaxy. I didn't notice much, if any difference in terms of data connection speed between either one though.

 

Most of my data usage will be on wifi either at home or work but I do want something thats going to have good call quality. Hopefully Motorola gets the signal problem squared away, thanks for the input.

 

I have a RAZR Maxx and an S3.

I would get the Maxx HD. The specs are fairly similar between the S3 and HD. The only thing holding my Maxx back is the screen. The new Maxx HD has basically the same same screen as the S3.

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Is Motorola products worth getting at all these days? :| I just feel like the Razr Maxx only redeeming feature is the ridiculous battery life and only cause they put in a 3800 mAH battery inside, which you could buy a Galaxy S II (as an example) 3rd party one rated at 4000 mAH and the only point of buying a Razr Maxx just disappeared..

 

Those extended batteries make the S3 huge. The Maxx and S3 both use the same processor.

The biggest deciding factors are(IMO), the S3 has a better camera and the Maxx has longer battery life and is built better.

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Only appealing factor for me these days with Moto products are the build quality. Hate the industrial design all you want, but there's a solid, expensive, feel to most of their smartphones.

 

After a bit of thinking and reading, I decided to go with the AT&T Optimus G over the Nexus 4 for the following reasons:

- Case design has more of a professional look to it
- MicroSD card slot
- LTE
- Capacitive touch keys

Being stuck with a locked bootloader is a bummer, but from all the videos I've seen, the firmware looks and behaves close to AOSP enough not to bother me. Just like Blur on ICS, I just replaced the launcher with Apex and I was perfectly fine with it. Give me root and I wouldn't complain; if I can work with Blur, I can work with this. Will be picking it up on Friday after work.

 

I will say that the Optimus G is very good looking! congrats!

 

After the next paycheck I'll pick up a Nexus 4 and sell my Blaze 4G! Here's to 2 GB RAM, no more lag!

 

AMD in chip tie-up with UK's ARM

BBC News - AMD in chip tie-up with UK's ARM

 

guess i could put this up on the wall put on a blind fold and throw darts to see which one I hit

 

I wouldn't get the RAZR M. It has a low resolution screen. It's not horrible, but sub par compared to the other three.

I had the international version of the Spectrum 2. I liked it in every respect except battery life. The other phones last much longer on a charge.



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To me, since the other 3 have encrypted bootloaders that will pretty much never be worked around (unlike the GS III on VZW which managed to get a leaked unencrypted bootloader) there's only one option: GS III.

 

Crap, I forgot the Xperia TL is due for release today on AT&T as well.

*Scratches chin*

 

Its hard not to go with the GS III its only $99 today (Best Buy and/or Amazon Wireless).....of course verizon seems to charge a $30 'upgrade' free no matter what....bummer.....

 

Don't they usually waive the activation fee?

 

In the past that was the norm but now it seems like they are playing hardball and won't budge. I've called and asked CSR's with Best Buy, Amazon and I'm about to call Verizon and threaten switching just to see but so far looks like a necessary evil just an additional fee that must be paid.

Also I have a question for you guys my wife's RAZR M is randomly changing the time and date anybody have any idea? If I already posted this my apologies lack of sleep does that.

 

Check under Settings > Date & Time and see if Automatic Network Time is enabled. Uncheck it, re-check it and reboot the phone.

It definitely helps to look at phones side by side at the store. The AT&T store had the Optimus G and Xperia TL sitting right beside each other, and within a minute it's clear the LG was the better phone. The Xperia's screen just didn't have as wide of a viewing angle as the LG, and while it looked to be better built, the the contour of the phone just didn't feel right while holding it one-handed. Left the store with the LG.

I've been playing with it for the last hour now, and all I've got to say is that you prospective Nexus 4 owners are in for a treat; the two extra cores do make a difference.

 

Thanks I'll give that a try when I get home later. Looking at getting the MAXX HD and Amazon has it for $100 cheaper than Verizon I called Verizon asking if they could do anything on their prices (of course they said no) and the CSR was telling me she bought her phone at walmart because it was cheaper and she suggested looking at wirefly.com I was like wow...most of the CSR's are always like no you need to buy from verizon etc.

Maybe I should just wait and buy a Nexus 4 and get a Straightalk SIM and see if AT&T works good enough in my area.....I'm pretty sure it doesn't but it might be worth a shot.

 

That's what I'm doing. I ordered my Straight Talk sim yesterday. The Nexus 4 looks pretty sweet in he reviews.

You really can't put a price on stock Android.

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