Google Nexus One

Photo: Johan Larsson from Göteborg, Sweden via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Google

Google Nexus One

January 5, 2010 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Nexus One was Google's inaugural Nexus smartphone, manufactured by HTC and launched in January 2010. Marketed as a "superphone," it featured a 3.7-inch AMOLED display, a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and introduced Android 2.1 Eclair with features like live wallpapers and voice-guided navigation. It was notable for being sold directly by Google, often unlocked, aiming to offer a pure Android experience.
Display3.7-inch AMOLED (later Super LCD) with 480x800 resolution.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 (1 GHz single-core CPU).
Main Camera5 MP with autofocus and LED flash.
BatteryRemovable 1400 mAh Li-Ion.
Starting from $130 in International

💰 Google Nexus One Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $130, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fastest Android phone at the time.
  • Beautiful hardware and design.
  • Responsive AMOLED touchscreen (initially).
  • Speech-to-text integration and voice-guided navigation.
  • Pure Android experience with timely updates.
  • Removable battery and expandable storage via microSD.

Cons

  • Limited phone or in-person support from Google (initially).
  • Confusing pricing and service options.
  • Disappointing battery life for heavy users.
  • Apps initially installed only to internal memory, not SD card.
  • Occasional sluggishness with touch buttons and lack of multi-touch (initially).
  • Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported after Android 2.2 update.
★ Our Verdict

The Nexus One was a groundbreaking device that set a benchmark for Android smartphones with its powerful processor and pure Android experience, but it faced challenges with distribution, support, and some initial software limitations.

The Nexus One is a historic device, significant as Google's first Nexus phone and a pioneer in the Android ecosystem. However, it is now a vintage smartphone, over a decade old, and is not suitable for modern daily use. Its operating system (Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread) is severely outdated, meaning most contemporary apps will not function, and security updates are non-existent. The hardware, while advanced for 2010, is extremely slow by today's standards, and network compatibility for 3G might be limited or non-existent as older networks are decommissioned. It lacks a front-facing camera, and its main camera is very basic. Therefore, it should only be considered by collectors, Android enthusiasts, or developers interested in historical mobile technology, not as a functional smartphone.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Nexus One phone
  • Removable battery
  • Charger
  • USB cable
  • 4GB microSD card
  • Headset
  • Quick start guide

Warranty information was typically included in the box with the device.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the Nexus One?

The Nexus One was Google's first Nexus-branded smartphone, manufactured by HTC and released in January 2010, known for its pure Android experience and powerful hardware for its time.

When was the Nexus One released?

The Nexus One was officially released on January 5, 2010.

Who manufactured the Nexus One?

The Nexus One was designed by Google and manufactured by HTC.

What operating system did the Nexus One run?

It launched with Android 2.1 Eclair and was upgradable to Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread.

What were the key features of the Nexus One?

Key features included a 3.7-inch AMOLED display, a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5 MP camera, voice-to-text transcription, and voice-guided navigation.

Is the Nexus One still usable today?

While historically significant, the Nexus One is not practical for daily use today due to its outdated operating system, slow hardware, and limited app compatibility and network support.