Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

November 17, 2011 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was a groundbreaking smartphone co-developed by Google and Samsung, notable for being the first device to launch with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It featured a curved HD Super AMOLED display and was a flagship device in the Google Nexus series, offering a pure Android experience.
Display4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED (720p)
ChipsetTI OMAP 4460 dual-core 1.2 GHz
Main Camera5 MP with LED flash
Battery1750 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $45

💰 Samsung Galaxy Nexus Price

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus lowest price is $45, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeSuper AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.65 inches (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, HD (~316 ppi density)
ProtectionDragontrail Glass

Platform

OSAndroid 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
ChipsetTI OMAP 4460
CPUDual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9
GPUPowerVR SGX540

Memory

Internal16GB or 32GB storage, 1GB RAM
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Single5 MP, 2592x1936 pixels
FeaturesLED flash
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Single1.3 MP
Video720p

Battery

TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery

Body

Dimensions135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) for GSM variant
Weight135 g (4.76 oz)
BuildPlastic body, Dragontrail curved glass front

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth3.0, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedOctober 2011
StatusReleased November 2011

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Pioneering Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich experience
  • Vibrant and sharp HD Super AMOLED display
  • Guaranteed fast Android updates as a Nexus device
  • Comfortable curved design
  • NFC for innovative features at the time

Cons

  • Modest 5 MP camera performance compared to rivals
  • No expandable storage via microSD card
  • Battery life could be inconsistent for heavy users
  • Plastic build quality might feel less premium than some competitors
  • Limited availability of LTE variants initially
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was a highly influential device for its time, pioneering Android 4.0 and offering a pure Google experience, though its camera and battery were not class-leading.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a vintage smartphone, primarily of interest to collectors, Android enthusiasts, or those seeking a nostalgic experience. It is no longer supported with modern software updates and will struggle with contemporary apps and security. If you're considering it, understand that it's not suitable as a daily driver in today's mobile landscape. Look for units in good cosmetic condition, ideally with original accessories, and be aware that battery degradation is likely. Its value lies in its historical significance as a pivotal Android device.

Reviewed by the infozme.com Editorial Team — see how we research & rate phones.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus Handset
  • Standard 1750 mAh Battery
  • Wall Charger
  • USB Data Cable
  • Stereo Headset
  • Quick Start Guide

Typically came with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy Nexus released?

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was officially released on November 17, 2011, after being unveiled in October 2011.

What operating system did the Galaxy Nexus launch with?

It was the first smartphone to launch with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, offering a pure Android experience directly from Google.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Nexus have expandable storage?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus does not feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It came with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.

What kind of display does the Galaxy Nexus have?

The phone features a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and Dragontrail curved glass protection.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus still supported with software updates?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a vintage device and no longer receives official software updates from Google or Samsung. Its last official update was to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

What was unique about the Galaxy Nexus?

Its primary unique selling point was being the first device to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, introducing a unified Android experience for phones and tablets, along with its curved HD Super AMOLED display and pure Google software.