What's this? Overall score is based mainly on Ease of use, Messaging, Web browsing, Display quality, Voice quality, Phoning, Battery life, Camera Image and Video quality, and Portability. Music and Camera features are also considered. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Phones are listed in performance order, within carriers. Due to test upgrades, and phone firmware updates, results may vary from past Ratings.
Approximate retail price:
$50
Summary:
The Google Nexus 4 (16 GB) is a smart phone designed for use on the T-Mobile network, including its HSPA+ "4G" network. It runs on the Android operating system. This model has a 4.7-inch touch-screen display, an 8-megapixel camera, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.
The Google Nexus 4 is a smart phone designed for use on the T-Mobile network, including its HSPA+ "4G" network. It can also be used internationally.
It has a 4.7-inch touch-screen display, measures 5.3 by 2.7 by 0.4 inches and weighs 4.9 ounces. It runs on the Android operating system.
The Nexus 4 has an 8-megapixel camera that can record high-definition video, a front-facing camera, and a music player. It also features a virtual QWERTY keyboard that's useful for messaging and Web searches. This phone has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for wireless hands-free communication, Miracast, and GPS navigation capability. Web browsing, e-mail, and texting capabilities are also included. It can act as a mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
This Google phone has a standard 3.5mm jack. It has 16GB of built-in memory.
Features & Specs - Google Nexus 4 (16 GB)
Requires data service These phones require a plan for browsing the Web or accessing e-mail and other media services and sites.
Requires data service
Yes
Requires messaging service These phones require a plan for sending and receiving text, picture, or video messages.
Requires messaging service
No
4G broadband data Indicates which models are considered "4G" based on the definitions from the carriers. Check with your carrier to see which broadband data networks are available in your area.
4G broadband data
Yes
Camera (megapixels) Specifies, in megapixels, the maximum resolution of the built-in camera. A camera with a 0.3 megapixel value is also referred to as VGA.
Camera (megapixels)
8
Camera recording resolution The maximum recording resolution of the phone's primary video camera: 1080p, 720p, or SD (Standard Definition).
Camera recording resolution
1080p
Bluetooth Voice indicates the phone works with wireless Bluetooth headsets and most hands-free car systems; stereo means it supports stereo Bluetooth headsets for music and other multimedia; data indicates the phone can wirelessly exchange pictures, contacts, and other files with other compatible Bluetooth devices, such as a computer, cell phone, or PDA.
Bluetooth
Voice, data, stereo
Wi-Fi Cell-phone data networks--even those designated as "3G broadband"--are much slower than the broadband Internet connections many people have at home. But a rising number of phones have a built-in Wi-Fi radio that allows them faster Internet and e-mail access via home networks and Wi-Fi hotspots. On some phones, the Wi-Fi is just for Web browsing; on others, you can use the connection to make calls using Voice Over Internet Protocol. Others support data via the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standard. This lets the phone connect via WI-Fi to share content with other compatible certified devices such as a TV, printer, and computer.
Wi-Fi
Web, data, voice
Memory card Many phones have slots that accept memory cards, typically microSD, to expand storage capacity by as much as 32GB. The removable cards can also serve as an easy way to shuttle files between your phone and other devices--provided that the phone's maker didn't bury the card slot behind the battery cover.
Memory card
none
Touch screen Full touch-sensitive displays respond to light contact with a stylus, finger, or both. They provide an alternate, and sometimes more direct, method to input data and launch phone features and controls. But they often require two hands to operate, and they smudge more frequently than their non-touch counterparts.
Touch screen
Yes
World phone Indicates the phone supports international GSM frequency bands for coverage abroad.
World phone
Yes
QWERTY keyboard Keyboards make composing and editing text and e-mail messages much easier than a keypad does. Some phones have keyboards that try to save space by having some letters, numbers, and symbols share a key. Those "condensed" keyboards, though still more convenient than a keypad, are not quite as easy to handle as full QWERTY keyboards.
QWERTY keyboard
Yes
Document editing All smart phones, and some conventional cell phones, allow you to review documents. Some models add the convenience of creating, deleting, and editing them out of the box.
Inductive charger requires phone be positioned just so in order to charge. Have to verify it's in position and even then (with a protective case on the back) it slips and slides sometimes. Can't call block or call reject. Use caution when g4etting service through third party proviters such as Simple Mobile or Straight Talk. Coverage is not as good and customer service is often poor to awful.
How long have you owned it:
Three-to-six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By threegoal
from Glendale, AZ
5.0
Breaks you out of contract jail with sty
6/11/2013
Pros
Call Quality
Clean interface
Current Android Sw
Fast Internet
Great navigation
Nexus 7 Tablet Compatibil
Slim
Cons
Battery life
Best Uses
Any Smartphone Purpose
Comment:
Bought the phone from Google and then got a $50/month unlimited everything contract from Simple Mobile (Uses T-Mobile network). Note: everything includes wifi hotspot usage! I am now a complete free agent, never again to sign a contract. Will save hundreds a year over previous smart phone. Best deal you are likely to find for a powerful unlocked phone.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By Scott
from Falls Church, VA
4.0
Consumer Reports missed the point
6/4/2013
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
Interface tweaks made by HTC, Samsung, etc. are bloatware. They are not enhancements as Consumer Reports would lead one to believe. They are the major reason many phones are running older versions of Android. My Nexus 4 is running the most current version of Android and will continue to do so longer than any other Android phone being sold today and in the immediate future. This is not a minor thing and Consumer Reports should make sure consumers are aware of this and that it applies to all Nexus devices. Always having the latest version of Android was the single most important factor in my purchase.
9 people have reviewed this model.
Requires data service
