The official Nexus 5 thread.

[tsupersonic]

Does LG just suck at speakers and headphone volume? It was an issue with my OGP. I read the G2 has crap speakers, and the N5 has both terrible speakers and now I'm learning crap headphone volume too?

Headphone volume is alright. It's the damn speaker I have a problem with. My last phone was an HTC One, so there are no smartphones in the market right now that even remotely come close the HTC One in terms of audio quality from the speaker. The HTC One flat out spoils you, and makes every other smartphone's speaker sound like crap.

 

[Red Storm]

Headphone volume is alright. It's the damn speaker I have a problem with. My last phone was an HTC One, so there are no smartphones in the market right now that even remotely come close the HTC One in terms of audio quality from the speaker. The HTC One flat out spoils you, and makes every other smartphone's speaker sound like crap.

This is so very true, however I almost never listen through my phone's speakers so I ended up not missing it that much after selling my One.

Still though, every phone should have front facing speakers. The difference is extremely noticeable.

 

[jimv1983]

S4 does better in some battery tests... I don't think it's easily that conclusive.

From my experience in owning a Nexus 5 and talking to friends that have a Galaxy S4 the S4 has a much lower battery life. My Nexus 5 can get 4 hours screen on time with 15 hours off the charger. From everything I've heard from friends that have it the S4 is dead in less than 9 hours with 2.5 hours screen on time.

Headphone volume is alright. It's the damn speaker I have a problem with. My last phone was an HTC One, so there are no smartphones in the market right now that even remotely come close the HTC One in terms of audio quality from the speaker. The HTC One flat out spoils you, and makes every other smartphone's speaker sound like crap.

In my experience the headphone volume isn't super loud but it's loud enough to easily hear even in a someone noisy room. As for the speaker it's OK. Nothing special but who uses really uses the phone speaker that often anyways. Anytime I'm either alone or around people that also want to hear what I'm listening to I am most likely listening to it on a sound system, home theater, etc and not my phone. Anytime I am in a situation where I want to listen to something on my phone I use headphones because I'm most likely in a public place with other people around who don't want to listen to what I'm listening to like in an airport, doctor/dentist waiting room, bus/train/plane, etc.

Still though, every phone should have front facing speakers. The difference is extremely noticeable.

NO! Phones are already big enough as it is with their huge screens and massive bezels. I miss the days when I could easily and comfortably use my phone with one hand and comfortably fit it in my front pocket. The Nexus 5 has a huge top and bottom bezel already but with no front speakers(or hardware buttons) so there is hope of the bezels shrinking on future phones but that isn't going to happen with front spacing speakers. Just look at the HTC One. It has a 4.7" screen but it is the same length as the Nexus 5(which is already too big). It should be smaller but because of those speakers it isn't. The HTC One is 5.41" tall. That is INSANE. There is no reason that a phone with a 5" screen can't be like 4.85" x 2.65"

 

[s44]

From my experience in owning a Nexus 5 and talking to friends that have a Galaxy S4 the S4 has a much lower battery life. My Nexus 5 can get 4 hours screen on time with 15 hours off the charger. From everything I've heard from friends that have it the S4 is dead in less than 9 hours with 2.5 hours screen on time.

Not this FUD again. You had one anecdote about your buddy using the phone outdoors all day at a ball game. This is not in line with testing or general owner experiences.

 

[Red Storm]

The HTC One is 5.41" tall. That is INSANE. There is no reason that a phone with a 5" screen can't be like 4.85" x 2.65"

That is not insane, that's progress we've made from the tiny screened phones of the past.

 

[blairharrington]

In my experience the headphone volume isn't super loud but it's loud enough to easily hear even in a someone noisy room. As for the speaker it's OK. Nothing special but who uses really uses the phone speaker that often anyways. Anytime I'm either alone or around people that also want to hear what I'm listening to I am most likely listening to it on a sound system, home theater, etc and not my phone. Anytime I am in a situation where I want to listen to something on my phone I use headphones because I'm most likely in a public place with other people around who don't want to listen to what I'm listening to like in an airport, doctor/dentist waiting room, bus/train/plane, etc.



NO! Phones are already big enough as it is with their huge screens and massive bezels. I miss the days when I could easily and comfortably use my phone with one hand and comfortably fit it in my front pocket. The Nexus 5 has a huge top and bottom bezel already but with no front speakers(or hardware buttons) so there is hope of the bezels shrinking on future phones but that isn't going to happen with front spacing speakers. Just look at the HTC One. It has a 4.7" screen but it is the same length as the Nexus 5(which is already too big). It should be smaller but because of those speakers it isn't. The HTC One is 5.41" tall. That is INSANE. There is no reason that a phone with a 5" screen can't be like 4.85" x 2.65"

I use my phone speakers daily. It's a very important element of a phone for me. Just because you don't doesn't mean that others don't too.

I wouldn't fret too much about the size of the One given that the 2014 model is coming very soon. At that point you can decide whether you think the phone is too large or not. We are getting a 5" screen so we'll have to see if HTC made it bigger than the M7.

 

[jimv1983]

I use my phone speakers daily. It's a very important element of a phone for me. Just because you don't doesn't mean that others don't too.

I wouldn't fret too much about the size of the One given that the 2014 model is coming very soon. At that point you can decide whether you think the phone is too large or not. We are getting a 5" screen so we'll have to see if HTC made it bigger than the M7.

The main reason I don't use my phone speakers is because I don't want to disrup others around me that don't want to listen to what I'm listening to. I use headphones. It's called being polite. I can't stand when people subject others to listen to what ever they are listening to. It's rude.

As for the size of the One's successor we have already seen pictures. The bezel looks the same size but the screen if bigger. There is no way I will be smaller than the One.

 

[jimv1983]

Not this FUD again. You had one anecdote about your buddy using the phone outdoors all day at a ball game. This is not in line with testing or general owner experiences.

Based on the few other people I know with the S4 it's actually pretty typical. All three of the people I know with a S4 are all constantly complaining about battery life.

That is not insane, that's progress we've made from the tiny screened phones of the past.

My comment was not directed at screen size. You can have a 5" screen and have the phone be much smaller. The insane part is the phone size compared to the bezel size. Only 4.7" screen and STILL almost 5.5" tall.

I really miss the days of comfortable pocketability and easy one handed use. You can't get that on an Android phone anymore unless you are willing to settle for a phone with crappy internal hardware. It really sucks.

 

[blairharrington]

The main reason I don't use my phone speakers is because I don't want to disrup others around me that don't want to listen to what I'm listening to. I use headphones. It's called being polite. I can't stand when people subject others to listen to what ever they are listening to. It's rude.

As for the size of the One's successor we have already seen pictures. The bezel looks the same size but the screen if bigger. There is no way I will be smaller than the One.

It's called being polite. Shake my head.......

Again, you are talking about a very specific scenario. I use my phone speakers at home. Mainly in my bedroom and in my kitchen. Sometimes in my home office too. Again, just because you don't use the phone speakers doesn't mean that others don't too.

The latest info is that the M8 is slightly taller and thinner than the M7.

 

[sweenish]

It's called being polite. Shake my head.......

Again, you are talking about a very specific scenario. I use my phone speakers at home. Mainly in my bedroom and in my kitchen. Sometimes in my home office too. Again, just because you don't use the phone speakers doesn't mean that others don't too.

The latest info is that the M8 is slightly taller and thinner than the M7.

Your scenario is just as specific, and just as common.

What both of you need to do is, acknowledge that the other just uses their phone differently and leave it at that.

 

[WelshBloke]

Your scenario is just as specific, and just as common.

What both of you need to do is, acknowledge that the other just uses their phone differently and leave it at that.

But nice speakers are the advantage in both situations.

In the one they are there to enjoy the music in private but in public they don't stop you from using the headphones.

The only downside to the big speakers seems to be the extra bulk, but I'm not convinced that they couldn't trim down a lot of that space.

 

[blairharrington]

Your scenario is just as specific, and just as common.

What both of you need to do is, acknowledge that the other just uses their phone differently and leave it at that.

He implied at the start that speakers on a phone were not that important. I said they are for some people and his general statement was wrong. His follow up implies a specific scenario and laughingly hints at how rude this is, as if this is how I use my phone. My scenario reflects how many others value their phone speakers. What I'm saying is very different that what he is saying.

I don't care if he doesn't need great phone speakers. But our conversation started from his implication that they aren't important in general.

 

[sweenish]

He implied at the start that speakers on a phone were not that important. I said they are for some people and his general statement was wrong. His follow up implies a specific scenario and laughingly hints at how rude this is, as if this is how I use my phone. My scenario reflects how many others value their phone speakers. What I'm saying is very different that what he is saying.

I don't care if he doesn't need great phone speakers. But our conversation started from his implication that they aren't important in general.

Your scenario is still just as specific, and just as common.

 

[JimmyH]

Got my Nexus 5 back from LG today. First the ONLY good news my cases arrived from amazon in 2 days free shipping.

My good feelings were quickly dashed when saw that my nexus 5 that had been sent in one piece w/ a miniscule hairline crack was returned in TWO pieces big cracks and no longer working. "No customer response" I spent better part 2 hours contacting LG to authorize payment and being sent constantly to a billing department that never answered. Eventually a CSR got me to a "manager" who took my credit card info, authorized prepayment and was told I'd recieve fully refurbished phone this week.

 

[blairharrington]

Your scenario is still just as specific, and just as common.

I understand that Sweenish. My general point is that there is value in phone speakers for some consumers.

 

[sweenish]

I understand that Sweenish. My general point is that there is value in phone speakers for some consumers.

I can't argue against that.

Nor can I argue against the other side that doesn't care much speakers and simply doesn't use them enough to warrant the extra bulk or money it would require.

Different strokes.

I'm square in the middle, myself. I'll take a decent phone speaker for getting the job done out and about when circumstances demand, but at home I stream to my much nicer bluetooth speaker or my home theater.

And to be honest, the only thing that kept me from whole-heartedly recommending an HTC One to anyone who would ask was the abysmal logo-straddling buttons. Quite a few people perked up when I mentioned front-facing stereo speakers.

 

[JimmyH]

Called LG today and was promptly told I NEVER authorized payment and that they could reissue me a new RMA #. Time passes and eventually call "escalates" so that I could speak to a manager. Adrianne #7008 stuck to their story that I NEVER authorized payment. Time passes, hold , hold, matter of fact I DID authorize payment and somehow it slipped thru the cracks and phone sent back. There mistake, sorry. Answer: new RMA#, pay ship again and start all over. My answer: how bout you take my CC info now charge it and either cross ship me refurb or send in. Her answer, no we have to re-inspect phone! My answer: I sent it first time 1 piece came back 2 pieces , who is to say it doesn't come back 4 pieces? Time passes and her answer stands, I send back on my dime and we do not try authorize payment till they re-inspect nexus.

I'm disappointed and decide to see what google can do for me.

Hello Jimmy,

Thank you for contacting Google, it was a pleasure speaking with you regarding your Nexus 5 from order number 157312.......

As I explained during our conversation on the phone, we are unfortunately unable to provide warranty service for your device until the screen is fixed. I understand that LG made your phone worse, and I am sincerely sorry to hear that.

My suggestion again would be to go back to LG and explain the situation once more. If they fix the screen and the phone is still not functional, I can definitely start the RMA process for you.

If you have any additional information or questions, please feel free to respond at any time.

Best regards,

Tristan
The Google Support Team




They agree is it disappointing that my RMA was subject to a billing error and my phone was returned in worse condition. Time passes, can u hold? Five hours in since start RMA , let it ride. Good News: We can warranty it. Awesome, wait..... Bad News: U must RMA back to LG for glass repair, then if still not functioning from damage LG did first RMA, google will warranty it with an additional RMA to google. Gets better, LG charges me $165, then google charges me full price $433, send you new nexus. I get $433 billed back later IF warranty applicable. Hmm.. minimum 3 RMAs, out better part $700 upfront and a month without phone on possibility its warrantied and only out $200ish. This lurker has done several RMAs before. All my newegg refurbs and been smooth and my AMD refurb was just amazing. RMA’d a $200 athlon xp and AMD sent me flagship $400 chip back for inconvenience. Am I being a grumpy old man or does this seem unfair?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I'd ask if you can just return it to them at this point for a refund. If so, just order a new phone.

 

[JimmyH]

I'd ask if you can just return it to them at this point for a refund. If so, just order a new phone.

I asked LG for refund, no way. Asked LG for refund minus $165 for repair so ~ $268 lesson learned. No way. They won't even pay for shipping fees second RMA that they admit billing error on! Google same answer, NO WAY. I told them I send back phone , eventual $260ish credit and I will give u TWO cases unopened included to next poor soul dumb enuff own nexus 5 wo/ case. NO WAY. Again I'm 5 hours in on hold and talking on first RMA so I had many suggestions At this point I'd gladly take a partial refund and never buy a LG or google product as long as I live.

 

[SpacemanSpiffVT]

can anyone else comment on nexus 4 vs 5 battery life?
I have a nexus 4 and am quite unhappy with the battery life. When idle its fine, but if i start using 3G alot, the battery just tanks.

Is it the same on the Nexus 5? might have to skip it then.

 

[Radeon962]

Nexus 5 battery life is not spectacular but it is better than the Nexus 4. When I had my N5, I had about 4 hours screen on time for normal use (internet on wifi and LTE, calls, texts, etc.). The N5 also seems to be better on idle (when it's just sitting and you are not using it). I had owned the Nexus 4 as well and a very good phone in its own right, but battery life could get frustrating. I did end up running a Franco kernel on the Nexus 4 and that helped quite a bit, still not as good as the Nexus 5 though.

The N5 was by far my favorite phone, but I could not get along with the battery life so I picked up a Note 3 and have been very pleased with it.

 

[SpacemanSpiffVT]

Nexus 5 battery life is not spectacular but it is better than the Nexus 4. When I had my N5, I had about 4 hours screen on time for normal use (internet on wifi and LTE, calls, texts, etc.). The N5 also seems to be better on idle (when it's just sitting and you are not using it). I had owned the Nexus 4 as well and a very good phone in its own right, but battery life could get frustrating. I did end up running a Franco kernel on the Nexus 4 and that helped quite a bit, still not as good as the Nexus 5 though.

The N5 was by far my favorite phone, but I could not get along with the battery life so I picked up a Note 3 and have been very pleased with it.

thanks for the information, could you possibly quantify how much better the nexus 5 was compared to the 4? 20-30%?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

thanks for the information, could you possibly quantify how much better the nexus 5 was compared to the 4? 20-30%?

Battery? Drain is something like 1-2% per hour (closer to 1), but on the Nexus 4 I was getting 4-5%. This is idle on mobile 3G/4G.

 

[jimv1983]

can anyone else comment on nexus 4 vs 5 battery life?
I have a nexus 4 and am quite unhappy with the battery life. When idle its fine, but if i start using 3G alot, the battery just tanks.

Is it the same on the Nexus 5? might have to skip it then.

I didn't have a Nexus 4 but I do have a Nexus 5. So far i have found the battery life to be acceptable for my uses. It's not great or even good(personally I don't think there is a phone on the market that I would say has GOOD battery life) but it isn't bad either.

The stand by time is amazing. In my best test of fully charging it and leaving it off the charger overnight it was using a little over 0.5% per hour. Screen on time is what really kills the battery(which is expected, especially with a 1080p IPS LCD). If I take it off the charger and use it until it's dead with no break I can get just over 6 hours. With mixed usage I can get about 3.5-4 hours screen on time with a total of 15-18 hours off the charger.

Compared to my old Galaxy SII(the worst battery life I have ever seen on a phone EVER), my dad's old Droid Charge, my dad's current Galaxy S3, my cousin's Galaxy S4 and my co-workers HTC One it has pretty decent battery life and outlasts all of them with the same usage. It doesn't quite match the iPhone 5S and only does a little better than my old Nexus One.

Until some new battery technology hits the market(like graphene) no phones are really going to get good or great battery life.

Also, given the huge screen, 1080p resolution and TouchWiz I'm pretty skeptical of Radeon962's good battery life claims of the Note 3.

 

[Pankajknp]

Recently bought Nexus 5 and yesterday while talking it got off due to battery getting low . At this time i put the same to charge with my laptop and after half an hour also the same could be switched on , today while contacting the LG service centre they confirmed that it would only turn on after put ro charge for at least 2 hrs. and it is not like one of the other phones which may be immidiately turned on when put to recharge .