Google Nexus 5

So I spent the night with a bit of a scare- softbricked the device whilst rooting and installing the OTA. Thankfully, after reloading the stock image and flashing a different recovery, all went well.

Titanium Backup, what a fine app you are. Everything backed up and restored without any issues.

On the device- it's still very similar to the Nexus 4, but also rather different- bigger, lighter, and a rather improved screen. The screen really is rather good- clear, sharp, and is a bit brighter than the Nexus 4.

I love the tactile feel of the white back (it's not soft touch like the black models, but it isn't the horrible smooth plastic you find with Samsung phones). Much better grip and in-hand feel compared to my Nexus 4, and I think for the size, it makes better sense. I am familiar with the feel of the soft touch back, as the Nexus 7 has the same feel to it.

The ceramic buttons are a nice touch, and mine fit tightly and securely to the device. None of the loose button issues that some have reported.

So far, I have not had any issues with volume or the speaker. The quality is some way ahead of the Nexus 4.

All in all, I'm really happy with the device thus far. Not much time to really put it through it's paces, but that will come soon enough :D
 
I ordered mine through the UK Play Store as I have a friend visiting from the UK from tomorrow. Can't wait to get my hands on this bad boy :D
 
Maverick Jester said:
Mine, inclusive of shipping, cost less, and it is a 32Gb.

Another thing I need to add- wireless charging is actually a very convenient aspect. It's the first time that I'm using one, but I will definitely be getting a few more chargers for the home.
Click to expand...

Really keen on getting a charger. Which one did you get (locally?)
 
Maverick Jester said:
So I spent the night with a bit of a scare- softbricked the device whilst rooting and installing the OTA. Thankfully, after reloading the stock image and flashing a different recovery, all went well.

Titanium Backup, what a fine app you are. Everything backed up and restored without any issues.
Click to expand...

Hehe - that's some scary stuff. Coming from an iPhone to an Android I must say I love the freedom Android has but I've definitely spent a lot more wee-morning hours reading up to make sure I follow the correct procedure to flash this, root that and not brick anything!
 
JacquesZA said:
Is it cheaper than http://store.orange.com/za/p_orange_product.aspx?i=255489

6300 from them
Click to expand...

Well, I paid in total about R6K for the phone and screen protectors. And I must say these screen protectors have a lifetime guarantee. Even I I mess them up with installation, they will replace it for me. but then, I guess I will have to ship it there and back and that might cost more then to have one replaced.
Phone cost: R5 345.32 - AND it is a 32GB version as opposed to Orange's 16GB version. Includes shipping to Postbox Courrier'd depot
Screen protectors cost: R226.16 - iSmooth screen protectors and cost includes shipping to Postbox Courrier'd depot
Shipping from Postbox Courier to my doorstep: R425.25 - No import duties
Total cost: R5 996.73
 
ebendl said:
Really keen on getting a charger. Which one did you get (locally?)
Click to expand...

I didn't get one locally, bought it through Amazon. Cost about R180, but I shipped it with my Nexus 5 so may have saved on shipping.

ebendl said:
Hehe - that's some scary stuff. Coming from an iPhone to an Android I must say I love the freedom Android has but I've definitely spent a lot more wee-morning hours reading up to make sure I follow the correct procedure to flash this, root that and not brick anything!
Click to expand...

Was more frustrating, and having to wait for first a deodexed stock ROM then a factory image to download. Telkom Mobile was up to **** last night. Can't wait for my ADSL to be installed!

But, it was scary for a moment. It's the closest I've come to bricking a device, and I've flashed A LOT of ROM's...
 
Maverick Jester said:
So I spent the night with a bit of a scare- softbricked the device whilst rooting and installing the OTA. Thankfully, after reloading the stock image and flashing a different recovery, all went well.

Titanium Backup, what a fine app you are. Everything backed up and restored without any issues.

On the device- it's still very similar to the Nexus 4, but also rather different- bigger, lighter, and a rather improved screen. The screen really is rather good- clear, sharp, and is a bit brighter than the Nexus 4.

I love the tactile feel of the white back (it's not soft touch like the black models, but it isn't the horrible smooth plastic you find with Samsung phones). Much better grip and in-hand feel compared to my Nexus 4, and I think for the size, it makes better sense. I am familiar with the feel of the soft touch back, as the Nexus 7 has the same feel to it.

The ceramic buttons are a nice touch, and mine fit tightly and securely to the device. None of the loose button issues that some have reported.

So far, I have not had any issues with volume or the speaker. The quality is some way ahead of the Nexus 4.

All in all, I'm really happy with the device thus far. Not much time to really put it through it's paces, but that will come soon enough :D
Click to expand...

Am glad your phone is OK. I would advice that you back up the EFS partition. Once this partition gets corrupted, there is no going back. This has never been an issue for me because I have always owned Samsung phones and this is done automatically. Did you encounter any issues with your previous N4
 
So after getting paid to spend the week at a beach resort in the UAE I get back to a shiny white new nexus 5 today. Just in time for our friday workday end at 13:30. I love my job :)
 
ngwe23 said:
Am glad your phone is OK. I would advice that you back up the EFS partition. Once this partition gets corrupted, there is no going back. This has never been an issue for me because I have always owned Samsung phones and this is done automatically. Did you encounter any issues with your previous N4
Click to expand...

Oh, I won't be flashing another ROM in a hurry- waiting for Paranoid Android to bring out a stable KitKat ROM.

The EFS issue is Samsung-specific, though, but CWM started incorporating it into their backups by default, anyway. Nexus devices place the IMEI information in a more secure section of the file system.

I had zero issues with the Nexus 4 in terms of flashing anything. I think it is also because I flashed it initially using Odin, so I didn't have to manually flash a recovery image.

I'm placing the root cause of my softbrick issue squarely on the corrupt version of CWM. Once I flashed a different version, it has been working perfectly ever since. It's not the first time that I've found a corrupt version of CWM, and it always seems to be the touch version that breaks something. But at least I learnt a few fastboot tricks :)
 
OGroteKoning said:
Is it just me, or does this phone charge in record time?
Click to expand...

Anything charges fast compared to the S2 with extended battery. :D

My Note 2 charges the 3100mAh battery to 100% in under two hours, while my S2 takes four hours.
 
OGroteKoning said:
Is it just me, or does this phone charge in record time?
Click to expand...

My exact view too....battery life is handled so well on KitKat and the nexus hence why I don't worry about it....

We often go out at night too and while I'm getting ready I'll plug my phone in grab it in a hour or so and its near full again sorted
 
OGroteKoning said:
Is it just me, or does this phone charge in record time?
Click to expand...

My Nexus 4 did charge pretty quickly, too... But I agree.

Battery life on this device is also rather incredible. Far, far better than I ever had on my Nexus 4 (prior to KitKat, that is).

I'm used to putting my phone on to charge as soon as I get home, but with this one, I no longer have to.
 
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Oh, and I must commend Google and LG on the screen. Infinitely brighter and more legible in direct sunlight, and in general, too. Colour reproduction and clarity are top drawer, as well. It's the first time I have truly appreciated the jump from a 720p to 1080p resolution. Not even my Nexus 7 looks as good, IMO.
 
Maverick Jester said:
Oh, and I must commend Google and LG on the screen. Infinitely brighter and more legible in direct sunlight, and in general, too. Colour reproduction and clarity are top drawer, as well. It's the first time I have truly appreciated the jump from a 720p to 1080p resolution. Not even my Nexus 7 looks as good, IMO.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I'll pass it on to Larry & Sergey.
 
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