Galaxy Nexus

[Mock Cockpit]

Looking to finally join the rest of the world with my first smartphone. So I'm with Docomo and so is the missus so an Iphone is out of the question. Seems like the Galaxy Nexus is the best and cheapest of an otherwise lacklustre Docomo line-up to my admittedly untrained eye. I see that the Nexus can't run with Docomo's Xi (4G) network hence the low price point. I'd see that as a straight up deal breaker but I don't know shit about smartphones hence my question. Worth it? Is it something that can be software upgraded in the future? Bit lost here, not even really sure what questions I should be asking so I'll start with the basic. Is the lack of 4G compatability a deal breaker from the get go or does the Nexus make up for it in other ways?

As always, appreciate any and all input. Cheers.

[Doctor Stop]

So I'm with Docomo and so is the missus so an Iphone is out of the question.

Both of you can drop Docomo.

[wagyl]

Non-technical reply from a rank amateur, but why is lack of LTE a deal breaker? Do you feel that current data download rates are too slow for you to live with? Is the Xi fee structure more attractive to your usage pattern? Or are you just not wanting to move to a smartphone without moving to the top of the range when you do?

Nobody will keep a smartphone for the 5 or ten years it will be until Docomo switches off the 3G network. They only just abandoned the 2G network. And you raise the issue of software updates: smartphones have a habit of quickly becoming obsolete anyway, because they are dropped from software update support and can loose functionality over time as a result.

I am sure an LTE support Nexus model is just a matter of time, so if you don't need to change your phone this very minute, waiting will bring new shiny shiny to you. The currently sold phones will not be able to be upgraded to it, you will need a phone with the capability built into it first up, though.

Of course this all comes under the category of "any and all input," since it is brought to you by a Rakuraku phone user, satisfied because it, well, makes and receives voice calls. I don't get LTE reception here -- hell, I don't even get one-seg -- and my data is all over the cable necessary to receive TV reception, to a PC. Consequently, while this is another datapoint for you to be aware of, it may not be relevant to your situation.

[BigInJapan]

Samsung is announcing their next big thing on May 3. It's rumoured to be the Galaxy III (although the name is not verified).
CNET UK - Samsung Galaxy S3 coming to O2 soon

Lots of "leaks" etc. out for awhile now. Assorted Galaxy III etc. articles.

Set to be unveiled in London on 3 May, the Samsung Galaxy S III is expected to feature a 4.7in AMOLED touchscreen, which we imagine might alienate potential buyers with dinky hands. There's also talk of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), a 12MP camera with HD 1080p video, NFC and 16GB of included storage.

[Coligny]

Both of you can drop Docomo.

This is the equivalent of those Cats owner threads where a guy ask for advice against his cat shitting in the flower pot and some Herper Derper suggest to kill the cat...

[Coligny]

Samsung is announcing their next big thing on May 3. It's rumoured to be the Galaxy III (although the name is not verified).
CNET UK - Samsung Galaxy S3 coming to O2 soon

Lots of "leaks" etc. out for awhile now. Assorted Galaxy III etc. articles.

So as usual, even if you don't give a flying fark aboot the new model, it will probably means discount for the older ones...

[waruta]

LTE/Xi/Crossy is definitely a dealbreaker in a smartphone. The price for the 3G plan and Xi is no different, but the speeds definitely are. With Xi, you have 3G and the LTE/Xi but with the 3G only, you are stuck with the slower (and more crowded) channels...

With the new S3 coming out, get an S2 LTE or whatever maker grabs your fancy. A big plus is that they allow tethering on the Xi plan as well.

[wagyl]

This is the equivalent of those Cats owner threads where a guy ask for advice against his cat shitting in the flower pot and some Herper Derper suggest to kill the cat...

Especially as the OP seems to want a currently operating LTE network. Still don't know why though.

Edited to add that waruta seems to point to some real benefits of LTE, especially the tethering issue.

[matsuki]

I'm using the SH-12C, still being sold be Docomo now, and it's decent but no 4G. 4G speeds would probably only help me with one thing, using "LINE" to make phone calls...but if the person on the end is still 3G, the reception will still be hit or miss.

Anyhow, if I had to do it all over again, I'd buy an unlocked Smartphone, use bMobile or one of the other cheap prepaid basic services, and invest in a LTE (4G) mobile router that you can use for internet at home as well as when out with your notebook, tablet, phone, etc. etc.

[IparryU]

I'm using the SH-12C, still being sold be Docomo now, and it's decent but no 4G. 4G speeds would probably only help me with one thing, using "LINE" to make phone calls...but if the person on the end is still 3G, the reception will still be hit or miss.

Anyhow, if I had to do it all over again, I'd buy an unlocked Smartphone, use bMobile or one of the other cheap prepaid basic services, and invest in a LTE (4G) mobile router that you can use for internet at home as well as when out with your notebook, tablet, phone, etc. etc.

OMG that is so true...

Unlocked Smartphone is the hardest/most difficult thing to get, but still easy as pie.

Some cheap mobile thing would only be used for phone minutes.

The mobile router is better than most of the domestic ISPs out there, plus it is on the go, can be used wiht laptop, phone, psp, ds, and on some TVs at the same time (talk about an orgy) and it only costs like 4k ~ 5k a month (same price as pakehoudai "unlimited packages" at Docomo)...

Hell... I may just do that to reduce my costs! My PS3 would also have better ping when I am gaming.. man... pitching a tent now talking about this...

[waruta]

OMG that is so true...

Unlocked Smartphone is the hardest/most difficult thing to get, but still easy as pie.

Some cheap mobile thing would only be used for phone minutes.

The mobile router is better than most of the domestic ISPs out there, plus it is on the go, can be used wiht laptop, phone, psp, ds, and on some TVs at the same time (talk about an orgy) and it only costs like 4k ~ 5k a month (same price as pakehoudai "unlimited packages" at Docomo)...

Hell... I may just do that to reduce my costs! My PS3 would also have better ping when I am gaming.. man... pitching a tent now talking about this...

Unlocked Smartphone is now the easiest thing to get...either you can do it yourself or ask NTT/SB/AU for the unlock code and at the most it'll cost you 3,000 yen.

As for the mobile router....you do understand what tethering is right? Using your phone as a wifi hotspot, with security and everything, so you can connect all your devices to it and use the Internets...why pay two bills and for two devices when one will suffice?

With the mobile router, you also get only about 3 hours of use out of it, granted using a phone as a router will also deplete battery, but given the pros/cons of everything in the big picture, I would rather have a phone that has the tethering capabilities, fast internet, skype (or whatever you like) capabilities, and plus you only have to recharge/carry around 1 phone instead of 2 different devices. YMMV.

[matsuki]

As for the mobile router....you do understand what tethering is right? Using your phone as a wifi hotspot, with security and everything, so you can connect all your devices to it and use the Internets...why pay two bills and for two devices when one will suffice?

Tethering nabs your an extra charge for the service (unless you root your phone) but the idea is to pay only a small prepaid fee for the phone and the only net bill you have is the mobile router...if you really want to get detailed, no need for hikarisen or whatever you have at home either.

With the mobile router, you also get only about 3 hours of use out of it, granted using a phone as a router will also deplete battery, but given the pros/cons of everything in the big picture, I would rather have a phone that has the tethering capabilities, fast internet, skype (or whatever you like) capabilities, and plus you only have to recharge/carry around 1 phone instead of 2 different devices. YMMV.

You need to take another look at the latest mobile routers. Enough battery life to get you through the day, charging cradles make charging a nanosecond affair

[Mock Cockpit]

LTE/Xi/Crossy is definitely a dealbreaker in a smartphone. The price for the 3G plan and Xi is no different, but the speeds definitely are. With Xi, you have 3G and the LTE/Xi but with the 3G only, you are stuck with the slower (and more crowded) channels...

With the new S3 coming out, get an S2 LTE or whatever maker grabs your fancy. A big plus is that they allow tethering on the Xi plan as well.

Alright, good info here (confirmation bias notwithstanding). Tethering is also something I need and therefore is a dealbreaker for me so Xi-capable it will be. I do appreciate all the input.
FYI, I'm coming from a crappy 2006 clamshell LG that Noah used on the ark so anything is a step up for me.

[wagyl]

This fine person and these fine people should be good sources of background information to you to help you make your decision. These reviews are pretty straight talking too, more than just reproducing PR.

[IparryU]

Unlocked Smartphone is now the easiest thing to get...either you can do it yourself or ask NTT/SB/AU for the unlock code and at the most it'll cost you 3,000 yen.

As for the mobile router....you do understand what tethering is right? Using your phone as a wifi hotspot, with security and everything, so you can connect all your devices to it and use the Internets...why pay two bills and for two devices when one will suffice?

With the mobile router, you also get only about 3 hours of use out of it, granted using a phone as a router will also deplete battery, but given the pros/cons of everything in the big picture, I would rather have a phone that has the tethering capabilities, fast internet, skype (or whatever you like) capabilities, and plus you only have to recharge/carry around 1 phone instead of 2 different devices. YMMV.

unlock phone - valid point, but i was just saying that it may be hard to get off your ass and tell the chick at the docomo counter to unlock your phone... but ya...

tethering with my phone (SC02B) will not allow video services and doesn't do so well with my PS3. You also cant get good up/down on multiple devices. I was serious about laptop, phone, psp, ds, and a TV... now if a phone can do that... please correct me.

In my personal situation, Carrying the little mobile router in my bag with a netbook is nothing. can charge it and my phone from my PC, charge my PC at a cafe... Segafredo or Starbucks is good for that. That also cuts my phone bill by 5k and my ISP bill is out of the picture... so 7k per month for net and phone. not a bad deal.

but if that little bitch does die on me when I am on the road... life is shit.

IF you use it for home, just leave the thing plugged in and it can provide for several appliances. thus cut your ISP bill and Phone bill down.

[waruta]

tethering with my phone (SC02B) will not allow video services and doesn't do so well with my PS3. You also cant get good up/down on multiple devices. I was serious about laptop, phone, psp, ds, and a TV... now if a phone can do that... please correct me.

Your SC-02B is not LTE/Xi*....so tethering will incur a different charge on top of the "pake-hodai" or whatever they are calling their smartphone plans these days. I personally don't know what kind of speeds you can get on the phone in your area, might be good to check signal strength and do a speed test with multiple devices. On the other hand:

In my personal situation, Carrying the little mobile router in my bag with a netbook is nothing. can charge it and my phone from my PC, charge my PC at a cafe... Segafredo or Starbucks is good for that. That also cuts my phone bill by 5k and my ISP bill is out of the picture... so 7k per month for net and phone. not a bad deal.

That's very true. Although now you have a smartphone that only can connect exclusively within range of your little mobile router. Any packets or data transmission by the phone outside of wifi (aka you have to turn off everything/slightly modified Airplane mode) will incur huge phone bills because you quit the "pake-hodai" plan and are going to be charged per kB or packet by whichever carrier.

I'm guessing you want the phone only for phone calls on B-Mobile or some other SIM provider and just use it like a tablet connected to the 'net via Wifi? If so, then Chokonen's suggestion is spot-on, and I do agree that paying separate bills for wifi, phone and ISP/Net at home does suck, but until we all get free wifi, looks like the situation won't change.

*unless it is specifically an LTE/Xi phone, but I thought that was the SC-03D

[IparryU]

Your SC-02B is not LTE/Xi*....so tethering will incur a different charge on top of the "pake-hodai" or whatever they are calling their smartphone plans these days. I personally don't know what kind of speeds you can get on the phone in your area, might be good to check signal strength and do a speed test with multiple devices. On the other hand:



That's very true. Although now you have a smartphone that only can connect exclusively within range of your little mobile router. Any packets or data transmission by the phone outside of wifi (aka you have to turn off everything/slightly modified Airplane mode) will incur huge phone bills because you quit the "pake-hodai" plan and are going to be charged per kB or packet by whichever carrier.

I'm guessing you want the phone only for phone calls on B-Mobile or some other SIM provider and just use it like a tablet connected to the 'net via Wifi? If so, then Chokonen's suggestion is spot-on, and I do agree that paying separate bills for wifi, phone and ISP/Net at home does suck, but until we all get free wifi, looks like the situation won't change.

*unless it is specifically an LTE/Xi phone, but I thought that was the SC-03D

Ya i hella broke topic. I am looking for a new phone myself... looking at S2LTE or Nexus S

just did a speed test (speedtest.net app) and below are my results:
ping = 153ms
d = 2557 kbps
u = 134 kbps

but I will wait for the S3 to come out so they drop price..

[BigInJapan]

Unlocked Smartphone is now the easiest thing to get...either you can do it yourself or ask NTT/SB/AU for the unlock code and at the most it'll cost you 3,000 yen.

At present KDDI/au does not offer the SIM unlocking service (AFAIK).

docomo started the SIM unlock service in April 2011.
List of smartphone and other models that support SIM unlocking (Japanese)

Softbank seems to have started unlocking from Dec. 2011.
Seems to be only two models supported (Japanese)

[Doctor Stop]

This is the equivalent of those Cats owner threads where a guy ask for advice against his cat shitting in the flower pot and some Herper Derper suggest to kill the cat...

I'm not suggesting that he kill his wife, just that he should consider getting the pussy fixed.

[Coligny]

I'm not suggesting that he kill his wife, just that he should consider getting the pussy fixed.

Makes me think I should check where me Julie putted her life insurance papers...

And check if she go a policy on me ass... (got me a scary this morning... 60kph road... incoming semie on the right lane, two bicycles side by side jumping at the same time on the left lane at the same spot driving toward me... never went that fast from 60 to 0...)

[Mock Cockpit]

I'm not suggesting that he kill his wife, just that he should consider getting the pussy fixed.

I'm not opposed but the missus just got a new dumb phone from Docomo so she can watch Itte Q in the bath. When you've got the family discount thing happening it's surprisingly difficult to extricate yourself from Docomo's clutches.

[Doctor Stop]

I understand your situation, but you may be disappointed with the service area and battery life of current LTE devices.

[Mock Cockpit]

I understand your situation, but you may be disappointed with the service area and battery life of current LTE devices.

Yeah I've sort of resigned myself to the poor battery life part of the equation. We won't be part of the Xi coverage area until September and even then only just so I'll have to suck it up on 3g for a while. But given I use my present dumb phone for making calls and sending mail only then anything is a step up I guess. Anyway, appreciate your thoughts.

[matsuki]

docomo started the SIM unlock service in April 2011.
List of smartphone and other models that support SIM unlocking (Japanese)

Nice! My model can be unlocked...as soon as it can be rooted I'll be content with it until its worth upgrading

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

I'm a technophobe and hate mobile phones almost as much as ex-wives, but if they bring out a Pris model Nexus, I may one day be able to join this thread....

[Doctor Stop]

But given I use my present dumb phone for making calls and sending mail only then anything is a step up I guess..

There always is the two phone solution: one dumb, one smart.

[IparryU]

Nice! My model can be unlocked...as soon as it can be rooted I'll be content with it until its worth upgrading

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044765&page=79

[Mock Cockpit]

I'm a technophobe and hate mobile phones almost as much as ex-wives, but if they bring out a Pris model Nexus, I may one day be able to join this thread....

I'm quite excited with all this talk of rootable phones. Whatever next?

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

I'm quite excited with all this talk of rootable phones. Whatever next?

I hear ya! Makes me look forward to the Pris model Nexus even more...

[Doctor Stop]

I'm quite excited with all this talk of rootable phones. Whatever next?

Rootable wives?