Google Nexus 5 review

 

The Google Nexus 5 is the second Google phone made by LG and it could well be its last. Has LG gone out with a bang?

The Google Nexus 5 might just be the most obviously leaked smartphone since the iPhone 5s, Samsung Galaxy S4 and... now we think about it, most of the flagship smartphones this year. The difference between these is that actually we had no idea whether Google would replace the Nexus 4, and if it was going to, which company would build the replacement. Some said it would be Motorola, following the successful launch of the Moto X in the US it seemed more than plausible that the recently acquired company would start doing its parent’s bidding and churning out a new brand of Google-shaped smartphones. But that wasn’t to be, instead LG would make one last stand before it passed on the mantle. Leaked by one of Google’s own employees at the Android 4.4 KitKat launch, the Nexus 5 quickly became one of the most talked about smartphones in the lead up to the festive season. Well now it’s here, with almost no fanfare (was any needed?) the Nexus-branded smartphone almost immediately sold out, of course the question is, is it worth your cash?   Google Nexus 5: Size and build There’s no dodging this one, the Nexus 5s design is going to instil one of two emotions, the first is quiet approval and the second is complete apathy. In truth this is somewthing of an achievement over the Nexus 4 which was already pushing the boundaries of minimalist design with the glass back being the only ‘bling’ in sight. We like the design of the Nexus 5, it’s certainly understated but the moment you hand it to someone you’ll see their face change to one of respect, it feels solidly built and despite it being all plastic it’s not plastic in the way you’d dislike. The matte finish keeps it from slipping out of your hands and adds a premium touch . Specs-wise, we’re talking hugely minimal changes here, the Nexus 5 is 8.59mm thin, which may not seem like much compared to the Galaxy S4 or the iPhone 5s but it still feels pretty slim. Weighing in at 130g this is a light phone, and you can feel it, despite all the real-estate you’ll have no problem holding it in one hand.