LG Nexus 5 Complete Specs Pricing and Performance Review

Network

The LG Nexus 5 is equipped with advanced connectivity options supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE technologies. This ensures robust network performance across multiple bands. The phone supports 2G bands such as GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 across all versions, making it versatile for global use. For 3G connectivity, the phone includes support for HSDPA bands including 800, 850, 1700, 1900, and 2100, as well as 900 in the North American version. The 4G bands coverage features 1, 2, 4, 5, 17, 19, 25, 26, and 41, specifically catering to North America, ensuring faster internet speeds and improved connectivity. The Nexus 5 provides high-speed internet via HSPA at up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 at 150/50 Mbps.

Launch

The LG Nexus 5 was announced in October 2013 and officially released in November 2013. Although it has since been discontinued, its influence on smartphone design and functionality remains significant in the tech community.

Body

Designed with ergonomics and aesthetics in mind, the Nexus 5 measures 137.9 x 69.2 x 8.6 mm and weighs 130 grams, offering an optimal balance of size and weight. Its build involves a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, accompanied by a plastic back and frame for a durable yet lightweight structure. The phone utilizes a Micro-SIM technology, adhering to the standard dimensions while providing essential features.

Display

Featuring a True HD IPS+ display, the Nexus 5 offers a vivid and lucid visual experience. The screen size stands at 4.95 inches, providing a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.8%, delivering a seamless user experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, the pixel density reaches around 445 ppi, ensuring sharp visuals and detailed image reproduction. The display is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering enhanced protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Platform

Out of the box, the Nexus 5 operates on Android 4.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and is upgradable to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), ensuring users can access modern features and enhanced functionality. It is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, manufactured on the 28 nm process, delivering a powerful and efficient performance. The quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU further complement the device’s capacity to handle demanding tasks and provide a smooth gaming experience.

Memory

The Nexus 5 offers two options in terms of internal storage: 16GB and 32GB, both paired with 2GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the device does not support external memory expansion through a card slot, making the internal capacity crucial for users when managing apps and multimedia storage.

Main Camera

The main camera of the Nexus 5 is an 8 MP shooter featuring an f/2.4 aperture, 30mm focal length (standard), and 1/3.2" sensor size, offering good quality imaging. The camera is enhanced with features like autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS), contributing to sharper images and reduced blurriness. Additional features include LED flash, panorama mode, and HDR to further elevate the photographic experience. The camera supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, offering a decent video capture capability for everyday use.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is a modest 1.3 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 1/6" sensor size, adequate for basic video calls and selfies. Although not the most advanced, it provides sufficient performance for general use.

Sound

The audio capabilities include a loudspeaker for hands-free conversations and multimedia playback, alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack for personal listening. This allows users a range of options for audio enjoyment and communication.

Comms

The Nexus 5 is equipped with comprehensive communication features, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supporting dual-band technology, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP ensures seamless connectivity with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. For location services, the device utilizes GPS and GLONASS, enhancing accuracy and reliability. It also includes NFC for contactless payments and interactions, while microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) support with OTG provides versatile connectivity and charging options. Notably, the device does not feature a radio.

Features

In terms of sensors, the Nexus 5 includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, offering enhanced functionality and integration with various apps and services. These sensors facilitate various features and enhance the overall user experience.

Battery

The Nexus 5 is powered by a Li-Po 2300 mAh non-removable battery, providing a respectable standby time of up to 300 hours and talk time of up to 17 hours on 3G networks. The device supports wireless (Qi) charging, offering convenience and reducing wear on physical charging ports over time. While not incorporating fast charging technology by today’s standards, the battery life was competitive for its time.

Miscellaneous

The Nexus 5 was available in three color options: Black, White, and Red, catering to different aesthetic preferences. It was released in several models, including Nexus 5, D820, and D821, with specific configurations and features. The SAR values were 0.92 W/kg (head) and 1.23 W/kg (body), indicating a measure of safety regarding radiofrequency exposure. Its initial price was about 260 EUR, reflecting its positioning as an affordable yet capable smartphone. Over time, it gained notoriety as a budget-friendly option with flagship capabilities, a rare combination that appealed to tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Tests

Performance benchmarks for the Nexus 5, such as the Basemark OS II 2.0 with a score of 1016 and Basemark X at 11638, underscored its competence in handling various tasks efficiently. The display showed an impressive contrast ratio of 967:1 (nominal) and 2.228:1 (sunlight), indicating good readability under different lighting conditions. The audio tests reported loudspeaker output levels of 65dB for voice, 64dB for noise, and 65dB for ringing tones. Audio quality measurements registered -93.3dB for noise and -94.3dB for crosstalk, highlighting its adeptness at maintaining sound fidelity. Battery tests revealed an endurance rating of 38 hours, underlining its ability to sustain typical usage effectively.