Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515, a collaboration between Samsung and Google, was announced in October 2011 and released in November 2011. The device was a significant release in the smartphone market as it was the first to run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a major update in Google's Android operating system. Though now discontinued, the Galaxy Nexus i515 remains a notable piece of mobile technology history.

Design and Build

The Nexus i515 has a sleek and modern design for its time. With dimensions of 135.5 x 67.9 x 9.5 mm and a weight of 150g, it is both light and comfortable to hold. The exterior is minimalist, dominated by the display, with a slight curve that fits comfortably in the hand. The phone features a Mini-SIM card slot and comes in a classic black color, appealing to users looking for a professional look.

Display

The device boasts a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, translating to a pixel density of about 316 pixels per inch. This provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, making media consumption a pleasure. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 64.8%, which was quite impressive at the time of its release. The display is also protected with an oleophobic coating, helping reduce fingerprint smudges.

Platform and Performance

At the heart of the Galaxy Nexus i515 is the TI OMAP 4460 chipset, featuring a Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU. While this might seem outdated today, in 2011, it provided a swift response and smooth performance for multitasking and running most applications available at the time. The phone originally shipped with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and was later upgradable to Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), offering better stability, additional features, and a refined user interface.

Memory

The Galaxy Nexus i515 came with 1GB of RAM, which was typical for mid-range and high-end smartphones during 2011. For storage, it offered 32GB of internal memory, although, to some users' chagrin, it did not include a memory card slot for expansion. Nonetheless, 32GB was a generous amount of storage for apps, photos, music, and more at the time.

Camera Capabilities

On the photography front, the Galaxy Nexus i515 features a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash, which supports 1080p video recording at 24fps. Though megapixels are not the sole determinant of image quality, this camera was capable of capturing decent photos and videos for casual use. The device also includes a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and basic selfies, offering video recording capabilities at 720p.

Battery Life

Powering the Galaxy Nexus i515 is a removable Li-Ion 1850 mAh battery. It provided a stand-by time of up to 150 hours and talk time up to 12 hours, which was standard at the time. The ability to remove and replace the battery was a significant advantage, allowing users to carry spare batteries for extended use without access to power outlets.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Galaxy Nexus i515 is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band capabilities, DLNA, and hotspot functionality, offering versatile connectivity options. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and NFC support ensured smooth wireless communication and easy device pairing. While it lacked a radio, it featured a microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) port for connectivity and media sharing. The phone houses several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and a barometer, which supported its varied functionalities.

Network and Launch Information

The Nexus i515 supported CDMA/EVDO/LTE technology, providing solid 2G and 3G connectivity with bands like CDMA 800/1900 and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. It also supported 4G on band 13, ensuring faster data speeds where available. The device's network capabilities provided reliable connectivity for users in regions with CDMA networks.

Market Position and Legacy

Released at the price of approximately 150 EUR, the Galaxy Nexus i515 positioned itself as a competitive option in its market segment, offering a balance between cutting-edge features and affordability. While production and official support for the device have been discontinued, its mark on the mobile landscape is significant, particularly as it introduced features and design philosophies that influenced future devices.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515 was a ground-breaking device during its time, setting a precedent for future Android devices with its large display, software capabilities, and strong build. As a historical device in the nexus of Samsung and Google's collaboration, it remains a notable milestone in smartphone evolution.