January 07, 2010

Tuesday's announcement of the Google Nexus One smartphone wasn't a shocker, but the phone itself has some great new features and is in a good position to become the top Android device just months after the Motorola Droid took over that spot. The Nexus One's specs are appealing, with a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, an amazing screen that is similar to the Droid's, and a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash. Google's Nexus One is also the first device to run Android 2.1 software, which adds features like new home screen panels and interactive wallpaper.

So how does the Nexus One measure up to the other big-name smartphones out there? We'll compare the Nexus One to the Motorola Droid, Apple iPhone 3GS, Motorola CLIQ, and the Palm Pre, four of the highest-rated and most-buzzed about smartphones of the last year. We'll show how the Nexus One's specs compare in terms of network, OS, display, processor, and camera. Of course, final judgments will have to wait until we've had a chance to test the unit.

The Nexus One can be purchased on contract from T-Mobile immediately and will be available for Verizon Wireless in the spring. This is the first time such a heavyweight smartphone has been offered on two simultaneous U.S. networks so quickly, and it's a peculiar (and welcome) example of choice for the consumer. The Nexus One can also be purchased unlocked, and you can use a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM card to get service. (Keep in mind, however, that because of supported frequency bands, unlocked Nexus Ones will be compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network, but not AT&T's.) While T-Mobile had its share of publicity problems in 2009, the service is known for good pricing and customer service. T-Mobile is going to be the first with HSPA+ data, so CLIQ and Nexus One owners who can get 3G service from the carrier should be able to enjoy noticeably faster data speeds before other carriers.

By comparison, the iPhone's biggest problem is arguably that it's only on AT&T, which has a reputation for dropped calls and unreliable service. The Pre is on Sprint, which continues to be a fairly reliable option for 3G service and coverage. The Droid has the advantage of being tied exclusively to Verizon—a feather in its cap because of Verizon's trustworthy service. When it comes to the network, Google's Nexus One trails the Droid at the moment, but when it adds Verizon in the spring, the Nexus One looks set to have the most attractive options.

Source:-http://www.pcmag.com