So after a couple of days using the Google Nexus One, I guess it’s time to come up with a review. This post is actually a shorter version of the full review that I published here. This is more of an initial comment, view on the Nexus One that will most probably answer the queries of those who are planning to take the “hard route” of geting this precious Google phone despite the fact that it is not yet available for sale in other countries other than U.K., U.S., Hong Kong and Singapore.
So here goes, my quick review of the Google Nexus One in the Philippines:Design and Form Factor – To sum up, I would like to quote what a friend told me when I showed him my Nexus One – “It looks better than the iPhone.” To use another analogy closer to our hearts Filipino, if the iPhone is a Nokia as the Nexus One is a Sony Ericsson. Or better yet, looking at the iPhone and Nexus One side by side, the iPhone looks like the female while the Nexus One the male.
Texting using the Virtual Keyboard – Of course we Filipinos love this to text. If you’ve grown accustomed to the iPhone’s virtual keyboard or any other touchscreen smartphone for that matter, it’s the same with the Nexus One’s virtual keyboard. Although, I find it a little harder sometimes. The Nexus One also have predictive text input which you can turn on/off easily.
Texting using Voice-to-Text Feature – This is one key feature of the Nexus One that you will either hate or love. What this feature does is to let you input text messages by speaking it out. Works like a dictation machine. While this could come in handy especially when you are driving, the problem is this seems like a beta version. So expect some kinks while using it. I’m not really sure whether this is connected with the Nexus One’s network or what but some times I get an error message that said “no network” or something. But when it’s fully working, the only minor problem you’d probably encounter is the wrong transcription. I don’t know if I’m not speaking clearly or the feature is really buggy. Although, I’m more inclined to believe that it’s in the way I speak. And it tends to slow down as well, especially if you don’t speak clearly – which is always the case with me. 
Still, a great, innovative feature!
Camera – As you all probably know by now, the Nexus One has a 5MP camera with auto focus and LED Flash. By standard this is a good camera to have for a mobile phone. Picture quality is decent enough, even better than the iPhone’s of course. One thing I noticed is that the Nexus One’s camera is slower than the iPhone.
3G Connectivity - Works well with Globe 3G. Signal is so far so good, unbelievably.
Wi-Fi – Web browsing through Wi-Fi is a breeze, highlights the Android’s capability.
Android Apps – Although not as many as the iTunes App Store, the Android Market is continously building up. And with the release of the Nexus One, its catalog would certainly grow by leaps and bounds. I’ve already installed a couple of good apps (Facebook, Twidroid, Google Goggles, etc) and they all work pretty well.
Android Market – I have yet to download a paid apps so I haven’t really tested whether it is possible to purchase an app if you’re outside the U.S. But for free apps, the Android Market works well through Wi-Fi. Downloads apps faster than the iPhone.
There you go. If you want a full, detailed review check out Googlephoneblog.net.
Hi!
I posted on your previous blog and didn’t see this updated post. So I was wondering, does your N1 have any issues related to 3G and edge switching? Here’s a link http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=0c0fb2a46ad64955&hl=en#all
Also any issues with the touchscreen having erratic behaviors? (i.e. A becomes Z, Delete becomes send, etc)
Lastly, from your POV, is it good to purchase the phone now or wait for a few months?
hope to hear from you
thanks a lot!
Oh, in related to my prev post, I’m also from the Philippines, Cebu actually
Hi Jeff. Sorry for not responding to the other blog yet. Anyway, I skimmed through the link you gave me and frankly I got overwhelmed by the number of posters complaining about their N1. But anyway, regarding 3G to EDGE switching, I used to have that problem but when I manually entered the APN for Globe and unselect the option to use 2G always, the problem seemed to have gone away. But it doesn’t really bother me whether there is a 3G problem, because the N1 is not my main phone, I have the iPhone 3Gs which serves that purpose. I use the N1 to connect to the Internet whenever I’m on Wi-Fi hotspot.
Re touchscreen issues when composing text, yup I’ve experiencded that and continue to experience it. But still no big deal to me. Because I’m not using the N1 for texting that much anyway.
Is it good to purchase the phone now or worth for a couple of months -> The obvious answer is of course NO, if you’re expecting to get a nearly flawless, bugless and close to perfect smartphone with great OS. The N1 is still a beta product so expect to experience many bugs and kinks. But like I said, I don’t mind those because I bought my N1 for the novelty of it and not to make it as a mobile power horse.
Good luck on whatever decision you are going to make. Hope I was able to help you decide.
Hi Arnold,
thanks a lot for the info.. I’m still contemplating on whether I should buy or not.. 50/50 since this will be main phone and currently I’m using a Nokia e51 and its not fitting my “geeky” lifestyle anymore ( i.e. connect to web, twitter, ssh, etc… ) the 3g/edge flip flop wont matter a lot.. but when I saw the touch screen issue… damnit, made me think twice
where can i buy nexus one?
@Jigs – http://google.com/phone
hi arnold,
great review. i wanna buy one too.
did your order pass our customs? how much did you pay additional for tax?
@Bong – I coursed my order through Johnny Air so I guess it passes through our customs. I paid around Php1,200K to Johnny Air Cargo.
we asked a relative to buy one for us last january and my wife loves her nexus one, am buying another unit for myself from the states… really cool!!! cant wait to have my own… ahihihihi
Have you figured out how to purchase apps on the market? I have a Nexus One and would like to buy some apps. But seeing as there’s some regional thing going on, I’m only shown the free stuff. Is there any way to bypass this thing to allow me to at least check out the paid stuff? Looking through androlib.com makes me just drool over some of the paid stuff that’s available!
I purchased a Nexus1 online and had it delivered to my sister in the States. She’s bringing it home here in the Philippines next week. Does she needs to activate it there for it to run here?
Hi John,
I hope she got the unlocked version and not the T-Mobile One. If she did, then no need to have it activated there. Just insert a local SIM when it gets to your hands.
Enjoy!
Thanks Arnold!
Yes she got the unlocked version from Google webstore. Technically, I was the one who purchased the phone because we used my google checkout account to purchased it online and had it delivered to her residence in the US.
Only a few more days to wait…
@Have fun with your N1 John Michael when you receive it.
I got my nexus one early this week. I’m enjoying every bit of it considering it is not yet set-up for MMS/GPRS connection with SMART. May I ask help from anyone who knows the values for the APN for SMART?
@John Michael – Congrats on your new Nexus One! Are you on Smart Prepaid or Postpaid? If Prepaid make sure to avail of the unlimited plans.
@Arnold – Thanks. Your site was a big help in my decision to get the Nexus One.
I’m on postpaid. I already went to a Smart Wireless Center and the rep there was so kind in filling-out the APN values. But I think he did not fill-out the fields correctly as he confessed it was his first time to encounter such a phone. My N1 didn’t connect to the net using GPRS.
Maybe you can help me enter the values at the right fields? I really need my N1 to connect to the net via GPRS
One more thing, is it better to be on prepaid? The rep at Smart told me of other smartphone users getting surprised with huge bills because their “phones tend to connect to the internet automatically?”
Hi Arnold,
Little heads up, final jumped the gun and ordered the phone, will wait till next week when my friend arrives from the US ^_^
@John Michael – AFAIK, the only thing you need to fill up if is the APN field. For Smart it’s “Internet” Yup, I guess being on prepaid is more practical especially if you register for those unlimited daily, weekly and monthly plans. If you don’t want to your N1 to connect ot the internet automatically, you just need to go to SETTINGS -> ACCOUNTS AND SYNC and make sure “AUTO SYNC” and “BACKGROUND DATA” are unchecked.
@Jeff – > Enjoy your N1 when it arrives na!
@ Arnold – Thanks again! Internet connection via GPRS is now working. To prevent my Nexus One to automatically connect to the internet, I downloaded this app called “toggle settings”. WIth a simple touch, I can turn off the GPRS connection.
Now, If you can help me configure the MMS settings. I already entered the values below but it cannot still send pictures via MMS.
MMS Proxy: 10.102.61.46
Port: 8080
MMSC: 10.102.61.238:8002
I entered those values on the same page where I entered the APN: internet. Should I create a different page for the MMS settings?
One more thing, what app should I download so that my nexus one can open documents with .jar extentions?
Got my Nexux One last week and been playing and installing apps for a week now… overall verdict… WORTH EVERY PENNY… to a geek though hehe ^_^
@Jeff – I agree!
I have an HTC Magic and these settings worked for me for Smart internet/mms, since this also runs on android, its probably very similar:
For internet, (leave as-is if not listed below)
Name: Smart Internet
APN: internet
Proxy: 10.102.61.46
Port: 8080
For mms, (leave as-is if not listed below)
Name: Smart MMS
APN: mms
MMSC: http://10.102.61.238:8002
MMS proxy: 10.102.61.46
MMS port: 8080
APN type: mms
Take note of the APN type entry for the mms APN. This is important if you have an app such as Toggle data and you want your mms to still work despite disabling your internet connection. These settings worked for me except for one problem, I still need to connect to edge/3g connections to download my mms even after tweaking various settings. Trust me, I’ve tried everything. Sending mms does not have any problems, with toggle data on or off, only the receiving part has this problem. Good thing is that I don’t get to receive mms very often.
I hope this helps. I think I’ll pass the nexus one since I already have the HTC magic and just wait for the next android release. I have to admit I’m tempted but i have to control
)
BTW, from my last post, those are 2 different APN entries. This is the fruit of several experiments since customer service reps aren’t of any help. I hope this helps a lot of people with an android device and operates on the SMART network.
@Harvey – Thanks Harvey! I’m interested in getting the HTC Magic since Smart is offering an unlimited data plan costing Php1800/monthly with free HTC Magic.
Wow that almost gave me a heartache since I just got the HTC Magic without the promo last February. I immediately checked on the Smart website and let me correct you on a few details:
1) Plan 1800 = similar to a Php 600 consumable plan + 1200 for the unlimited data (can be obtained via texting UNLI 1200 via 211)
2) “**Applicants are required to pay upfront the handset cost (P8500)”
After looking at it, it’s more like a bundle than a promo to me.
Oh wait, sorry for that:
**Applicants are required to pay upfront the handset cost (P8500)
this is for Gold lite subscription. you’re right it is free for the plan 1800.
now i feel bad.
@Harvey – Oh, I thought you got your HTC Magic via the same promo plan. Yeah, it was launched this march only.
@Arnold
Posted a review about my nexus one, hope you enjoy it.
http://www.lunaxis.com/2010/04/12/nexus-one-unboxin-review/
Great review Jeff! Enjoy your Nexus One.
Hi! I was wondering how this would – or if it could – work… I plan to buy a Nexus One by using Hotspot Sheild (tried it, totally worked) but want it delivered to my friend in Hong Kong, who is going home here sa Pinas in 2 weeks… I can use Johnny Air but have never tried that before and am a bit hesitant. So, can I just put my friend’s Hong Kong address? But the package is gonna bear my name, di ba? Can my friend still receive it kahit na di sa kanya nakapangalan? I’m confused… huhuhu… Please help!
@Lilitu – I’m not quite sure how it works for Johnny Air Hong Kong since most of my packages are shipped by Johnny Air New York to their SM Megamall branch.
Wait, since you friend is in HongKong, he can actually order it himself, have it delivered to his address in HongKong since it’s one of the countries supported by Google store for Nexus One delivery. You can either use your local credit card or ask your friend to purchase it for you.
Another work-around is for you to order it yourself, use your friend’s Hong Kong address and let Google deliver it to your friend via their own courier.
HTH
Hello po, Sir! Figured it out po! Yey! Got a little confused coz I’m such a newbie at this and I’m a little praning. I ordered it myself – used Hotspot Shield – and had it delivered to my friend in Hong Kong. Kala ko po ksi the person who ordered/paid for the phone has to be the same one who has to receive it. Di naman pala. My friend should get the phone next week.
Thanks so much po. Learned so much from your advice!
=)
Sir after configuring my smart gprs/mms. I noticed that still my internet connects automatically despite unchecking auto refresh on weather and news uchecking auto synn and background data. Base on my obseravtion even you ucheck all the auto refresh and auto sync ,once you put off your handset and put it on again all settings will return to default settings. is there any other way to prevent this.( auto return settings to default after swicthing on) I was charged a big amount by smart due to this.
@Ross download this app that lets you add an APN switch as a widget in your homescreen. Just search for it from the Android Market. Forgot the name of the app though.
Sir, Arnold I already tried to download the APNDroid( which has all the control for disabling the gprs mms and all tha apn) but still all the settings like disabling the auto weather and news and the auto sync which i did before turning off my nexus one. But once you put on your nexus one all those settings will return to default settings so all is automatically downloaded which causes me so much of bill from smart.
@ross
just install apndroid. no need to turn of autoupdates. with apn off… it wont be able to update anyway.
Sir Arnold were i can find the smart menu on nexus one? other smart cellphones has smart or globe menu.
The fourthcoming Froyo 2.2 update will be on OTA?
Ross…you can manually update your phone to Android 2.2 if you like. Follow the procedures at http://phandroid.com/2010/05/22/manually-update-your-nexus-one-to-android-2-2-froyo/
Sir Arnold I might as well wait for THE OTA update the way i see it its quite complicated to manually update it. Anyway thank you very much sir for the info.
Seems the link doesnt work anymore. help
@MIK – yup, the link was pulled out. Good thing I was able to grab it before it was gone.
@Ross – tell me if you got the OTA update.
Sir Arnold not yet ( no ota yet) How do you find the new froyo 2.2 does it make a lot of difference?
Android 2.2 is already running in my Nexus one here in Manila, if you want to get yours too, check this out: http://www.theborgcollectives.com/2010/05/update-to-android-22-with-your-nexus.html
It’s pretty easy to update manually, just 7 simple steps after downloading the zip file. The original link was pulled, but i was able to snag the link from the one saved to mediafire
Been using it for 3 days already, it’s much better, and totally blows away my iPhone 3gs now…Speed is faster, battery life seems longer, and the Flash browser + Wifi bubble capability is awesome.
i hope Apple pulls out something good in their 4G…
Borg how i wish you can help me in updating my nexus one manually i think day by day OTa update is just a hoax.
I’ve been a happy N1 user for 3 months now, but I notice the power button is starting to work less and less. I fear it’s a hardware issue. Would you know if there’s any place in Manila that could possibly service the phone if that time ever comes?
Carl we are on the same boat. I already ask sis the service center of HTC phone in the Philippines and they told me that Nexus one is not under warranty in our country since that unit will never come out in the philiipines