Review: Samsung Galaxy Nexus for Verizon Wireless
Apps
As noted earlier, there is no bloatware on the Galaxy Nexus. Verizon has stuck its account management app and its visual voicemail app on the Galaxy Nexus, but that's it. Everything else on board is a Google service — which is as it should be for a Nexus device. Obviously, you can have a field day with the Android Market and download a bazillion apps any time you feel like it. Speaking of which, Google Music and Google's video rental service are packaged in with the app store, and it is the same version that was released by Google a few months ago.
Bluetooth
The Galaxy Nexus includes support for Bluetooth 3.0, with a wide range of profiles such as stereo Bluetooth, object push, phone book access and so on. I was able to pair the Galaxy Nexus with several different Bluetooth headphones, computers, stereo Bluetooth speakers, and my car. It all worked flawlessly as far as pairing and connecting is concerned.
Phone calls routed through Bluetooth headsets are a disaster. Take all the problems with call quality, and throw Bluetooth into the mix and it's just no good. Your best bet is to use a high-end noise cancelling Bluetooth headset if you have one.
Clock
The Galaxy Nexus makes the same mistake that Gingerbread and earlier smartphones make when it comes to the clock. When you press the screen lock key, the time is displayed in a pencil-thin font close to the top of the display. It's way too small, in my opinion. You also can't do anything to adjust its appearance. The home screen clock widget selection is pretty anemic, as well. Lastly, the actual clock application only puts the Galaxy Nexus in a kind of bed-side "night mode." Alarms can only be set after you put the phone in this "night mode,” and then you'll see a button that says "set alarm." Also, Google has removed the stopwatch and timer functions. (What the?!)
GPS
The only navigational tool on the Galaxy Nexus is of course Google Maps. I found the GPS system to be highly accurate and quick. It typically pinpointed my location to within 10 meters in about 10 seconds. Google Maps works really well on the Galaxy Nexus. It is speedy, moves along as you travel with no trouble, and the voice-guided navigation performed flawlessly.
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