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Topic: Telcos

Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

Summary: The Google Nexus S 4G is coming soon from Sprint with a pure Google experience and support for WiMAX. It is nearly the same as the current Nexus S that works on T-Mobile.

Matthew Miller

By for Smartphones and Cell Phones |

The only current device with Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the Google Nexus S on Samsung. I have been thinking of buying one, but the lack of HSPA+ is a bit of a downer. Today, Sprint and Google announced the Google Nexus S 4G that includes support for Sprint's WiMAX 4G network. I have an HTC Thunderbolt in hand, first impressions posted here coming soon, and now have a tough choice to make about my next Android device.

The Google Nexus S 4G from Sprint is a Samsung device with all of the same features as the current Nexus S that runs on T-Mobile's network. I would buy a Nexus S 4G in a second if it came with HSPA+ on T-Mobile rather than WiMAX on Sprint. As a refresher, these specs include:

  • 1 GHz Samsung Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor
  • 4 inch WVGA (480x800) Super AMOLED contoured display
  • 3G/4G connectivity, through WiMAX
  • 16GB integrated flash memory
  • 5 megapixel rear camera and VGA front facing camera
  • 801.11 b/g/n WiFi
  • Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
  • Near field communication (NFC)
  • Assisted GPS
  • 1500 mAh battery
  • Dimensions of 4.88 x 2.48 x 0.44 inches and 4.62 ounces

The device looks solid and the only specification that causes me to pause is the limited 16GB non-expandable memory. Even though the processor is the same as we saw on the Galaxy S series, it is a fast and good performing processor so I am not that concerned that it is not dual core.

The Google Nexus S 4G will be available this spring for $199.99 after $200 instant savings. Any readers thinking of picking up the upcoming Google Nexus S 4G on Sprint?

Topics: Telcos, Google, Hardware, Mobility, Samsung, Wi-Fi

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Talkback

23 comments
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  • I wish I can

    I was thinking about getting one since the version but hear some down side about the battery life. And, from your article this hasn't been solved yet, right?
    Will there be a version that will work with T-Mobile(or should I say the new AT&T)?
    macired
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    For me memory is a gating factor for what is essentially a multimedia device. I currently have an HTC phone with a 16gb card and am looking to upgrade but having the ability to go to 32gb is key which is why I would have to seriously think about this and why the WP7 is a consideration but limiting as well.
    npapa
    Reply Vote

  • Memory expansion is important

    I already have a Google HTC Nexus. Very solid device, it went through a number of brutal shocks and still working fine.
    I would buy a the new Google phone but I am sure what was in Samsung mind when they decided to lock the memory expansion. 16 Gigs is too low.
    octavianb
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

      @octavianb May not have been Samsung's call, as far as memory card option. I think Google was mostly in the driver's seat.
      BigTipper
      Reply Vote

  • Nope

    Sticking with the EVO 4G. CM7 Gingerbread is almost finished for the EVO. Full Gingerbread experience, Plus HDMI out, plus SD expansion, plus I already own it. No reason to dish out another $200 and have to sign a new contract
    Colorado_AL
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

      @Colorado_AL
      I don't see an upside to Nexus S 4G over the EVO either. When I read about something that tops the EVO, I'm ready.
      anythingyouwantla
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    The Nexus One is running 2.3.3
    maaxiim@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    Matt, I have the original Nexus One, and other than the fact that I had to have my screen replaced out of warranty for $283 due to overheating (thanks HTC), it has been a great device. I do think you're mistaken about devices running Gingerbread 2.3. I just checked my device (it was updated automatically a few weeks ago) and it's running Android version 2.3.3.

    Richard Truesdell
    Editororial Director, Automotive Traveler Magazine, automotivetraveler.com
    autotraveler
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

      @autotraveler

      I have both, and my Nexus 1 has been running 2.3.3 for a month or so.
      tkejlboom
      Reply Vote

  • I am picking one up as soon as it comes out...

    I love Nexus S.....Fast and Pure.
    Nsaf
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    I won't buy anything WiMax. The battery drain is just too great. I wish Sprint would just acknowledge that LTE is a better 4G implementation for phones and just take the hit. They won't. They'll wither eventually and Verizon will buy them for pennies on the dollar to inherit their customer base (just like AT&T did with T-Mobile yesterday).

    Unless some sort of new low-power implementation of WiMax for phones comes out it's just a dead-end technology. WiMax doesn't even step down to CDMA like LTE does and they have to put multiple radios into the phones. No wonder people are getting 1-2 hour battery life.
    timothyt@...
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

      @timothyt@... I hear reviewers wishing the Thuderbolt had a switch to enable the user to switch from 3G to LTE, so you cannot always have it your way. Also, who says the deal with ATT and TMO will be approved. There is no way regulators would let Voda/Verizon purchase Sprint post a ATT/TMO merger. A duopoly is something we the consumers would rail hard against!
      worldbfree4me
      Reply Vote

  • Sprint needs balls

    If the AT&T T-mobile deal goes through, and Sprint makes my Nexus S work on their network, I'll switch.
    tkejlboom
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    What NO SD CARD SLOT? NO SD means = FAIL I rather stick to my Sprint Samsung Epic 4G which has everything and great part they have upgraded over the air Froyo 2.2.3 version
    ipadsucks
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

      Where did you get the 2.2.3 upgrade? I have the Sprint Samsung Epic 4G and I am still operating with the 2.1 update1.
      jag1028
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

        @jag1028 Today was start of the over the air upgrade on the samung epic 4G. Your phone will update it auto over the air. Just let it update it. It so cool many great enhancements on the upgrade like yes FLASH 10.2, Also you can now save your apps on your MicroSD Card so awesome. ALso added Google Voice feature and many bugs fixes. I dont know if it fixed the battery issue but I hope it did.
        ipadsucks
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

        @jag1028 Also forgot to mention to you how is your epic phone battery life last? jus curious? have you also ever used the Video Call Chat feature?
        ipadsucks
        Reply Vote

  • RE: Sprint and Google announce Google Nexus S 4G from Samsung

    Hearing that AT&T is corrupting T-Mobile, this was a very welcome sight when I decided to see what Sprint was offering these days. This may very well be my next phone.
    Snowsong
    Reply Vote

  • Own the T-Mobile version of the Nexus S...won't be switching

    I picked up the Nexus S on T-Mobile and only just got done paying off my AT&T bill. Lovely news hearing they are getting ready to buy up T-Mobile just after I got out from under their grip, but I won't be switching. Don't need 4G and I prefer having better battery life.

    and on the 16GB memory with no upgrade option....the original Nexus S is no different. Hasn't impacted me yet and I don't expect it to. Honestly, I would expect it to be even less of an issue on the 4G version, as you could simply stream most of the media you need anyway.
    thor79
    Reply Vote

  • Google Voice

    Sprint and Google also announced a partnership WRT Google Voice, where your Sprint phone will use your Google Voice number and all voice mail will go through about that.
    daengbo
    Reply Vote
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