Support is the reason to get Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Sure, the Nexus has a capable 1.2 GHz dual-core processor while other phones have processors clocked as high 1.5 GHz already. Other top shelf smartphones have an 8 MP camera sensor, but the Nexus makes do with just a 5 MP sensor.

So what makes the Galaxy Nexus so special?

Well the Galaxy Nexus is large where size matters. The super AMOLED display spans 4.65-inches with a 1280720 p resolution. And it’s fast -on Verizon’s LTE network. The curved design is subtle, and despite being a large device it feels light. It’s going to require two hands for most users.

But even the gorgeous screen isn’t the best reason to get the Nexus.

Ice Cream Sandwich is a substantial step forward for Android. Many other current Android phones will get an update, but not all. The question of when exactly could be an uncertainty that will deter some users. And what about updates?

Being one of Google’s Nexus devices means it will likely get the best software support of any Android smartphone. If you missed the graphic that blipped across most of the tech blogs a few weeks ago check it out now.

Google’s HTC Nexus One had more updates than any other Android phone. Second best is not even close.

Sure it is fun to have that sock-knocking experience at first, but maybe it’s time to think about the long term. You may have some apps not working until they are updated, but I have yet to encounter an unhappy user myself.

What doesn’t last so long is the battery which is not uncommon among dual-core LTE beasts.

The camera hardware is good if not ground breaking. Ice Cream Sandwich brings some software tricks to the game. Panoramic images can be captured in a single fluid sweeping motion. You can also employ a rapid fire mode. There are plenty of settings like white balance and such in the menu to occupy photo geeks long enough to evade their capture.

The latest Nexus is priced at $299 which puts it in line with other 32 GB devices. On the surface it may not seem like anything special compared to other Android phones. That is mostly because there are some great devices out there.

If you’ve been frustrated by Android software issues and updates in the past, the value of the Nexus becomes very clear.

The Nexus may not have the most megapixels, best battery life, or fastest processor. What it does have is Google’s vision.

That may be why the Nexus is the best Android phone.

GALAXY NEXUS SPECS

Screen

– 4.65″ HD(1280 x 720) Super AMOLED

– Contour Display (curved glass)

Size (mm)

– 67.94 X 135.5 X 9.47 (LTE)

Weight

– 150g (LTE)

Data

– LTE/CDMA

– WiFi

– Bluetooth

Memory

– Storage: 32GB

– Memory: 1GB RAM

Camera

– 5MP (1080P HD) rear facing with continuous auto focus

– 1.3MP Front

– LED Flash

– Zero shutter lag