Google Nexus 5

Available now
1st November 2013

The Google Nexus 5 is the replacement for last years Nexus 4 smartphone, and once again Google have partnered with LG to come up with a desirable device which will be the first Android 4.4 ("KitKat") device to hit the market.

This is a 5" smartphone with a 1080 x 1920 pixel full HD IPS display with a Gorilla Glass coating, inside is a quad-core 2.26GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics processor, and on the back is an 8 megapixel camera with optical image stabilisation plus a 1.3 megapixel one on the front. Internal memory is either 16GB or 32GB, but it is not expandable.

As you'd expect from a high-end smartphone these days, the Google Nexus 5 supports LTE and NFC and it also supports wireless charging. In addition it supports a wide variety of 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi standards plus Bluetooth 4.0. Output to an HDMI TV can be done by the built-in SlimPort which is standard in Nexus devices, rather than the more common MHL port.

Inside is a 2300 mAh battery, and the Google Nexus 5 measures 138 x 69 x 8.6mm and weighs 130 grams, making it a bit slimmer and lighter than its predecessor.

Android 4.4 contains a number of enhancements including voice-activated "OK, Google" search and a useful caller ID system than looks up the identity of a calling business online when you receive the call. And as with all Nexus devices, you can expect to be the first to get new versions of the operating system and also have a handset unencumbered by crapware.

If you are familiar with the LG G2 then you might notice that the Nexus 5 is a pretty similar device. The Nexus 5 has a slightly smaller display (but is still full HD) and only has an 8 megapixel camera rather than a 13 megapixel one. The LG G2 also scores with a larger 3000 mAh battery which is always useful, but then the G2 retails for about €100 more.

The Google Nexus 5 is available now in some markets through the Google Play store for around $349 / €349 / £299 for the 16GB version to $399 / €399 / £339 for the 32GB version in black or white colour schemes, with wider availability worldwide happening during November.