Nexus Isn't Always The Answer

Nexus Master Race, almost every Android fans' wet dream. The device that runs on hardware and software the way Google intended it to be. The "Pure Android" experience as many tech reviewers claim.

Nexus Master Race!

There are many people who asks for advice upon their next or even first Android device and many people wouldn't even hesitate recommending a Nexus device. But is Nexus really the answer to everything?

Latest Hardware But With Sacrifices

The specification of Nexus devices were always top notch at the time it is released. The latest and greatest processor, the amount of RAM and Storage, the screen resolution, and many more. But more manufacturers are pushing the limit; such as the Galaxy Note line which is always a step ahead in the spec sheet. 

But, since Google hates external storage and wanted more people to embrace the cloud, they got rid of external micro SD on the Nexus line. And also non-removable battery is now a trend since the Nexus 4, which may sound good since usually they support fast charging but battery ages. Usually after a few months, usually 18 months, they degraded and require replacement.

No MicroSD for you

Not to mention Nexus are infamous for their so-so to terrible camera and battery life. Though it seems like they've improved on the Nexus 5 onward. But also keep in mind, others improved too. Especially Samsung smartphones which rivals the iPhone, which is known to have the best camera on a smartphone.

Pure Android Is Bare Android

Pure Android, Stock Android, Google Android, etc.. known by many name, it is the Android the way Google intended it to be. Sure it's fast, light, and clean but it lacks features and customization when compared to skinned Android. Other skinned Android offers theme manager, cool split windows, the ability to use the phone one-handedly, battery saving mode that actually works (cough, Lolliflop), and many more eye catching features.

Real multitasking on Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Which is why it would not attract normal customers, the customers that don't care if it's Pure Android, or have the latest version of Android, or even the latest hardware. If everyone uses Pure Android, wouldn't it be just like the iPhone's lack of customization? Android's motto is "Be together, not the same", which is why we should embrace our differences and live in the Android environment is peace and prosperity.

Price Point and Availability

Nexus devices may have been known for it's affordable price, especially after the Nexus 4, but that haven't been the case when the Nexus 6 came out. The 6 was priced competitively against every flagship at its time, upsetting many Nexus fans.

Though Nexus 4 and 5 were priced rather cheaply, that was not the case in some "unsubsidized" countries. For example, during my visit to Australia last year, I saw the price of a 32 GB Nexus 5 at around 399 Australian Dollar which is equivalent to around 4 million Indonesian Rupiah. This a great deal, especially when taking into consideration that Nexus 5 cost around 4.5 million Rupiah for the 16GB version!

Nexus 6 officially available 31 August 2015

Also, in some countries, Nexus devices takes a hell long to be available. Like the recent Nexus 6, which is finally available just now in Indonesia, nearly a year after it was released anywhere else!

Conclusion

The conclusion is, in my opinion, Nexus devices is made more for developers and Android purists. Those who enjoy Pure Android experience. It also targets tweakers since third party development on Nexus devices is huge, like, really huge when compared to other Android devices.

Nexus are definitely not for average customers or even some power users that seek more than just Android's basic capabilities like the S-Pen of the Note series, monstrous battery life like the Ascend series, and many more. What do you think, would you recommend Nexus to everyone?