Android 4.4 (or KitKat), is a subtle pack of changes (which in the IT world is the equivalent of a Service Pack), that was too impactful to make it less than a point release, but in my mind not large enough for a version bump.
To highlight these changes, Google commissioned LG again to develop the Nexus 5. I didn’t have the previous generation (Nexus 4), so cannot make a direct comparison. I did have a Galaxy Nexus, which is effectively the Nexus 3. And from that device to this one, the significant changes are;
- speed (smartphone processor technology is just moving in leaps and bounds)
- screen size (I used to think the Galaxy Nexus was big)
- LTE support (not a huge deal for me, but a big deal that could improve according to some)
Unlike some other similarly sized devices I’ve physically handled, this device feels well balanced in the hand, is extremely light and pocketable. Battery life is still miserable, but understandable given the screen size. And for the price ($350), its a great deal.
I will always have a special place for Google and its Nexus line; this phone doesn’t disappoint.