Samsung Galaxy Nexus hands-on: First look

Introduction

Well, Google didn't just unveil a new version of their mobile OS early this morning. They also unveiled their next Google phone, a new galaxy by the name of Nexus. And just a glance on that Super AMOLED screen in 720p HD resolution is enough to tell you it means business.

Galaxy Nexus official photos

Now, though, with the unveiling of the Galaxy Nexus Google steps out from the Nexus S shoes of mediocrity and skyrockets their new baby into a galaxy of its own with dual thrust. A galaxy where the latest Nexus shines the brightest with its groundbreaking HD Super AMOLED display, waiting for the other Droids to follow its path.

We got our hands on Google's latest Nexus device and we are going to get on board, ready to explore the unfathomed nebulas of its hardware, as well as the Ice Cream Sandwich which its using for fuel. Yummy.

Putting our appetite aside though, the Galaxy Nexus is pushing all the right smartphone buttons for a 2011-2012 device. Starting from its slightly curved Super AMOLED display, moving through the powerhouse residing under the hood and finishing off with the brand new Ice Cream Sandwich, the Galaxy Nexus is certainly in a league with the best out there.

Fortunately, we do not need a telescope to explore the inner workings of the Galaxy Nexus as it's right here in our hands tonight. Here's a recap of its key features:

Samsung Galaxy Nexus at a glance:

• General: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100, LTE (region specific)
• Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone
• Dimensions: 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm
• Weight: 135 g
• Display: 4.65" 16M-color HD (1280 x 720 pixels) Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 0.01ms response time; oleophobic surface, curved display, multi-touch input
• Chipset:Dual-core 1.2GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, TI OMAP 4460 chipset
• RAM: 1GB
• OS: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Memory: 16/32GB storage
• Camera: 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with face detection, touch focus and geotagging; Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30fps, LED flash, front facing camera, video-calls, touch-to-zoom while recording
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 3.0, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS, 3.5mm audio jack, NFC
• Misc: Hyper Skin material for increased grip, built-in accelerometer, proximity sensor, barometer sensor, notification LED area.

Now the Galaxy Nexus may not wow everybody with its specs sheet, it only tells half the story. There's more to it and we're just beginning to unwrap this beauty.

Galaxy Nexus live shots • The Nexus compared to the Note (left) and the S II (right)

Now, follow us as we go exploring the hardware side of the Galaxy Nexus.