Google Nexus 5 has arrived on the Google Play Store

After months of speculation the Google Nexus 5 has finally arrived. The device features a generous 5 inch full 1080 HD display and Android 4.4 KitKat. Google and LG have worked together to include optical image stabilization with the 8 megapixel rear camera to deliver ‘unmatched’ dim light performance. You get get the Nexus 5 right now through the Google Play Store and it will be shipped to you on November 8

Hardware 

After numerous leaks, the Nexus 5 does not surprise us much. The new Nexus is made out of plastic and it's lightweight and thin, with a huge vertical Nexus logo on its back and a large camera eye.

It comes in two colors from the start - you can pick between black and white, which can be customized further with a range of bumpers, which cost an additional $35 on the Play Store. You can also choose between either the 16GB or 32GB versions of the device.

Most prominent on the front is the very sharp 5-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. That’s as sharp as flagship smartphones get. The display uses in-cell touch, a fancy name for a technology that integrates the part of the screen that registers touch with the actual LCD. This eliminates reflections and makes the screen much easier to read outdoors.

The handset is powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 system chip with Adreno 320 graphics and 2GB of RAM. This is the same chip used is the top range smartphones from Samsung, LG and Sony, and even the recently announced Nokia Lumia 1520.

Google has even included LTE connectivity this time around, something that users missed on the previous model. The model promises support for multiple LTE networks including Sprint and T-Mobile bands.

The Nexus 5 comes with a 2300mAh battery which sound disappointingly small, but we hope Google has done enough optimization on the battery usage to offer a better performance with the battery. We don't expect the Nexus 5 to last more than the average smartphone, but we do appreciate the inclusion of wireless charging.

Camera

Google and LG have worked together to greatly improve the Nexus 5 camera. The main camera is an 8-megapixel one with a single LED flash and it features optical image stabilization (OIS) that is said to contribute for the ‘unmatched’ dim light performance of the Nexus 5. Google promises less blur and noise in Nexus 5 images.

The camera happens to be the same unit used on the LG G2, which is a proven performer. The handset also features an improved HDR+ mode that captures a series of images and enhances them.

Software

The Nexus 5 will debut Android 4.4 KitKat which promises huge optimizations to the way memory is utilized and introduces new camera features like ‘auto-awesome’ images and movies, a compilation that the phone automatically creates using what’s on your camera roll. As with every Nexus, this one is expected to be first on the line for new updates as well.

Android 4.4 KitKat - Here's all you need to know Android 4.4 KitKat comes with several features and improvements including huge memory optimizations to make the platform work with devices with only 512MB of memory. Get a full list of Android 4.4 features here.

Availability

The Nexus 5 is going on sale today through the Google Play Store in United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., Australia, Korea and Japan. Countries in Europe, Central/South Americas, Asia, CIS and the Middle East will get it in mid-November on other retailers.

The device will cost you $349 on Google Play, while the 32GB model will cost you $399

In the United States, the Nexus 5 will be available on Sprint, T-Mobile, Amazon, Best Buy and RadioShack. It will not be available on Verizon Wireless and their is no news on AT&T availability of the device.

Press Release