Megareview: Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.0

The Galaxy Nexus is the very first smartphone to run Android 4.0, an evolution of Google's software that will push Android toward the mainstream. But with so many Android devices out there shuffling onto (and off of) carrier shelves, will the Galaxy Nexus stick around — or is it only enjoying 15 minutes of fame atop the proverbial non-iPhone heap?

It may sound like just another Android phone, but the Galaxy Nexus, built by Samsung, is a bit more than meets than eye. As a member of the Nexus smartphone bloodline, it beats close to the heart of Google. The phone's predecessors, the Nexus One and Nexus S, have displayed some staying power of their own, remaining relevant in the smartphone world after the initial buzz wore off — but can the Galaxy Nexus pull off a hat trick?

The Galaxy Nexus is available on Sprint and Verizon, subsidized with a two year contract. If you don't want a commitment with any carrier, though, you can now get the phone directly from Google. Simply go to the new Devices section on Google Play to snag an unlocked Galaxy Nexus for $399 that you can use with any supported carrier in the U.S. or overseas. You can even use Google Wallet — a feature not available on the Verizon version — to pay for purchases with your unlocked phone.

But is it worth getting the very first Ice Cream Sandwich device? Read some of the first reviews below, and don't miss our epic iPhone vs. Galaxy Nexus showdown for a more thorough look at how one compares to the other. And if you think gadget beauty is a little more than skin-deep, feast your eyes on our Galaxy Nexus photo gallery!

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The Verge: "The Galaxy Nexus is the best Android phone ever made. It’s one of the best smartphones ever made, and with a couple of minor tweaks (particularly to the camera), it could be the best smartphone ever produced."

Engadget: "Let's not beat around the bush. The Galaxy Nexus is definitely the best Android phone available today -- it's possibly even the best phone available today, period."

Cnet: "The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a big step forward for Android, but it's not the giant leap you may have been expecting. As impressive as it is, Ice Cream Sandwich can be messy, and without it, the Galaxy Nexus is just another Nexus device."

Wired: "It’s obvious that Ice Cream Sandwich is the star of this particular show, so it’s smart that the hardware basically gets out the way and doesn’t try to impress us with flash and flair. It works very well, and it looks great doing it, leaving the spotlight to fall on ICS."

SlashGear: "Those addicted to photography may want to look elsewhere, but everyone else can be reassured that the Galaxy Nexus is one of the finest devices on the market today."

Android and Me: "...I can say with certainty that it is the nicest Android phone that’s been put on the market to date. Sure, there’s been a ton of hype, but we strongly feel that the device will live up to the hype. Ice Cream Sandwich is that good, and the innards of the Galaxy Nexus are more than powerful enough to show it off."

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