The much-hyped Samsung Galaxy Nexus hit U.S. stores on Dec. 15, creating instant buzz in the tech world. Available exclusively for Verizon, this Google-based Android 4.0 smartphone has impressive features, including compatibility with Verizon’s superfast 4G network, front and rear cameras, the newest Android operating system and a large screen.
Among the prominent features and specs that athletes will enjoy:

• Up to 270 hours of standby time and 18 hours of talk time
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera and 5.0 MP rear-facing camera
• Camera flash
• Panoramic camera feature
• Front and rear speakers
• 802.11 a/b/g/n-enabled Wi-Fi
• Voice-to-text typing
• Pre-installed Google programs, such as Gmail, Google Messenger and Google+
• Facial recognition feature, allowing the owner to unlock the phone with a smile
• 1.2 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM, making it possibly the fastest smartphone available
• 4.65-inch screen

Although the Galaxy Nexus has great capabilities, athletes have their own special needs when it comes to smartphones. Below, we break down a few issues that may affect your decision:

• Size: At 5.3 x 2.7 x .04 inches, the Nexus is larger than other popular smartphones, such as the Motorola Droid RAZR and the iPhone. Many people consider the larger size an asset, because it supports an easily viewable 4.65-inch screen—ideal for showing off your sickest play from last week’s game. However, size might not be a selling point for people who like to slip their phone inside a pocket.
• Price: The phone costs $299.99 with a two-year contract from Verizon.
• Picture Quality: With a 5.0 MP rear-facing camera, the Galaxy Nexus takes great photos. Note, however, that other Android phones and the newest iPhone have 8.0 MP cameras.
• Storage: The Galaxy Nexus comes with 32 GB of internal storage, which is better than many other smartphones, but not as large as the iPhone.

Verizon offers a simulator to help potential buyers decide whether they like the Galaxy Nexus operating system and features. Check it out to see if the phone is right for you.
Photo:  digitaltrends.com