Samsung Galaxy Nexus with Android OS 4.0 Finally Launches from Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was unveiled back in October, but Verizon has just become the first U.S. carrier to launch this smartphone, the first with Android OS 4.0. AT&T and T-Mobile customers have had access to a version for some time, however.

When Google took the wraps off a new version of Android in mid-Fall, the company announced that it would debut on the Galaxy Nexus. This makes it the device Google recommends developers use to test their apps, and one that future operating system upgrades will come to first.

Verizon quickly committed to offering this smartphone, but it took nearly two months for this commitment to come through. This carrier's customers can now purchase it at Verizon stores or on its website.

The price is $300 with a two-year service contract. This has become the typical cost of a high-end smartphone from this carrier in recent months.

Although Verizon is the only U.S. carrier offering the Galaxy Nexus, today's launch doesn't really count as the U.S. debut. The the online retailer Expansys is currently selling a GSM version that is "unlocked", which means it can be used with either AT&T or T-Mobile. Because it is being sold directly to the public, without a cvarrier subsidy the price is $700.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Overview
This Samsung model has a 4.65-inch, 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED display that is slightly curved to fit against the user's face. It runs a nearly stock version of Android OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) on a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. A microSD memory card slot provides additional storage capacity.

Other features of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC, plus it has a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.3 megapixel one on the front.