The Samsung Galaxy Nexus was a flagship Android device, but two variants existed: the I9250M and the i515. While sharing the same core processor, subtle differences in regional availability and potentially other hardware components can impact the user experience. This review dives deep into comparing these two models to help you decide which one might be right for you (if you're lucky enough to find one!).
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both the I9250M and i515 share the same OMAP 4460 chipset and CPU, making performance largely identical. The key differences likely lie in regional carrier support and potentially minor hardware variations. For most users, the choice will depend on availability and price, as performance is a draw.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 13 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | CDMA / EVDO / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, January. Released 2012, January | 2011, October. Released 2011, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.35 in) | 135.5 x 67.9 x 9.5 mm (5.33 x 2.67 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~316 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~316 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.65 inches, 59.6 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.65 inches, 59.6 cm2 (~64.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | TI OMAP 4460 | TI OMAP 4460 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX540 | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Photo/video editor
Document viewer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | Up to 150 h |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 12 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1750 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 1850 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | GT-I9250M | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 0.63 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250M
- Classic Android experience
- Compact size
- Good display quality
- Relatively affordable (if found)
- Outdated hardware
- Limited app compatibility
- Slow charging
- Potential software update issues
Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515
- Classic Android experience
- Compact size
- Good display quality
- Potentially slightly better battery life
- Relatively affordable (if found)
- Outdated hardware
- Limited app compatibility
- Slow charging
- Potential software update issues
Display Comparison
Both Galaxy Nexus models feature a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Color accuracy and viewing angles are generally excellent for the era. Differences are unlikely unless carrier customizations altered the display calibration, which is rare.
Camera Comparison
Both models have a 5MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera. Image quality is decent for its time, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Minor differences in image processing algorithms *could* exist due to carrier customizations, but are unlikely to be significant.
Performance
The TI OMAP 4460 dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor is the heart of both devices. Performance will be virtually identical in everyday tasks and most games. Expect some limitations with modern, demanding applications.
Battery Life
The I9250M typically has a 1750 mAh battery, while the i515 often features a slightly larger 1800 mAh battery. This small difference *could* translate to marginally better battery life on the i515, but real-world usage will vary greatly.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus I9250M is best suited for users seeking a classic Android experience with a focus on software customization. The i515 is ideal for those needing compatibility with specific regional carriers or potentially benefiting from slight hardware variations (though these are often minimal). Given their age, both are best for budget-conscious users or collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Galaxy Nexus I9250M and i515 the same phone?
Essentially, yes. They share the same processor, RAM, and display. The main difference is regional availability and potentially minor carrier-specific customizations.
❓ Can I update the software on either of these devices?
Official software updates have ceased for both models. However, custom ROMs are available for those comfortable with flashing their devices.
