Even though it faces intense competition in the lucrative smartphone market, the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus gives consumers plenty of reasons to feel excited. While the manufacturer of the new handset - being billed as Google's next flagship phone - have yet to confirm its launch date, pre-production reviews of the device are overwhelmingly positive.
More specifically, the handset boasts impressive hardware and software, while it also features on-screen buttons, one of the hallmarks of Google's latest operating system, known as Ice Cream Sandwich. This feature means there is no need for a bezel on the phone - besides the space reserved for the camera, of course.
Indeed, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is considered by some technology experts, including Edward Baig of USA Today, to be a major upgrade. Despite this assessment, Mr Baig has qualified his praise for the handset by explaining that he hasn't had it long enough to give a thorough appraisal.
But regardless of the amount of time you've spent with the handset, it is impossible to ignore the functionalities of Google's new camera. And while its battery life may seem frustratingly short, at least the phone provides useful information on what specifically is draining the battery and data consumption.
The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be a landmark moment for Google, which is locked in a long-term battle with fellow technology giants Apple and Microsoft. Google hopes that the new handset will help it to usurp Apple's iPhone handset, which currently dominates the smartphone landscape.
But while it remains to be seen whether the Samsung Galaxy Nexus can rival the iPhone, there are certainly plenty of additional features that are likely to capture the interest of the typical consumer. The phone, for example, features a 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor and a 5 MP rear camera, in addition to a 1.3 MP front-facing camera.
And if that isn't enough to tempt consumers to shun the iPhone and other similar devices, the manufacturer has confirmed that the handset also boasts a near-field communication chip. Through the chip, consumers are able to take advantage of Android Beam, a new service that allows them to share web pages, apps and videos simply by tapping their phones together.
There remains no clear indication as to when the new handset will be released in the US, though speculation has suggested that it may be available on Verizon by the end of the month.
