Pros & Cons
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- Sprint Spark LTE support.
- Fast next-generation CPU and GPU.
- Beautiful full HD display.
- Android is better than ever with 4.4.1 "KitKat," and the camera is much improved.
- Solid battery life.
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- Hardware still isn't quite class-leading on all fronts.
Google Nexus 5 (Sprint) Specs
| Battery Life (As Tested) | 12 hours, 17 minutes |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 5.43 by 2.72 by 0.34 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 by 1080 pixels |
| Screen Size | 4.95 |
The Google Nexus 5 is hands down the best unlocked smartphone available, combining high-end specs and a pure Android experience with an unbelievably low price. The Sprint Nexus 5 is still an incredible device that showcases everything that Android has to offer, but at $149.99 with a two-year contract or $449.99 without for the 16GB model, it's not quite the home-run deal it is as an unlocked device.
We've already reviewed the unlocked Nexus 5, so head on over to that review for a full rundown on the design and features. The Sprint version is physically identical so we'll focus on the carrier differences for this review.
Network and Call Quality
The Nexus 5 runs on Sprint's CDMA (850/1900MHz) and LTE (800/1900/2500MHz) networks with support for the company's new tri-band Spark LTE. In my tests in New York City I saw the Nexus 5 achieve up to 19Mbps down and around 2-6Mbps up when connected to LTE. That's a pretty impressive result, especially considering network congestion is starting to drag down Verizon and AT&T LTE speeds in the same location. Sprint's Spark LTE is only available in a few select locations, but where it is, we've seen speeds upwards of 30Mbps.Note: The slideshow below is of the unlocked Nexus 5, which is physically identical to the Sprint Nexus 5.
View All Final Thoughts
Google Nexus 5 (Sprint)
Sprint's Google Nexus 5 remains a blazing-fast, pure Android smartphone with support for the company's budding Spark LTE network, but it's not as good a deal as its unlocked counterpart.