Google Nexus S

The basics

The Google Nexus S is the second Google-branded smartphone, following on from the Google Nexus. You'll find Android 2.3 in place, an incredibly thin design, and an absolutely stunning Super AMOLED screen.

The good

The Super AMOLED screen is the party piece here. It measures in at 4 inches, which is perfect for watching films on the go. It's also great for reading your favourite websites, with text that's big enough for comfortable use.

The design of the Google Nexus S is also a plus point, with the phone measuring just over 10mm at its thickest point. It features a lip at the bottom of the handset, so the rest of the Google Nexus S actually measures in at under 10mm, helping to disguise the fact this is actually one of the bigger phones on the market.

Unlike other Android smartphones – which often feature manufacturer skins and custom interfaces, the Google Nexus S is pleasingly free from clutter. It's fast, easy to use, and a lot more power efficient. Google has even upgraded the onscreen keyboard, making it easier to use and more accurate when it comes to text correction.

The bad

At 5-megapixels, there's nothing to write home about when it comes to the camera on the Google Nexus S. Quality is distinctly average, with images lacking clarity, and colours are also lacking in vibrancy. It's worth looking elsewhere if you want a decent camera phone.

The bottom line

Camera aside, there's very little wrong with the Google Nexus S. It's big screen is perfect for media use, the thin dimensions help to make it feel smaller than it actually is, and it's packed with features. Overall, the Google Nexus S is a very impressive smartphone, and should sit at the top of your list alongside the Apple iPhone 4.