Galaxy Nexus vs LG Nitro HD: Verizon vs AT&T 4G Smackdown

AT&T is adding another device to its growing LTE network lineup, but the LG Nitro HD will have to hit the turbo chargers to take down the Ice Cream Sandwich powered Galaxy Nexus. While the world waits for Verizon to release the Galaxy Nexus, Dec. 4 will see the launch of the LG Nitro HD, a 4.5-inch screen speed demon. Again, the AT&T LTE network is only available in a few cities, but if you live in one of those places, you can grab some Nitro Sunday and enjoy the Android-y 2.3 goodness. LG is better known for their slew of feature phones, but the T-Mobile G2x is a decent device that's been out in the wild for nearly a year now. If the Nitro HD comes close to that solid piece of hardware, LG will have scored another victory on their way to a seat at the big boys table with Samsung, HTC and Motorola. So without much fanfare, and judging by AT&T's rollout of their other 4G phones, without much publicity, the Nitro goes on sale this weekend.

That huge 4.5-inch screen is an HD display, a full 1280 x 720p resolution number. It's got four gigabytes of storage, expandable to 20 with the inclusion of a 16 gigabyte microSD card. Additionally, it comes equipped with an eight megapixel camera on the rear and front-facing camera for video chat. What it does not have is a curved glass display or Ice Cream Sandwich like the Galaxy Nexus. On the other hand, Galaxy Nexus doesn't even have a release date yet. It's not even known how much it will cost. At least we know the Nitro HD will go for $250 on contract. That's probably close to what the Nexus will come out at. Verizon already has a couple of $300 devices in their lineup, so the Nexus in that range sounds about right. If you're gunning for Ice Cream Sandwich, you'll have to wait to get the update for Nitro, or head over to Verizon for the Galaxy Nexus. If you don't live in one of the cities that AT&T has their LTE network running in, or one of the cities about to get it, then Galaxy Nexus is right for you. Tell us in the comments if you've ever had an LG feature phone or even the G2x.