I want to chime in here and share my perspective. If there are quality control issues with Nexus devices, I don't really think they can be attributed to Google. Although ultimately it is Google's responsibility to work with their channel partners to get QC issues resolved, we can't forget that Google has worked with several different manufacturers for Nexus devices. If we are talking about hardware issues, then it is the manufacturer's onus to make sure their product is up to a certain standard.
As far as Google selling the devices cheaper, thus potentially using cheaper parts, I don't think that is really the issue either. Google isn't selling the devices at a profit (or at least very much of one). Considering they are basically selling the Nexus devices for about the same cost (or a tiny bit more) as it took to manufacture them, we can't really blame cheap components. If you take a gander at the different parts-pricing teardowns for devices, the Nexus stuff isn't filled with parts that are really cheaper or different than what we see in other manufacturer's Android products (in fact, the stuff in them isn't that much cheaper than Apple products either). The only difference is Google sells their Nexus devices at basically cost.
From analyzing patterns in Nexus issues, it seems to me that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus had the most problems, the first edition Asus-made Nexus 7 had the second most problems, and the LG-made Nexus 4 had the least problems. Shouldn't we be blaming Samsung, Asus and LG for these issues? Also, as folks have suggested previously in this thread, it's hard to nail down if the volume of issues experienced is any more or less than is typical than for any piece of advanced technology. If you held my feet to the fire, I would probably say the Galaxy Nexus had some QC issues that exceeded the nominal threshold, but the other devices were fairly typical.
I will lastly add that I have the new Nexus 5 and am happy with it, and am growing to really love it. I will be sharing a quick review sometime this week.
As far as Google selling the devices cheaper, thus potentially using cheaper parts, I don't think that is really the issue either. Google isn't selling the devices at a profit (or at least very much of one). Considering they are basically selling the Nexus devices for about the same cost (or a tiny bit more) as it took to manufacture them, we can't really blame cheap components. If you take a gander at the different parts-pricing teardowns for devices, the Nexus stuff isn't filled with parts that are really cheaper or different than what we see in other manufacturer's Android products (in fact, the stuff in them isn't that much cheaper than Apple products either). The only difference is Google sells their Nexus devices at basically cost.
From analyzing patterns in Nexus issues, it seems to me that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus had the most problems, the first edition Asus-made Nexus 7 had the second most problems, and the LG-made Nexus 4 had the least problems. Shouldn't we be blaming Samsung, Asus and LG for these issues? Also, as folks have suggested previously in this thread, it's hard to nail down if the volume of issues experienced is any more or less than is typical than for any piece of advanced technology. If you held my feet to the fire, I would probably say the Galaxy Nexus had some QC issues that exceeded the nominal threshold, but the other devices were fairly typical.
I will lastly add that I have the new Nexus 5 and am happy with it, and am growing to really love it. I will be sharing a quick review sometime this week.
