The LG Nexus 5 is one of the most sought after smartphones right now, not only because it features top-tier hardware components, but also because it's a pure Google device. This means that it runs on Android 4.4.2 out of the box, and it also means that the device will be the first to receive future updates, for the next couple of years or so.

Android 4.4.2 is a powerful OS, and paired up with the Nexus 5, it can do some pretty interesting things. This is a list of some of the most interesting tips & tricks that will allow you to better take advantage of your OS and device.

Changing the Default SMS Application:

The Nexus 5 comes with the Hangouts app as the default SMS application, but you can still change it if you so desire. To do so, open the "Settings" menu, go to "Wireless and Networks" > "More", tap "Default SMS app" and select the desired application

Enabling Battery Saving GPS Mode in GPS Location Data Settings:

As most of you know, a smartphone's GPS is one of the most battery-consuming features. That's why most battery saving guides tell you to always keep GPS off while not in use.

The Nexus 5 features a new option in the GPS Location Data Settings, called "Battery Saving GPS Mode". This feature uses only Wi-Fi and the Mobile Network in order to pin-point your location, and it can greatly improve battery if enabled while looking for directions. To turn on battery saving GPS mode, simply go to "Settings" > "Location" > "Mode" and select "Battery Saving"

Enabling ART for Better Performance:

By default, most smartphones come with a Dalvik virtual machine. In Android 4.4, the Dalvik machine can be replaced by the new Android Runtime (or ART), which results in a higher performance in applications. To enable Android Runtime and replace the old Dalvik virtual machine, go to "Settings" > "About Phone" and tap "Build Number" several times, until you gain access to "Developer Options". Then, go back to "Settings", tap "Developer Options" > "Runtime" and select "ART"

NOTE: ART is disabled by default and hidden in the dev options menu mainly because it's still an experimental feature. It may contain bugs and it doesn't support all Android applications

Using the "Process Stats" Developer Option:

Android 4.4 comes with a new feature called "Process Stats", which displays detailed information about all the background processes and applications. To enable this feature, you need to access the "Developer Options" menu, and tap "Process Stats". You can view the information listed, such as which app takes the most phone's memory and more.

Finding a Local Business Using the Dialer Screen:

With Android 4.4, you can use the search bar located at the top of the dialer in order to find a phone number belonging to a restaurant, business or local store.

Thanks to this feature, when you get a call from an unknown number, Google will look it up and display the local business name (if the number belongs to one).

Opening the Quick Settings Menu with More Ease:

The new Android 4.4 UI comes with a notification panel as well as a quick settings menu. When you swipe the notification bar with one finger, you will gain access to the notification area. To get to the quick settings menu, you can swipe with one finger, and then tap the quick settings button.

However, you can easily access the quick settings menu without going through the notification panel, by simply swiping the notification bar down using two fingers

Camera Tips & Tricks:

  • The camera can be easily accessed using the "Quick Camera" button located on the lock screen
  • The Nexus 5's camera works best when HDR (High Dynamic Range) is enabled. This feature works great with still photos, but don't use HDR when trying to photograph objects in motion (HDR combines two separate photos, one captured at low exposure and the other at high exposure, resulting in a color-rich, high-contrast image)



See More: LG Nexus 5 - Android 4.4: Best Advanced Tips & Tricks