Essential Accessories for the LG/Google Nexus 4

The Nexus 4 still remains an elusive object of desire with its perpetual out of stock status. High demand for the Nexus 4 has seen it flying off the shelves as Google struggles to keep up with the demand. Well, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, here are some of the essential accessories that you should deck out your phone with.

External Battery Pack

The Nexus 4 should be able to last a full workday in mixed use, some reviews have highlighted that the decision to go for a non-removable battery may have not been the best design choice as heavy users of the phone would see it drop to critical levels. For such users, it would be handy to keep a portable battery pack alongside. A 5000mA battery (available here) would be able to charge your phone two times fully with some juice left to spare as well. It could be handy for keeping your phone charged for long haul flights or train rides.

Nexus 4 Bumper

The Nexus 4 bumper case is a well designed Nexus 4 case that protects the glass back and adds a silver trim to the edge of the Nexus 4. It achieves this by increasing the height of the front lip and back lip of the bumper case to prevent it from coming into contact with the surface. The raised slip on both sides will hit the ground before the glass and therefore will take the brunt of the impact. The original bumper is one of the best options for protection without adding bulk or covering up the shiny back of the Nexus 4. The Nexus 4 bumper case fits tightly on the phone adding minimal bulk and just 20 grams (about four quarters) of weight.

Wireless Charger

The Google Nexus 4 comes with wireless charging functionality and uses the slightly more universal standard of Qi Charging. As far as design aesthetics are concerned, Google basically took a sphere (similar to the Nexus Q) and sliced it in half. From there Google utilizes some kind of magnetic technology to allow the Nexus 4 to dock to itself at an angle. Not only does this look awesome, it serves a real purpose as well. When docked to the orb, the Nexus 4 will go into its new DayDream mode. This allows your phone to show off photos, display news from Google Currents and other basic information.

Sadly, the Orb is not available currently. Google really need to improve their logistics delivery as this isn’t helping their image. It has been a frustrating all-around launch for Nexus 4 customers with unavailable stock, lack of accessories, delayed shipping etc. Third party wireless Qi chargers are known to work and you get them from AliExpress.com, or from Amazon, such as the Energizer Qi Wireless Chargers or LG Portable Power Mat are also compatible with the Nexus 4.

HDMI Cable

Unlike most other Android phones, like the Galaxy S3 or HTC One X+, the Nexus 4 uses a Slimport HDMI adapter, instead of the more common MHL adapter. Similarly, it connects to the Micro USB port on the Nexus 4, turning it into a HDMI connection to hook up to a HDTV or projector. However, due to differences in technology, if you already have a MHL cable, they are not compatible with the Nexus 4. Bummer. the only advantage I see from switching to Slimport is that it could theoretically accept DVI, VGA or Displayport connections, making it a wee more versatile, but at $30 a cable, it ain’t cheap.

Nilkin Case for Nexus 4

The Nilkin case looks gorgeous, with a textured back, however top and bottom are not fully covered. Shipping from overseas tend to take awhile so do order early to prevent disappointment!