A Phone with a 1280×720 resolution screen and Android 4.0? Could Apple be in trouble?

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Unveiled [Update]

This morning, Google finally launched the much anticipated Galaxy Nexus smartphone which runs Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich.

The initial launch had been delayed due to the death of Steve Jobs earlier this month, but in Hong Kong this morning, the Samsung-built phone was finally unveiled, along with the new version of Google’s OS, which aims to unify the smartphone and tablet strands of the software.

As we predicted a couple of weeks ago, the Galaxy Nexus has a 4.65in high-definition sAMOLED Contour Display with a 1280 x 720 resolution, which is a first for a phone.

It has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor which, combined with a sizeable 1GB of RAM, should ensure the Galaxy Nexus is searingly fast. The device is thinner than the Nexus S, at just under 9mm thick but weighs a little more, at 135g.

Like the recently launched iPhone 4S, the camera on the Galaxy Nexus is one of its standout features. Although it only has a five megapixel sensor, it is capable of shooting 1080p video.

It has no shutter lag according to Samsung, includes autofocus, takes decent low-light photos as well as time-lapse video. It also has some very impressive shooting modes including panorama and live effects akin to the photo booth app we’ve seen for years on Macs.

The rear camera is complemented by a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and as well as facilitating video calling, this snapper will be used to unlock the phone via facial recognition – so no more need to remember your pin.

The phone will be running a pure version of Android 4.0 meaning there will be no Samsung ‘skin’ on top and will allow you to see exactly what Google has done with the new version of the OS.

The phone will come in 16GB and 32GB versions, the latter option being a first for Android devices.

The phone will launch in the UK and elsewhere in November with Three the first network to confirm that it will be carrying the Google device.

Is the Galaxy Nexus the iPhone killer Android fans have been waiting for? Let us know in the comments.

Update: As we said, Three will be bringing the Galaxy Nexus to the UK, but it has been joined by O2 and Vodafone though none have indicated what the handset will cost when it does arrive.

However, independent phone vendor, Phones4U, has detailed some prices offering the phone for ‘free’ on a £46-a-month two year contract or for £30 on a £41-a-month deal, again over two years.