This is a video tour and demonstration of the new Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which is now available to buy on Verizon Wireless in the United States.

What’s the big deal about the Galaxy Nexus? Quite simply, it’s the first phone to come with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) installed. The hardware is also an upgrade from past Android smartphones, at least in some ways.

Personally I would still buy a Samsung Galaxy S2 over the Galaxy Nexus. The hardware is better in some ways, and it will eventually get the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update rolled out to it.

Whichever Android smartphone you choose, the platform is rapidly catching up to iOS. Which means Apple needs to watch its back, and ensure the iPhone 5 is a big step-up from the iPhone 4S.