fe is full of difficult decisions, as Android fans we’re facing our most difficult decision yet: choosing which Nexus device to buy.
If you think I’m kidding, then you haven’t read our reviews of the Nexus 6/a> or Nexus 5X. These two smartphones are the full package, complete with the latest version of Android Marshmallow powerful hardware to back it up. Their camera abilities are actually pretty decent this time around, too, both phones feature lightning fast fingerprint scanners that rival Apple’s Samsung’s. Not to mention that these are phones, so they’ll be the first to get every major Android software update.
‘ve never had to make this choice before. has always released one new Nexus phone each year, but now, with two on offer, the question naturally arises: which is the best choice for me?
Before you go putting a Nexus device on your credit card, consider the following criteria to help you figure out which Nexus device to adopt in your life.
Big or small?
Do you have big hs? Small pockets? Do you mind if your phone is a bit heavy? These are all things to consider before choosing between the Nexus 6 5X, because both phones cater to slightly different smartphone users.
The Nexus 5X is a light phone with a plastic build. It’s pretty easy to wield or put in your pocket.
The Nexus 5X serves not only as fan service for those that loved the Nexus 5, but for those of you who’d rather wield a smaller, lighter device. It weighs only 136 grams—that’s the same weight as the original 3.5-inch ione—though it’s also made of plastic, which makes it feel a bit cheap. That doesn’t mean it isn’t solidly built, however, in our testing it didn’t twist, bend, or flex. Its smaller size also ensures your thumb can easily reach the power volume buttons, it fits more easily into pants pockets smaller purses.
If you like bigger, premium phones, you can’t go wrong with the Nexus 6though it might not fit in your jacket pocket.
The Nexus 6is a much larger phone, though not as gargantuan unwieldy as last year’s Nexus 6. Its 5.7-inch screen puts it into phablet territory. You should expect that it won’t easily fit into most pants pockets, though its larger size is better for multitasking long-form reading. I can more easily read through an ebook or an article online than I can with the 5X, though one-hed usage is a bit more tricky. There have been too many times I’ve felt like I was going to drop the 6because my fingers couldn’t grip it tightly enough.
men are pretty screwed in the “put your phones in your pocket” department, anyway, but at least the Nexus 5X doesn’t stick out as much.
The “ in its name st for “premium,” which perfectly sums up the 6s sleek fashionable aluminum frame. This is definitely a phone you’ll want to cover up in a case if you’re hoping to avoid scratches on the exterior, however—my 6is already starting to see some wear tear after only two weeks. It’s also fairly heavy at about 178 grams, which makes it heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S6, HTC One M9, Nexus 5X.
How bright do you need your screen?
It’s tough to capture in a photograph, but the 6s display is ever-so-slightly brighter more saturated than the 5X’s.
The Nexus 5X’s screen is a 5.2-inch 1080p D display, while the 6s is a 5.7-inch Quad HD AMOD display—the same AMOD display used in Samsung’s flagship devices this year. Both screens are crisp clear offer fantastic viewing angles, but there is a slight color difference between the two. The 5X’s colors are a bit subdued, while the 6s are more vibrant, with a twinge of over-saturation that’s typical of Samsung AMOD displays. The 6display is also brighter. measured it to be around 150 nits brighter than the 5X, so you’ll be able to read it more easily in bright sunlight.
How much storage do you need?
The Nexus 5X is only available in 16GB or 32GB.
If you want the smaller phone, you’ll have to opt for less storage space, too. The Nexus 5X is only sold in 16GB 32GB variants, while the Nexus 6comes in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB flavors. There’s no expansion slot on either device, which is why the Nexus 5X’s storage limitation is kind of a bummer. The 32GB version of the 5X is $430, which is a reasonable amount of space for the price. To compare, the Moto X re ition is $20 more for 32GB, but includes an expansion slot.
12 megapixels vs. 12 megapixels
On the left is the Nexus 5X on the right is the Nexus 6
Both the Nexus 5X Nexus 6boast 12.3-megapixel rear-facing cameras with 1.55 micron pixels f/2.0 aperture, it’s the same sensor, but there are some software differences between the two, made possible by the different SoCs which power the phones.
Instant GIFs are fun.
The Nexus 6offers a special burst mode that can turn a series of quickly-shot images into a ready-to-share animated GIF. It’s not a “must have” feature, but it’s nice to have hy if you like to have fun with your social media postings. The 6also takes slow motion video at 120fps 240fps, compared to the 5X’s single-speed slow motion option, which only shoots at 120fps.
The only other advantage the 6has over the 5X is that it features always-on electronic image stabilization. It’s not optical image stabilization (OIS), which both devices lack, but it does help cut down on the shakiness when you’re shooting video.
The Nexus 5X is on the left, the Nexus 6is on the right.
The phones have different front-facing camera sensors. The Nexus 5X offers a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, while the Nexus 6offers an 8-megapixel one. If you like higher-resolution selfies, then the 6is a better choice. It’s also better at capturing the white balance in the room. Anyway, none of that is noticeable once you compress an image to post it to Instagram.
ocessing power battery life
The Nexus 6 Nexus 5X run on two of the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The 5X runs in line with G4 Moto X re ition with its Snapdragon 808 processor 2GB of RAM, while the 6is more apt to compete in the top-of-the-line space with its Snapdragon 810 processor 3GB of RAM. Both phones are generally quick snappy, though the 5X did suffer from infrequent interface sluggishness.
The Nexus 6lasts longer than the Nexus 5X, but it also has a bigger battery pack.
In terms of everyday performance, the two devices differ most significantly when it comes to battery life. The 5X features a 2700 mAh battery pack, which is quite beefy for a 5.2-inch device under $400. In our Geekbench battery testing, the phone ran for 5 hours 43 minutes 4 hours 53 minutes, respectively. Real world performance was much better, but when you compare that to the Nexus 6s 3450 mAh battery pack, which outlasted most other flagships in its price range, you might want to consider forking over the extra money for the bigger device. Android 6.0’s Doze mode certainly helps out with both devices, but that only kicks in when either device has been left untouched unmoved for a while.
ich one is right for you?
The Nexus 6is a better deal than most other flagships on the market right now, including the Galaxy S6, which features a bloated, blue-hued version of Android. It costs $100-200 less than most high-end phones with comparable specs, features, build quality. The Nexus 5X, on the other h, has quite a bit competition in the sub-$400 market. It’s not necessarily the best phone in its class, but it will get its Android updates before other phones.
Before you hit the “buy” button in the ay store, consider which phone offers the most features in your favor. For instance, you want a smaller lighter smartphone with a capable camera decent battery life, the Nexus 5X is a great option. There are other comparable phones at its sub-$400 price, but none of them offer a pure Android, bloat-free experience that gets all Android updates right away. But if you’re aching for something a little more premium, with stereo speakers a brighter Quad HD display, the Nexus 6is worth the splurge. Overall, your decision will depend entirely on your own budget preferences, but at least you have two stellar smartphones to choose between.
