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The Nexus line — Google’s ideal of a modern Android phone — was originally meant to provide developers with a clean version of the Android mobile operating system and official Google apps, without the extraneous bloatware added by device manufacturers and wireless carriers. But consumers quickly caught on that Nexus devices provided some of the best experiences in the Android world. At its Fall 2015 event, Google announced the latest additions to its flagship smartphone lineup: The LG Nexus 5X and the Huawei Nexus 6P, giving Android fans two new compelling options to choose between for their next phone. But which one is better? Here’s the rundown when it comes to raw specs:
Design and Screen Size
The 6P is the first all-metal phone in the Nexus line. When presenting the new phone on stage at their event, Google executives touted the product’s diamond-cut edges and sculpted back, which they said offer users a unique feel. While Android has seen its fair share of aluminum phones from Samsung and HTC, we’ve never seen one with the weight of the Nexus name behind it.
Huawei will offer its Nexus 6P phone in frost white, aluminum, and graphite. While the 5.7-inch screen is large, Google promises that it has a footprint similar to that of a 5.5-inch one—with the screen taking up almost three-fourths of the face of the device.
The Nexus 5X by LG is a similarly large phone. The 5.2-inch device is smaller than Huawei’s, but packs a punch. While LG’s plastic phone may have less of a premium feel, some may prefer that design, offering potentially easier gripping without a case. Those worried about quality should know, however, that this isn’t the company’s first time designing a Nexus device. 2012’s Nexus 4 brought Android users a glass front and back. For durability’s sake, we’re glad they moved away from that design.
Processor, RAM & Storage
The Nexus 6P has better internal specs than the 5X. But LG’s more affordable Nexus entrant isn’t to be slept on.
The Nexus 5X will bring users a 5.2-inch 1080p screen with 423 pixels per inch (IPS display). LG is making use of the Snapdragon 808 processor here with 2GB of RAM and a 2,700 mAh battery—better than the iPhone 6s’s 1715 mAh battery. 16GB or 32GB models are available.
The Nexus 6P’s 5.7-inch screen has a 1440p display and an eight-core 1.9-GHz Snapdragon 810 processor. A 3,450-mAh battery joins the 3GB of RAM packed inside. The 6P will be available in 32GB, 64GB or 128GB varieties.
Android M
Both the Nexus 5X and 6P will come with Android Marshmallow preinstalled. Marshmallow, the latest version of the Android OS, will bring native support for USB-C, Google Now On Tap, and a new app drawer. One of the most significant inclusions, however, is built-in fingerprint support.
Similar to Apple’s Touch ID, Google’s Nexus Imprint devices will make use of a built-in fingerprint reader to shuttle users past their lock screens quicker than before. Unlike the iPhone, however, Google’s sensors are on the rear of the phone.
Camera
Both devices come with a 12-megapixel camera on the rear (12.3 in the case of the Nexus 5X). And, for quicker shooting, both Marshmallow devices let you double-tap the sleep/wake button to launch straight into the camera. The Nexus 6P offers laser-assisted focus for sharper images.
While the 5X packs a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, Huawei’s 6P brings along an 8MP. If you use your phone as mainly a selfie device, this metric is especially important to you.
Battery Life
Both devices use the USB-C standard to move over power and transfer data—sorry, wireless charging fans. While we don’t have exact numbers related to charging time, Google claims their Nexus devices will support fast charging.
On paper, the Nexus 6P once again bests the 5X. LG’s device includes a built-in 2,700-mAh battery while Huawei’s offers 3,450 mAh. Since the 6P is pushing more pixels with 0.5 inches more of screen, users may see a benefit in having the extra 750 mAh.
Price And Conclusion
There’s one area where the Nexus 5X unquestionably bests the 6P. At $379 for 16GB and 32GB for $429, every version of the 5X costs less than the Nexus 6P. The aluminum 6P starts at $499 for 32GB. The price increases based on capacity from there—$549 for 64GB and $649 for 128GB.
Google is positioning these devices as two of the most important Android phones. With an all-aluminum body on the 6P and rear fingerprint sensors on both phones, we may see other hardware manufacturers take cues from the Nexus line in future updates.
