Mobile Technology

Nexus 6 vs. Nexus 5

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Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Nexus 6 (left) and Nexus 5
Battery
Build
Cameras
Colors
Processor
Dimensions
Display resolution (and pixel density)
Display (size)
Display (type)
Front-facing speakers
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Nexus 6 (left) and Nexus 5
MicroSD card slot
Starting price (full retail)
RAM
Release
Before long, the Nexus 5 will catch up with the Nexus 6 and run Android 5.0 Lollipop
Storage
Weight
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The definition of a Nexus device seems to change every year. Okay, so they do always run the latest version of stock Android, but things like pricing, how they're sold and how high-end their specs are have fluctuated. Let's see what it means to be a Nexus phone in 2014 vs. 2013, as we compare the Motorola Nexus 6 to the LG Nexus 5.

Size

Dimensions

So much for subtlety. The Nexus 6 isn't just a little bigger than the Nexus 5; it squashes last year's model like it's a puny insect. The new model is 16 percent taller, 20 percent wider and 17 percent thicker.

Weight

Weight

No minor difference here either, as the Nexus 6 is 42 percent heavier than the Nexus 5.

Build

Build

While only a few smartphone OEMs go all in on metal (namely Apple and HTC), we've seen a recent trend towards plastic backs with metal edges. The Nexus 6 joins the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Alpha and Moto X in that club.

Colors

Colors

We're looking at "Midnight Blue" and "Cloud White" color options for the new Nexus.

Display (size)

Display (size)

Again, Google apparently had no interest in taking baby steps this year. The Nexus 6's screen is 45 percent bigger than last year's display (measuring area, not misleading diagonals).

Display (resolution)

Display resolution (and pixel density)

When I first heard about Quad HD displays, I didn't think there was any way they could be anything but overkill. But I do notice – and appreciate – the more densely-packed pixels in phones like the LG G3 and Note 4.

... the only caveat here is that, when spread out over 6 inches, Quad HD might not look dramatically sharper than 1080p on a 5-in screen.

Display (type)

Display (type)

The Nexus 6 is the first Google flagship with an AMOLED display since 2011's Galaxy Nexus. AMOLED screens have deeper blacks and, typically, richer colors and higher contrast than IPS screens.

Cameras

Cameras

I didn't think the Nexus 5's camera was terrible, but I certainly wouldn't have called it its killer feature. At least on paper, the Nexus 6 is looking much better in this department.

Dual LED flash

Front-facing speakers

The Nexus 6 also joins the latest iPhones, LG G3 and HTC One (M8) in having a dual LED flash. It can help your flash shots come out more colorful and evenly-lit than flash shots usually look.

Battery

Battery

We splash these battery specs up here, but you can only know the story on battery life after using a device. We can say that battery life sat alongside photo quality as another meh area for last year's Nexus 5.

Storage

Storage

The storage tiers in the new model are double what we saw in the Nexus 5.

MicroSD card

MicroSD card slot

Neither phone supports microSD cards.

Processor

Processor

We haven't yet put the Nexus 6 through the paces, but the Note 4 runs the Snapdragon 805 – and that kitten purrs.

RAM

RAM

We're also looking at an extra GB of RAM in the Nexus 6.

Front-facing speakers

Front-facing speakers

Like the new Moto X, the Nexus 6 has front-facing speakers, which should add to the experience of watching movies or playing games.

Software

Before long, the Nexus 5 will catch up with the Nexus 6 and run Android 5.0 Lollipop

The Nexus 6 will launch with the software formerly known as Android L, now officially known as Android 5.0 "Lollipop." The Nexus 5 might still be on KitKat for a bit longer, but it's going to receive the Lollipop update before long.

Release

Release

What do you know, the new model is launching almost exactly a year after the last model. The Nexus 6 is supposedly going up for pre-order later this month, and will launch a few weeks later.

Starting price (off-contract)

Starting price (full retail)

For the last couple of years, Nexus phones had high-end specs matched with bargain-basement prices. Not this time, as the Nexus 6 is priced the same as flagships like the Galaxy S5, iPhone 6 and HTC One. At least you get some significantly upgraded specs in return, as well as the option to buy subsidized from all of the major US carriers.

... and hey, if you're still upset over the Nexus line dropping its budget pricing, it looks like the Nexus 5 is going to stick around for another year at its same tantalizing US$350 price point.

For more, you can check out Gizmag's initial coverage of the Nexus 6 and Lollipop, and our full review of the Nexus 5.

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4 comments
tapasmonkey
No SD card expansion? ...unforgivable on a premium priced flagship phone
exodous
Nice, front facing speakers. I'm getting sick of turning my phone way up and cupping my hand behind the speaker to hear it. It is really awkward. Why isn't this feature catching on more?
Lauren Gadner
@exudus: Coz the front side of the phone is prime real estate.
Brandon Tuck
I really don't understand Google. The appeal of Nexuses is good specs, vanilla android and competitive pricing. This year, Google have completely let loose with a very niche phone at eye watering prices, which is the complete opposite of what Nexus is about. It seems to me that the Moto X is the nexus phone of this year.